Lodgify
Property Management

What Is a Cleaning Crew?

Updated 2026-05-28

In the vacation rental industry, a cleaning crew refers to a team of individuals tasked with cleaning and preparing a property after a guest checks out and before the next one checks in. This team can be employed directly by a property manager (in-house) or contracted through a third-party cleaning company.

Their responsibilities go beyond standard housekeeping to include sanitization, restocking supplies, and sometimes reporting damages, all essential for maintaining high hospitality standards.

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How it works

A host or property manager coordinates with their cleaning crew based on the booking calendar's check-out and check-in times. Upon a guest's departure, the crew is dispatched to the property, often notified automatically through property management software.

They work from a detailed cleaning checklist to ensure every task is completed consistently, from changing linens and sanitizing bathrooms to restocking amenities like coffee and soap. The crew also serves as the host's eyes on the ground, reporting any maintenance issues or property damage found during their service.

Why it matters

A professional cleaning crew is fundamental to a vacation rental's success, as cleanliness is a primary driver of positive guest reviews and repeat bookings. Using a dedicated crew ensures a consistent level of quality that a single person may struggle to maintain, especially for larger properties or back-to-back bookings.

This operational asset allows hosts to automate a time-consuming task, manage turnovers more efficiently, and protect the long-term value and reputation of their property.

Examples

  • A manager of three beachfront condos employs a two-person cleaning crew to handle all turnovers, ensuring each unit is cleaned and restocked to the same high standard within a four-hour window.
  • After a guest checks out, a property's smart lock system automatically notifies the cleaning crew that the unit is vacant and ready for service.
  • An owner of a large mountain lodge relies on a specialized cleaning crew to manage the extensive laundry, deep clean multiple bathrooms, and prepare the hot tub between same-day bookings.
  • Following a post-stay inspection, the cleaning crew reports a broken coffee maker and a stained rug to the property manager through their shared app, allowing for quick replacement before the next guest arrives.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a cleaning crew and a cleaning company?+
A cleaning company is the business entity that employs cleaners and manages contracts, while a cleaning crew is the specific team of individuals who physically clean the properties. A host typically hires a cleaning company, which then assigns a crew to the job.
How do I find a reliable cleaning crew for my vacation rental?+
You can find dependable crews by asking for referrals from other local hosts, checking specialized platforms like Turno, or searching for local businesses that focus on STR turnovers. Always vet potential crews by checking references and conducting a paid trial cleaning.
Should I hire an in-house crew or outsource?+
Outsourcing to a professional cleaning company is often more efficient for hosts with one or a few properties, as it avoids the complexities of employment and payroll. Large-scale property managers may hire an in-house crew to gain more control over scheduling and standards, though this increases administrative overhead.
How can I best manage my cleaning crew's schedule and tasks?+
Using software with task management features is the most effective method. Platforms like Lodgify can connect to your calendar to automatically assign cleaning jobs to your crew after each check-out, providing them with access codes and digital checklists to ensure nothing is missed.
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A one-time charge added to a guest's reservation total to cover the cost of cleaning the property after their stay.

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