Why Are Airbnb Cleaning Fees So High? Here’s My Honest Take
If you’ve ever booked an Airbnb, chances are you’ve been hit with the dreaded cleaning fee. You know the one—it appears after you’ve found what seems like an affordable place to stay, and suddenly, the final total feels like a punch in the gut. Why are Airbnb cleaning fees so high? I know the feeling—I’ve been there myself. It can be incredibly frustrating when the total price suddenly feels a lot more expensive than expected.
I’ve spent my fair share of time in Airbnbs, from budget-friendly spots to high-end stays. After dealing with steep cleaning fees on more than one occasion, I decided it was time to dig deeper. Why is the cleaning fee so high on Airbnb? Are we being overcharged, or is there more to the story? In this article, I’ll share my findings, compare it to hotel cleaning costs, and offer tips on how you can avoid high Airbnb cleaning fees. If this has been bugging you too, trust me, you’re not alone—let’s break it down.
The Reality of Airbnb Cleaning Fees
I remember booking a charming little cottage in the Lake District for £75 a night. It was supposed to be the perfect weekend getaway—until I saw the cleaning fee: £90. Yes, you read that right. The cleaning fee was more than the cost of the night itself. At first, I was stunned. How could that be?
I decided to dig into this mystery. Why are cleaning fees so high on Airbnb? Unlike hotels, where the cleaning cost is usually included in the nightly rate, Airbnb operates differently. Hosts separate it as an additional charge. This fee is meant to cover the costs of cleaning the property, restocking essentials, and getting the space ready for the next guest.
It sounds reasonable, right? But why is the cleaning fee so high on Airbnb compared to hotel rates?
It turns out, cleaning fees on Airbnb can vary wildly depending on the property, the host, and how services are managed. Some fees are easy to understand, but others can leave you scratching your head in confusion.
Key takeaway:
Cleaning fees are separate because Airbnb operates differently from hotels. Hosts use this fee to cover preparation costs for the next guest.
Read more about Airbnb’s Cleaning Guidelines
What You’re Actually Paying For
At first, I assumed cleaning fees were just for a quick sweep and tidy-up. Boy, was I wrong. Over time, I realised that the fee covers far more than I’d ever imagined. Here’s what your cleaning fee is actually going towards:
- Deep Cleaning: Necessary after long-term stays or messy guests. For instance, after a week-long booking, there’s a lot of work to refresh the property.
- Laundry Services: Washing bedding, towels, and sometimes even curtains.
- Restocking Supplies: From toilet paper to shampoo and even coffee.
- Professional Cleaning Services: Many hosts hire cleaning agencies, which can charge premium rates depending on the location and size of the property.
I had a friend who stayed at a beautiful beachfront property in Cornwall. They were charged a hefty £120 cleaning fee. Initially, my friend thought it was outrageous, until the host explained that the fee also covered pool cleaning, outdoor furniture maintenance, and washing the patio.
Key takeaway:
Why are cleaning fees so high on Airbnb? They cover much more than basic tidying, often including deep cleaning, laundry, restocking, and sometimes even outdoor maintenance.
Are Cleaning Fees on Airbnb Higher Than Hotels?
Let’s face it, when we book an Airbnb, the cleaning fee often feels like a gut punch. But why is Airbnb’s cleaning fee so high compared to hotels? I stayed in a loft in Manchester once with a £70 cleaning fee. It wasn’t a luxurious space, and when I compared it to my previous hotel stay—where cleaning was included in the price—I couldn’t help but feel frustrated.
Here’s the key difference:
- Hotels: Professional staff clean multiple rooms daily, spreading the cost across all guests. Cleaning is typically included in your booking.
- Airbnb: Many hosts rely on private cleaners or agencies, which charge per job. This often means that cleaning costs are higher and less predictable.
Key takeaway:
Hotels bundle cleaning costs into the nightly rate, while Airbnb’s transparency can make cleaning fees feel steeper, even if they’re fair.
Why Cleaning Fees Feel So High for Short Airbnb Stays
Ever booked a one-night stay and found that the cleaning fee was more than half the price of your stay? I’ve been there—and it just doesn’t make sense. A £50 cleaning fee on a £70 stay?
Here’s why it often feels like you’re paying more than you should:
- Fixed Costs: Most cleaning fees don’t adjust based on the length of stay. Whether it’s a one-night booking or a week-long visit, the cost often remains the same.
- Professional Cleaners: Many hosts hire agencies that charge flat rates.
- Regional Costs: In cities like London or Edinburgh, cleaning services tend to cost more.
- Inexperienced Hosts: Some hosts don’t understand guest expectations and charge more than they should.
Key takeaway:
Cleaning fees on Airbnb don’t scale based on length of stay, making them feel unreasonable for short stays.
Learn How Airbnb Hosts Can Set Cleaning Fees
How to Avoid High Cleaning Fees on Airbnb
Over the years, I’ve picked up a few tips on how to avoid or reduce cleaning fees on Airbnb:
- Filter Listings: Use Airbnb’s filters to search for properties with low or no cleaning fees.
- Book Longer Stays: Spread the cleaning fee over multiple nights to make it more affordable.
- Ask the Host: Politely message the host to see if they can adjust the fee for short stays.
- Compare the Total Price: Always check the final total, including the cleaning fee.
I once booked a listing in Brighton with no cleaning fee. The catch? I had to tidy up and strip the beds before leaving. Honestly, it was a small price to pay for the savings.
Key takeaway:
With strategic booking and communication, you can avoid or reduce high cleaning fees on Airbnb.
Why Cleaning Fees Matter to Airbnb Hosts
As a guest, it’s easy to grumble about cleaning fees. But let’s not forget that they’re important for hosts too. These fees help hosts:
- Cover actual cleaning costs.
- Maintain high cleanliness standards for good reviews.
- Stay competitive in the local market.
I spoke to a host in the Cotswolds who explained how they set their cleaning fee. They take into account local rates, property size, and what nearby listings charge. Their goal? To balance fair pricing while maintaining high standards.
Key takeaway:
Cleaning fees are essential for Airbnb hosts to keep properties guest-ready and competitive.
Learn How Hosts Calculate Airbnb Cleaning Fees
Final Thoughts: Making Sense of Airbnb Cleaning Fees
So, why are Airbnb cleaning fees so high? The answer lies in Airbnb’s operational model. Yes, the fees can feel steep—especially for short stays—but they’re often necessary to ensure the property is ready for the next guest.
For guests:
- Use filters to find listings with lower fees.
- Book longer stays to spread the cost.
- Be proactive and reach out to hosts if the fee feels unreasonable.
For hosts:
- Set your cleaning fee competitively.
- Be transparent about what the fee covers.
By staying informed and being strategic, you can navigate cleaning fees with confidence.