Cleanliness is the single biggest factor in Airbnb guest reviews — and in Malta’s competitive short-let market, it’s the difference between a fully booked calendar and a listing that struggles. Yet most hosts approach turnover cleaning reactively: hire whoever answers the phone, hope for the best, and deal with complaints when they come.

This guide takes the opposite approach. It covers how to build a reliable short-let cleaning system in Malta — from room-by-room checklists your cleaner should follow, to handling same-day turnovers in peak season, to the Malta-specific challenges that generic guides completely miss.

Table of Contents

• Why Cleaning Is the #1 Factor in Your Airbnb Success
• Cleaning Challenges Unique to Malta Short-Lets
• 3 Ways to Handle Short-Let Cleaning (And Which Fits You)
• Room-by-Room Turnover Checklist for Malta Hosts
• How to Handle Same-Day Turnovers in Peak Season
• How Much Does Short-Let Cleaning Cost in Malta?
• The 10-Minute Inspection That Prevents Bad Reviews
• How to Find and Keep Great Cleaners in Malta
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why Cleaning Is the #1 Factor in Your Airbnb Success

Airbnb’s rating system gives guests five categories to score: cleanliness, accuracy, check-in, communication, and location. Of these, cleanliness has the most direct impact on your overall rating — and the most damaging consequences when it falls short.

A single hair in the shower drain, a smudged mirror, or a kitchen counter with yesterday’s crumbs can drop a stay from 5 stars to 4. On Airbnb’s search algorithm, that matters: listings with consistent 4.8+ ratings get significantly more visibility than those hovering at 4.5. Over a single season, a few preventable cleaning complaints can cost you thousands in lost bookings.

For Malta hosts specifically, the competition is fierce. The island has seen a surge in short-let properties over recent years, with thousands of listings competing for the same tourist traffic during peak months. Your cleaning standard isn’t just about guest satisfaction — it’s your competitive edge against the listing down the street.

The good news: once you build a reliable cleaning system, it runs on autopilot and protects your ratings booking after booking.

Cleaning Challenges Unique to Malta Short-Lets

Generic Airbnb cleaning guides are written for markets like London or New York. Malta’s climate, water quality, and building stock create specific challenges that your cleaning routine needs to account for:

Limestone Dust and Saharan Sand

Malta’s air carries fine limestone particles year-round, with Saharan dust storms (especially during scirocco season in spring and autumn) depositing a visible layer on every surface. Windowsills, balcony furniture, and exterior doors need wiping between every single guest — not monthly. A property that was spotless on Friday can have a visible dust film by Sunday morning.

Hard Water Stains

Malta has some of the hardest tap water in Europe. Bathroom glass, shower screens, taps, and kitchen sinks develop white mineral deposits within days. If your cleaner doesn’t address these each turnover, they calcify into permanent marks that are expensive to remove later. A vinegar-based solution or dedicated limescale remover should be part of every turnover kit — not an occasional deep-clean extra.

Humid, Closed-Up Apartments

Between bookings, especially in summer, a closed apartment in Malta gets stuffy and stale within hours. Moisture builds up in bathrooms, and a musty smell greets the next guest if nobody has ventilated. Opening windows for 15–20 minutes should be a non-negotiable step in every turnover — then closing up and setting the AC before the guest arrives.

Salt Spray on Coastal Properties

If your property is in Sliema, St Julian’s, Valletta waterfront, Buġibba, or anywhere near the coast, salt deposits build up on windows and balcony glass fast. Coastal properties need window cleaning attention at every turnover, not just when it’s visibly bad. Left unchecked, salt residue etches glass and corrodes metal fixtures.

Peak Season Pressure

June through September brings back-to-back bookings with same-day changeovers. Guests check out at 10:00, the next arrives at 15:00. That 5-hour window leaves zero room for a cleaner who’s late or unavailable — and this is exactly when Malta’s cleaning workforce is most stretched thin.

AC Filters and Maintenance

Guests run air conditioning heavily during Malta’s hot months. If AC filters aren’t cleaned regularly (at minimum monthly during summer), the unit blows dust and develops a musty smell that permeates the entire flat. This is a common complaint in Malta Airbnb reviews that most hosts overlook until they see it in a 3-star rating.

3 Ways to Handle Short-Let Cleaning (And Which Fits You)

There’s no single right answer — the best approach depends on how many properties you manage and how hands-on you want to be.

1. On-Demand App Booking

Platforms like Rozie work like a taxi app for cleaning — you book a verified cleaner in a few taps, see pricing upfront, and communicate through the app. This is the fastest option with the least admin overhead.

Best for: Hosts managing 1–5 properties who want flexibility without contracts. Particularly valuable during peak season when your regular cleaner is fully booked — you can grab a verified backup in minutes instead of scrambling through WhatsApp contacts.

What Rozie offers short-let hosts:

• Book a verified cleaner in under 2 minutes via a simple 4-step process
• Add extras per booking: deep cleaning, window cleaning, oven, fridge, balcony, terrace, kitchen cabinets
• See the price before confirming — no quote requests, no negotiation
• 7-day payment protection for both host and cleaner
• In-app chat for special instructions (where supplies are, door codes, areas that need extra attention)
• Browse real ratings and reviews for every cleaner on the platform
• Support 7 days a week

Keep in mind: Rozie is a cleaning marketplace, not a property management platform. It doesn’t integrate with PMS tools like Guesty or Hostaway, doesn’t handle linen logistics, and doesn’t provide photo inspection reports. For the actual booking and execution of cleaning, it’s the most frictionless option in Malta — but if you need a fully managed turnover operation with automated scheduling, you’ll want to pair it with a dedicated management service or handle scheduling yourself.

2. Dedicated Short-Let Cleaning Company

Companies that specialize in Airbnb and short-let turnovers offer a managed service: automated scheduling (often synced with your property management system), linen supply and laundering, photo inspections after each clean, and VAT invoicing. You hand over the entire turnover operation.

Best for: Property managers running 5+ listings who want everything handled — cleaning, linens, quality control, and paperwork — by a single provider. The cost per clean is higher, but you’re buying an operation, not just a cleaner.

Trade-off: Less flexibility. You’re typically on a contract with custom pricing, and if quality drops, switching providers is slower than on an app where you simply book someone else next time.

3. Independent Cleaner (Word of Mouth)

Many Malta hosts find independent cleaners through local expat groups, Facebook communities, or personal referrals. This can be the cheapest option and works well when you find the right person.

Best for: Hosts with 1–2 properties who’ve found a trustworthy cleaner and have a stable booking schedule.

Risk: No platform-level accountability. No verified reviews. No payment protection. And crucially — no backup when they’re sick, on holiday, or simply unavailable during peak season. One cancellation on turnover day can cost you a guest review.

Which Approach Should You Use?

The hybrid approach smart hosts use: Have a primary cleaning solution (whether a dedicated company or a trusted independent) and keep Rozie as your on-demand backup for last-minute bookings, peak season overflow, or when your regular option falls through. This way, you’re never scrambling on turnover day.

Room-by-Room Turnover Checklist for Malta Hosts

Document this once, share it with every cleaner, and update it as you learn what your guests notice most. The key is that every cleaner — whether your regular or a last-minute booking — follows the same standard.

Kitchen

• Wipe all countertops and backsplash with disinfectant
• Clean inside microwave, oven, and fridge — check for any leftover food
• Wash all dishes or run and empty the dishwasher
• Clean sink and taps — remove hard water deposits (critical in Malta)
• Empty bins and replace liners
• Wipe cabinet fronts and handles
• Check coffee machine and kettle — descale if needed, restock pods or tea bags
• Restock: dish soap, sponge, paper towels, bin bags
• Sweep and mop floor

Bathroom(s)

• Scrub toilet inside and out, including base and behind
• Clean shower and tub — remove soap scum and limescale (use a dedicated limescale remover, not just all-purpose spray)
• Wipe shower glass until streak-free — check from the guest’s eye level, not yours
• Clean mirror — no streaks under natural light
• Clean sink and taps — remove mineral buildup
• Wipe all surfaces, shelves, and towel racks
• Replace towels: bath towel, hand towel, and bath mat per guest
• Restock: toilet paper (minimum 2 rolls), hand soap, shampoo, conditioner
• Check drain for hair — clear if needed
• Mop floor, paying attention to corners and behind the toilet
• Ventilate — leave window open or run extractor fan for at least 15 minutes

Bedroom(s)

• Strip all bedding — sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers
• Check mattress and pillows for stains — replace protectors if needed
• Make bed with fresh linens
• Dust all surfaces: nightstands, headboard, lamps, and window ledges (dust accumulates fast in Malta)
• Empty wardrobe and check drawers for forgotten items
• Provide fresh hangers
• Vacuum or mop floor, including under the bed
• Check AC filters — clean monthly during summer season

Living Area

• Dust all surfaces, shelves, and electronics (TV screen, remote, Wi-Fi router)
• Wipe light switches, door handles, and plug sockets
• Vacuum sofa and cushions — check between cushions for crumbs and lost items
• Clean coffee table and dining table
• Vacuum or mop floor
• Arrange furniture back to your standard layout
• Reset TV to home screen, confirm Wi-Fi router is working

Balcony / Terrace

• Wipe table and chairs — salt and dust accumulate quickly, especially on coastal properties in Sliema, St Julian’s, and Buġibba
• Sweep floor
• Clean balcony glass or railing
• Remove cigarette butts or debris
• Check outdoor lighting

Entrance and Final Walkthrough

• Clean front door — inside and outside handle
• Sweep or mop entrance area
• Check all lights throughout the property
• Test AC or heating — set to a comfortable temperature
• Open windows for 15–20 minutes to ventilate, then close and set AC before guest arrives
• Remove any forgotten guest items — store separately and notify previous guest
• Place welcome note or guidebook
• Final walk-through from front door to balcony, then lock up

Pro tip: Save this checklist as a shared document your cleaner can access on their phone. When you book through Rozie, you can share your specific instructions via the in-app chat so every cleaner — even a first-time backup — knows exactly what you expect before they arrive.

How to Handle Same-Day Turnovers in Peak Season

Same-day changeovers are the reality of summer hosting in Malta. Here’s a timeline that works for a standard 1–2 bedroom apartment with a 10:00 checkout and 15:00 check-in:

Book your cleaner before the guest checks out. Don’t wait until checkout morning. Schedule 24–48 hours in advance so your cleaner is confirmed. On Rozie, you can book a specific date and time slot when placing your booking.

Build in a buffer for late checkouts. Guests often leave late. If checkout is 10:00, tell your cleaner to arrive at 10:30. This avoids the awkward overlap and reduces the chance of your cleaner standing idle outside the door.

Always have a backup plan. If your cleaner cancels on turnover day, you need to find someone within the hour. This is where having an on-demand app option is invaluable — you can book another verified cleaner quickly instead of calling through your entire contact list.

Consider pushing check-in to 16:00 during peak season. That extra hour of buffer can save you when things run behind. Most guests don’t mind a later check-in if you communicate it clearly at booking time.

How Much Does Short-Let Cleaning Cost in Malta?

Pricing depends on property size, condition, and which extras you need. Here are realistic benchmarks for the Malta market in 2026:

Common extras that add to the base cost: deep cleaning, oven interior, fridge interior, interior window cleaning, balcony or terrace scrub, and kitchen cabinet interiors. On Rozie, these are selectable add-ons — the total cost adjusts in the app before you confirm, so there’s no guessing or negotiation.

Should you pass cleaning costs to guests? Most Malta Airbnb hosts include a cleaning fee in their listing — typically €30 to €60 depending on property size. This covers your turnover cost and keeps your nightly rates competitive. Just make sure the fee reflects the actual cleaning cost. Overcharging on cleaning fees is one of the most common guest complaints in reviews and can hurt your listing’s conversion rate.

The 10-Minute Inspection That Prevents Bad Reviews

Never assume the cleaning is perfect just because your cleaner is reliable. A quick walk-through after every turnover takes 10 minutes and catches the small things that guests notice immediately — before they do.

Walk through in this order:

1. Front door and entrance. This is the guest’s first impression. Is the door clean? Hallway swept? Any scuff marks on the walls?

2. Kitchen. Open the fridge — empty and clean? Check inside the microwave. Run your finger across the countertop. Look at the sink and taps for water spots or lime buildup.

3. Bathroom(s). This is where the majority of cleanliness complaints originate. Check the toilet (lift the seat). Look at the shower glass for water marks. Check the mirror for streaks. Count the towels — is the right number there? Is the drain hair-free?

4. Bedroom(s). Sit on the bed and look around from the guest’s eye level. Check under the bed. Open the wardrobe — are hangers there? Is the bedding smooth and wrinkle-free?

5. Living area and balcony. Wipe a finger across the TV screen and coffee table. Check that sofa cushions are properly arranged. Step onto the balcony — is the furniture wiped clean of dust and salt?

6. Final details. All lights working? AC set to a comfortable temperature? Wi-Fi router on? Welcome note or guidebook in place?

Pro tip: Take a quick photo of each room after your inspection passes. This creates a timestamped record of property condition at check-in — it protects you if a guest makes a damage claim or disputes cleanliness after their stay.

How to Find and Keep Great Cleaners in Malta

Finding a good cleaner in Malta isn’t the hard part. Keeping them — especially during peak season when every host on the island wants them at the same time — is where most hosts fail.

Where to Find Cleaners

Rozie app — browse verified cleaners with real ratings and reviews, book in minutes, and see pricing upfront. This is the fastest way to find a new cleaner or secure a reliable backup for emergencies.

Local expat Facebook groups — useful for finding independent cleaners through personal recommendations. The trade-off is no verification, no standardized reviews, and no payment protection if something goes wrong.

Word of mouth from other hosts — often the most reliable personal recommendations. The limitation is that recommended cleaners are usually already fully booked during peak season, when you need them most.

How to Keep Your Best Cleaners

Pay fairly and on time. Malta’s cleaning rates have risen as demand from the short-let market has increased. Underpaying means your cleaner will prioritize other clients during peak season — exactly when you need them most.

Be clear and specific. Don’t say “clean the kitchen.” Say “wipe all countertops with disinfectant, clean inside the microwave, empty the fridge, descale the kettle.” A detailed checklist eliminates misunderstandings and sets your cleaner up to succeed — which is good for both of you.

Give constructive feedback promptly. If something is missed, communicate it clearly and specifically — not as criticism, but as an update to the routine. Most cleaners want to do good work; they just need to know your particular standards.

Book consistently and early. Cleaners prioritize hosts who book reliably. If you’re always booking 2 hours before you need them, you’re the client who gets dropped when someone more organized offers consistent scheduled work.

Tip when they go above and beyond. A small bonus after a particularly tight turnover or a gruelling peak-season stretch goes a long way toward building loyalty — especially with independent cleaners who have the freedom to choose which clients they serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I deep clean my short-let property beyond regular turnovers?

In Malta’s climate, schedule a full deep clean every 15–20 guest stays or at least once every two months during peak season. This should cover AC filter cleaning, behind and underneath all furniture, oven and fridge interior, thorough limescale removal from all bathroom fixtures, and a balcony or terrace wash. On Rozie, deep cleaning and specific appliance cleaning can be added as extras to any booking.

What cleaning supplies should I keep stocked at the property?

At minimum: all-purpose disinfectant spray, a dedicated limescale or hard water remover (essential in Malta — generic cleaners won’t cut it), glass cleaner, toilet cleaner, floor cleaner, microfibre cloths, sponges, a mop and bucket, vacuum cleaner, bin bags, rubber gloves, and spare light bulbs. Keep a “turnover kit” fully stocked so your cleaner can start immediately upon arrival without any delays.

Should my cleaner bring their own supplies or use mine?

Both approaches work. Many cleaners on marketplace platforms bring basic supplies, but experienced hosts keep a full set at the property for consistency. If you use multiple cleaners (or rotate backups during peak season), property-based supplies guarantee the same products and standards regardless of who’s doing the work.

How do I handle a guest complaint about cleanliness?

Respond quickly, apologize sincerely, and offer to send a cleaner back immediately if possible. Ask the guest for photos to document the specific issue. Then update your checklist to cover that problem area and communicate the update to your cleaner. One honest, responsive reply to a cleanliness complaint can actually improve your overall impression — guests appreciate hosts who take action rather than making excuses.

Can I book the same cleaner every time on Rozie?

Yes. Once you find a cleaner you trust on Rozie, you can book them specifically for future jobs. The app shows each cleaner’s availability, ratings, and reviews. During peak season, book a few days in advance to secure your preferred cleaner before their schedule fills up.

What’s the biggest mistake Malta short-let hosts make with cleaning?

Relying on a single person with no backup plan. It works perfectly until they’re sick, on holiday, or overbooked — and that always seems to happen at the worst possible time. Having access to an on-demand platform alongside your regular cleaner means you’re never one cancellation away from a guest arriving to a dirty property.

Start Building Your Cleaning System Today

A reliable turnover process protects your ratings, your revenue, and your sanity as a host. Start with the checklist above, find verified cleaners you can count on, and always have a backup plan ready for peak season.

Rozie makes the cleaner-finding part simple — book a verified professional in a few taps, see pricing upfront, and add extras like deep cleaning or window work to any booking. Download on the App Store or Google Play.

Recommended

• Top 8 Window Cleaning Malta Services in 2026 for Busy Professionals Seeking Reliable Solutions | Rozie – Malta’s Best Cleaning Services
• Hire Cleaner in Malta: Securing Reliable Services | Rozie – Malta’s Best Cleaning Services
• How to Choose Cleaning Services: Find the Right Fit | Rozie – Malta’s Best Cleaning Services
• Top 7 Cleaners in Malta for 2026: Best Options Reviewed | Rozie – Malta’s Best Cleaning Services