London guests are demanding. Whether it's a Shoreditch loft or a Notting Hill townhouse, the standard they expect is closer to a boutique hotel than a casual clean. This checklist is designed for short-term rentals, not standard domestic cleaning.

Before you start: preparation

Check your booking notes: number of guests, late check-out, special requests.
Make sure you have fresh linen, towels and consumables ready.
Take quick "before" photos if there is any pre-existing damage.

Kitchen

Empty all bins and replace bags.
Wash up or load and run the dishwasher; empty and put away dishes.
Wipe all worktops, hob and splashbacks.
Clean sink and taps, remove limescale where visible.
Check fridge and microwave, remove food and wipe inside surfaces.

Bathrooms

Scrub toilet, sink, shower and/or bath. Remove hair and soap marks.
Polish taps, glass and mirrors for a streak-free finish.
Replace towels neatly; fold or hang consistently.
Restock toilet paper and basic toiletries if you provide them.

Bedrooms & living areas

Strip beds and make with fresh linen; align pillows and throws neatly.
Dust all surfaces, including bedside tables, skirting boards and window sills.
Vacuum carpets and rugs; mop hard floors.
Check under beds and sofas for rubbish or belongings.

Final guest-ready checks

Open or close curtains/blinds to match your listing photos.
Set a comfortable room temperature where possible.
Turn on a couple of warm lights for evening check-ins.
Take clear "after" photos of each room for your records.

HostMate bakes this logic into every clean and sends you photo proof after each visit. If you're tired of sending checklists and reminders to cleaners manually, you can try booking your next clean through HostMate.