Touch-up Clean

A touch-up clean is a light refresh carried out between guest stays to keep a short‑term rental safe, hygienic and in good repair. It focuses on quick resets that help hosts meet obligations under the NSW Short‑term Rental Accommodation Code of Conduct and manage health risks in line with Safe Work Australia guidance.

Targeted tasks such as removing waste, changing linen and wiping high‑touch surfaces support platform compliance as well. Airbnb enforces cleanliness standards and may downrank, restrict or remove listings following repeated cleanliness complaints or low ratings.

Definition and purpose

A touch-up clean is designed to turn a property around efficiently between departures and arrivals while maintaining baseline cleanliness and safety. By prioritising high‑touch areas and visible hygiene, it complements periodic deep cleans and routine maintenance to keep the property guest‑ready and compliant.

This light service aligns with Safe Work Australia’s advice to clean frequently touched surfaces and shared amenities, and with the NSW STRA requirement that premises be clean and fit for purpose. Maintaining standards between stays also protects listing performance on platforms that penalise repeated cleanliness issues.

Inclusions and exclusions

Typical inclusions are a wipe and disinfect of high‑touch surfaces, a sanitise of bathrooms, a light vacuum or mop through traffic areas, emptying of bins, replacement of linens and towels, and restocking of basic consumables. These tasks deliver a quick reset that addresses the areas guests notice most while managing hygiene risks.

Exclusions generally cover deep or specialist work such as oven and fridge interiors, carpet steam‑cleaning, grout or mould remediation, upholstery or window washing, exterior areas and any biohazard or sharps removal, which require scheduled deep cleans or licensed services under WHS rules. The NSW STRA Code also expects appropriate waste arrangements, so a touch‑up should remove guest rubbish, place bins per council schedules and leave clear instructions to avoid nuisance or non‑compliance.

Scheduling and use cases

With the NSW STRA Code requiring clean premises and fresh linen for each booking, a brief reset between departures and arrivals is essential, especially on back‑to‑back days. Domestic trips averaged about 3.6 nights in 2024, meaning frequent turnovers and tight same‑day check‑in windows where a touch‑up clean keeps operations on schedule.

For longer bookings, a mid‑stay touch‑up mirrors the serviced apartment model of weekly housekeeping for stays of seven to eight nights or more. A simple linen refresh, bin service and surface clean maintains comfort and hygiene without the scope or disruption of a full deep clean.

Duration and cost ranges

For a one to two‑bedroom short‑term rental, a touch‑up clean typically takes 45 to 90 minutes, extending towards 90 to 120 minutes when linen changes and restocking are included. Property size, guest behaviour and the previous stay’s length can influence the time required.

Professional domestic cleaning rates commonly sit between $35 and $60 per hour in 2024–25, with the national minimum wage of $24.10 per hour setting a floor for labour costs. In metro areas, this equates to roughly $70 to $150 per visit for a standard touch‑up, with possible surcharges for parking constraints, after‑hours or weekend work.

Impact on guest experience and occupancy

Clean, safe and fit‑for‑purpose premises are mandated in NSW, and repeated breaches can lead to fines and placement on the Exclusion Register for up to five years, directly impacting occupancy. Consistent touch‑ups reduce the risk of compliance issues and keep presentation at the standard guests expect.

Platforms reward cleanliness: Airbnb’s listing quality measures and Ground Rules updates penalise repeated cleanliness complaints, while strong cleanliness scores help maintain Superhost or Guest Favourite status and search visibility. Market data shows listings with higher review scores achieve materially better occupancy and ADR, with cleanliness a key driver of ratings and repeat stays.

Hygiene, safety and compliance

Compliance checks sit naturally alongside a touch‑up. In NSW, smoke alarms compliant with AS 3786 are required in bedrooms, hallways and on each storey, and an evacuation information sheet must be displayed; the Code also requires premises be clean and in good repair. A quick visual check that alarms are unobstructed and safety information is present helps keep standards intact between stays.

Queensland requires interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms in all bedrooms, hallways and levels for rental dwellings, in place since 1 January 2022, so verifying operation between guests is prudent. Under WHS laws, operators must manage hygiene risks by cleaning and disinfecting high‑touch surfaces between guests, providing hand hygiene and appropriate PPE for cleaners, and storing and labelling chemicals safely.

Conclusion

A touch‑up clean is a cost‑effective way to reset quickly between stays, meet regulatory expectations and protect listing performance. By focusing on hygiene, linen refresh and waste management while reserving deep or specialist tasks for scheduled cleans, hosts can maintain standards that drive reviews, occupancy and revenue.

Thinking about listing your property? Get a free short-term rental income estimate with MadeComfy today.