What changeover cleaning is
A changeover (or turnover) clean prepares a short let or holiday let for the next guests. It happens in a fixed window between check-out and check-in, often just a few hours, so reliability and timing matter as much as thoroughness.
Not every domestic cleaner offers changeovers. Those who do may also handle laundry, restocking and reporting damage.
What's usually included
A typical changeover clean covers:
- Stripping and making beds with fresh linen
- Replacing towels
- Cleaning kitchens, including dishes and appliances
- Cleaning bathrooms thoroughly
- Vacuuming and mopping throughout
- Emptying bins and removing rubbish
- Checking for damage or missing items
- Restocking essentials if agreed
Laundry and linen
Linen is often the biggest logistical question. Some cleaners take linen away to wash, some use a laundry service, and some owners provide linen in sets. Agree who supplies linen, who washes it and how it's charged.
Get quotes from local cleaners
Things to agree in advance
Before the first booking, agree:
- Your usual check-out and check-in times
- How the cleaner will know about bookings
- Price per changeover, and whether it varies with size or laundry
- What happens with same-day turnarounds
- How damage, missing items or problems are reported
- Cover if the cleaner is unavailable
- Periodic deep cleans between seasons
Local rules
Short-term letting is regulated differently in different parts of the UK – for example, Scotland has a short-term let licensing scheme. Cleaning standards may form part of these requirements, so check what applies to your property.
