If you’re looking for a side hustle that’s flexible, pays well, and doesn’t require heaps of experience, cleaning holiday rentals and handling laundry for Airbnbs might be just the thing. Short-term rental hosts are always on the lookout for reliable people to help keep their properties spotless, and it’s a great way to boost your income on your own terms. Pay rates can start at around $30, but can be much higher.
What the Job Involves:
The job involves cleaning, restocking items, and ensuring the property is clean, well-presented and ready for the next guests. This includes:
- Cleaning Duties: You’ll take care of the basics—vacuuming, mopping, wiping down surfaces, cleaning bathrooms, tidying up kitchens, emptying bins, and sometimes cleaning outdoor areas. On top of that, you’ll restock things like toilet paper, soap, and coffee pods.
- Laundry Tasks: This includes washing and drying bed linens, towels, and sometimes things like cushion covers. Hosts might ask you to fold, iron, or bring in fresh linens if you’re handling off-site laundry.
- Reporting any Issues to the Host: You’ll need to check for anything out of place, like forgotten items, broken appliances, or mystery stains.
- Working to a Deadline: You’ll probably find that some cleans are scheduled in a small window between bookings. This means that you’ll need to work efficiently to have the property ready before the next arrival.
How Much Money Can I Make Cleaning Holiday Rentals?
This can be a pretty lucrative side job, especially during peak seasons, such as school holidays.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Cleaning Rates: On average, you’re looking at $30 to $50 per hour for smaller properties. Larger or luxury homes can pay $120 to $200+ for a deep clean.
- Laundry Rates: For off-site laundry, you might earn $50 to $80 per load, depending on whether you also handle folding and ironing.
- Combined Packages: Some cleaners offer all-in-one cleaning and laundry services. These can earn you anywhere from $150 to $400 per property, depending on the size and condition.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
There are a few things that you’ll need before you start:
- A Reliable Vehicle: A car is usually essential, especially if you’re covering multiple properties or transporting laundry to and from a laundromat.
- A Mobile Phone: You’ll need a phone to coordinate with hosts, keep track of bookings, and share updates or photos when necessary.
- Police Check: Many hosts and agencies require a current police check. This is easy to apply for online, and usually costs less than $100.
- Cleaning Supplies: Some jobs will require you to bring your own products and tools (eg. disinfectant, sponges, mops, and vacuums). Other companies or Airbnb hosts may supply these items, especially if they prefer specific brands (like low-toxin or eco-friendly options), so it’s always good to check before starting.
- Laundry Setup: Laundry might be done on-site using the host’s appliances, or you may need to visit a local laundromat. If you’re using your own setup, factor in the time and cost of washing and drying.
- Work Ethic and Organisation: Besides physical items, you’ll need to be reliable, organised, and ready to work efficiently under time constraints.
How to Find Jobs Cleaning Airbnbs
The first thing to think about is whether you’d like to be employed by a business, or work as a sole trader (the latter will require you to apply for an ABN).
The next step is to start looking! There are a lot of places to find jobs, from large websites such as SEEK to handwritten posters on community noticeboards at your local shopping centre. Here are some ideas to get started:
- Job Platforms: Check out sites like Airtasker, Gumtree, and SEEK for postings from Airbnb hosts or property managers.
- Host Networks: Introduce yourself to local Airbnb hosts—many are looking for regular, trustworthy help.
- Community Groups: Browse Facebook or other local forums where hosts often advertise jobs. It’s also a great way to hear about opportunities through word-of-mouth.
- Partner with Businesses: Some cleaning services specialise in short-term rentals. Joining one of these teams can give you a steady flow of work.
- Start Your Own Side Hustle: If you’re up for it, offer your services directly. A quick post on social media or a few flyers in your neighborhood can get you started.
Benefits of Cleaning as a Side Hustle:
There’s a lot to like about this gig:
- Flexibility: You’re in control of your schedule. Work mornings, evenings, weekends—whatever suits your life.
- Great Pay: For a side hustle, the rates are impressive, especially if you offer bundled services.
- No Qualifications are required: You don’t need a degree or certificate to get started
- Personal Satisfaction: There’s something oddly rewarding about turning a messy space into a sparkling clean one. Plus, you’ll help hosts impress their guests.
So, if you’re looking to make some extra cash without locking yourself into rigid hours, this might be the perfect fit. Cleaning holiday rentals and handling laundry for Airbnbs is straightforward, flexible, and in high demand. Plus, the better you get at it, the more you can charge—and the more you’ll enjoy helping hosts create amazing stays for their guests.