If you’re a property owner in Dubai, you’re likely familiar with the need for frequent apartment cleanings, especially if you rent your property out to others. Cleanliness is the first thing a new tenant will notice when entering your apartment, and this first impression will be crucial in determining your tenant’s overall happiness. Thankfully, this is the only Dubai apartment cleaning checklist you’ll ever need.

Weekly apartment cleaning checklist

Weekly apartment cleanings serve multiple purposes. Not only are they necessary in maintaining an acceptable standard of living, but properly executed weekly cleanings will make your life much easier when it comes time for deeper cleanings in between tenants.

General cleaning

• Disinfect all door handles (including closet doors), window latches, and light switches
• Sweep and mop floors
• Vacuum rugs
• Wipe down windows and glass doors

Living areas

• Gently wipe TV and computer screens with a screen-safe gentle cleaner
• Disinfect remote controls
• Dust tops of furniture and large electronics
• Check upholstery for dirt and stains

Kitchen

• Check paper towel and dish soap supply
• Clean sink
• Disinfect countertop
• Wipe down appliances
• Scrub stovetop
• Take out garbage

Bedroom(s)

• Change bedding
• Empty wastebasket
• Disinfect drawer handles

Bathroom(s)

• Scrub toilet
• Wipe mirrors
• Clean sink and countertop
• Scrub bathtub and shower
• Check toilet paper and hand soap supply
• Change towels
• Empty wastebasket

Cleaning for short-term guests

If you’re hosting short-term guests at your property, you’ll need an additional Dubai apartment cleaning checklist to prepare for each new guest. While some guests might leave the apartment exactly how they found it, not all are quite so tidy. You should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario, as anything you miss while cleaning in between reservations will make you look bad to the next guests.

• Complete all items on the Weekly Cleaning checklist
• Change keyless access code, if applicable
• Check light bulbs and batteries
• Look under furniture, in closets and drawers for forgotten items
• Tidy bookshelves and desk area
• Fluff pillows and neatly fold throw blankets
• Replenish water bottles, coffee, snacks, or any other items you offer to guests
• Take inventory of dishes and cookware
• Check kitchen sponge cleanliness
• Wash and put away dishes
• Clean inside of the refrigerator and discard any food left by previous guests
• Lay out clean towels
• Make sure spare items, such as toilet paper, are easy to find
• Double check your listing to make sure you don’t forget anything you’ve promised

Cleaning between renters

Cleaning your Dubai apartment between long-term renters is an entirely different task, although equally important. Hopefully, you’ll have thoroughly documented the condition of your property before the tenant arrived in the event that any damages have occurred. The tenant is responsible for returning the apartment to you in the state they received it in. If that’s not the case, don’t be afraid to deduct cleaning and repair costs from the security deposit.

There are likely a few additional cleaning tasks you’ll need to complete in preparation for your next tenant, so use this checklist as a guide:

• Change locks, if applicable
• Deep clean inside of kitchen cabinets, refrigerator, and stove
• Steam clean carpets and drapes
• Dust railings, light fixtures, and high corners
• Patch nail holes on walls
• Consider applying a fresh coat of paint
• Clean air vents and replace filters if necessary
• Lubricate squeaky door hinges
• Check bathroom for mold and mildew
• Take new photos for documentation before the next tenant moves in

These may seem above and beyond, but remember that a satisfied tenant will bring you more long-term rental income. It’s worth going the extra mile to make a new tenant feel welcome and excited about staying. You’ll also make a great first impression as a landlord.

When to outsource cleaning

If you’re spending too much time cleaning your Dubai apartment in between guests, you might want to consider outsourcing these responsibilities to a professional. This will give you more time to focus on other important tasks like advertising your property and keeping it occupied. A good cleaning company will offer different service options for regular cleanings, deep cleanings, and move in or move out cleanings. You might even be able to negotiate a deal for your tenant if they decide to continue using the service.

If you’re hosting short-term tenants at your property, you should look for a Dubai apartment cleaning service that specializes in vacation rentals. These companies will be equipped to provide additional attention to detail that short-term guests expect. With the right cleaning service, you might not even have to visit your property between guests.

When you sign up as a landlord with Blueground, you don’t ever have to worry about cleaning your property. We take care of all move in and move out cleanings, while tenants have the option to book daily or weekly cleaning service directly through our Blueground app. We’ll also maintain proper documentation to protect your property, and if any damages do occur, we’ll take full liability.