Airbnb Cleaning Checklist Malta

Generic Airbnb cleaning checklists are written for temperate climates with soft water. Malta is different. Limestone construction creates fine dust that settles on every surface. Hard water leaves stubborn limescale rings in bathrooms. Humidity breeds mold in wardrobes and behind headboards. And every spring, Saharan dust coats balconies in red film.

If your cleaners follow a standard international checklist, they will miss these Malta-specific problems — and your guests will notice.

• Counters & surfaces: Wipe all counters, check behind appliances for limestone dust buildup
• Appliances: Clean inside microwave, wipe oven door, empty and wipe fridge. Check for limescale around kettle and coffee machine
• Sink: Scrub with limescale remover (Malta's hard water leaves white deposits fast). Run disposal if fitted
• Hob: Degrease all burners. Gas hobs are common in older Malta properties — check pilot lights
• Dishwasher: Run a rinse cycle, wipe door seal. Add dishwasher tablet for guest
• Supplies: Restock dish soap, sponge, dishwasher tablets, bin liners, kitchen roll
• Floors: Sweep then mop. Maltese tile floors show every crumb — guests notice

• Limescale: This is your #1 Malta-specific task. Spray all chrome fixtures, shower screens, and taps with limescale remover. Let it sit 5 minutes, then wipe. Hard water stains are the most common guest complaint on Malta Airbnbs
• Shower: Scrub grout (humidity makes it darken fast), clean drain, hang fresh towels
• Toilet: Sanitise inside and out, check behind cistern for dust
• Mirror: Streak-free clean. Check for limescale spots around edges
• Ventilation: If no window, check extractor fan works. Malta humidity causes mold in sealed bathrooms within weeks
• Supplies: Fresh toilet paper (at least 2 rolls), hand soap, bath mat

• Linen: Fresh sheets, pillowcases, and duvet cover. Hotel-grade white linen photographs best and signals cleanliness. We launder at 60°C+ minimum
• Mattress: Check for stains. Rotate quarterly. Spot-clean as needed
• Wardrobe: Open doors and check for musty smell — Malta humidity causes damp wardrobes, especially in ground-floor properties. Leave doors slightly ajar between guests
• Behind headboard: Check for mold spots (common in Malta bedrooms facing north)
• Air conditioning: Turn on and verify it cools. Clean filters monthly during summer. Guests will review-bomb a broken AC in August
• Surfaces: Dust all surfaces including windowsills (limestone dust)

• Sofa: Fluff cushions, check under cushions for debris, spot-clean stains
• TV & remotes: Wipe remote (most-touched item), check TV powers on
• Floors: Vacuum rugs, mop tile. Maltese tile floors are beautiful but show dust instantly
• Windows: Wipe interior glass. Open shutters to air out the property (15 minutes minimum)
• WiFi: Verify connection works. Reboot router if needed — this is a top-3 guest complaint

• Sweep: Remove dust, leaves, and debris. After Saharan dust events (March–June), you may need to hose down the entire balcony
• Furniture: Wipe table and chairs. Salt air corrodes metal quickly — report any rust
• Railing: Wipe clean. Limestone balconies accumulate white powder
• Ashtray: Empty and clean if provided
• Drying rack: If present, make sure it's clean and folded

• Photos: Take before-and-after photos of every room. Send to the property manager immediately
• Damage check: Document anything broken, stained, or missing. Report before the next guest arrives
• Lights: Turn on all lights and check for dead bulbs
• Smell test: Stand in the entrance and take a breath. The property should smell fresh, not of chemicals. Open windows for 10 minutes before guest arrival
• Lockbox/key: Verify key is in place and lockbox code works

This checklist covers 95% of what Malta properties need. For a hands-off solution, our Airbnb cleaning teams follow this standard on every turnover.