Cleaning a privately-used holiday home may not seem to be a priority issue worthy of much thought. The property is most likely empty in-between your visits and does therefore not need much attention other than an occasional refresh.
There are now a number of companies across the UK which have sprung up to provide a welcome service for holiday home owners upon arrival at their property. Remember that the journey to your holiday home may be tiring, so the prospect of arriving late on a Friday evening, to be welcomed by a cold property showing the signs of un-occupation may take the shine off the ownership experience.
A number of these issues are covered in the maintenance section, but having a plan for cleaning the property to cover areas such as:
- Dust build-up
- Fresh bedding and towels
- Fridges and freezers
- Balconies and outside areas
- Windows
Some of the cleaning can require more resource in older properties or in coastal locations where seaspray and seagulls can leave their mark.
As mentioned above, a number of businesses have sprung up to provide a ‘welcome’ service for owners of holiday homes. This may include a clean before arrival with fresh bedding and towels provided, turn heating on a few hours before arrival or put some welcome groceries into the fridge.
Many of these key holding agents’ services also include maintenance such as checks and repairs and gardening which are covered elsewhere on the site.
For now, here are a few considerations for cleaning:
- Who will use the property? What condition will they be expected to leave the property in and is there a checklist for leaving the property?
- Bedding and towels – will there be a supply at the property and how will they be laundered?
- What will happen to the property during longer periods of in-occupancy? Are there plans for a ‘spring’ clean?
