Owning a vacation home in Florida is more than a luxury—it’s an opportunity. Whether you use it for personal escapes or short-term rentals, preparing your property before guests arrive is key to protecting your investment and offering a comfortable, safe experience. Florida’s unique climate and guest expectations require more than a surface-level clean. Here’s how to do it right.
Understand Your Guest’s Expectations
Florida guests—whether tourists, snowbirds, or family—expect comfort, cleanliness, and functionality. They want an easy experience that reflects the relaxed, sunny lifestyle they came for. Meeting these expectations means providing:
- Sparkling bathrooms and kitchens
- Well-maintained furniture and appliances
- A fresh-smelling, mold-free interior
- Outdoor areas that are tidy and inviting
Deep Cleaning: The Florida Way
Humidity, heat, and salt air create cleaning challenges that are unique to Florida. A proper deep clean should include:
- Checking for mildew under sinks and behind furniture
- Cleaning A/C vents and changing filters to reduce mustiness
- Wiping all hard surfaces, even inside drawers and cabinets
- Shampooing rugs and upholstery to remove trapped moisture and sand
If your home hasn’t been used in a while, run a full cycle through your dishwasher and washing machine to prevent buildup and odor.
Don’t Overlook Outdoor Spaces
In Florida, outdoor areas are often used just as much as indoor ones. Before guests arrive:
- Pressure wash patios, decks, and walkways
- Clean and sanitize outdoor seating and cushions
- Clear out debris from gutters and doorways
- Trim hedges and remove cobwebs or wasp nests
If you’re near the coast, pay attention to salt residue on metal furniture or railings.
Air, Water, Light: The Comfort Trio
These three essentials affect how guests feel the moment they walk in.
Air: Make sure the HVAC is functioning quietly and cooling efficiently. Dehumidifiers are also helpful, especially in smaller or poorly ventilated rooms.
Water: Run all taps, flush toilets, and check for slow drains. If the home has been unoccupied, stagnant water can create odor or even bacteria buildup.
Light: Replace any burnt-out bulbs, particularly in entryways and bathrooms. Natural light is important, but so is safety after dark.
Be Storm-Ready, Even When the Weather Is Good
Because Florida’s weather can turn quickly, prep for the unexpected. Provide:
- Storm safety instructions or evacuation info
- Drying racks or baskets for wet swimsuits and towels
- Extra doormats to reduce sand tracked indoors
Ensure windows and sliding doors seal tightly, especially in oceanfront homes where wind pressure is higher.
Stock Up on Essentials
Small touches make a big impression. Besides fresh linens and kitchen basics, think about:
- Extra trash bags, toilet paper, and hand soap
- A broom or small vacuum for quick cleanups
- Local guides or restaurant tips
- A guestbook or printed house instructions
These thoughtful details increase comfort and reduce calls or questions.
Should You Hire a Professional Cleaner?
If you live out of state, have back-to-back bookings, or simply want peace of mind, a professional cleaning company can be invaluable. Services like Sharky Cleaning offer:
- Pre-arrival and post-departure cleaning
- Mold and moisture inspections
- Custom checklists for Airbnb and rental platforms
- Fast turnaround between guests
A clean home means fewer complaints, better reviews, and more return visitors.
The Goal: Effortless Hospitality
When your Florida vacation home is clean, cool, and well-stocked, your guests feel relaxed the moment they arrive. That feeling is what they’ll remember—and what keeps them coming back. Prepare thoroughly, think like a guest, and your home will be more than a place to stay. It’ll be a reason to return.
