In this episode, Neil dives into the often uncomfortable topic of guest messes, sharing his decade-long experiences as a host. With over 16,000 nights booked, Neil categorizes the types of messes he encounters, from general rubbish to stains and evidence of guest activities. Neil offers practical tips for managing cleanliness, such as providing easy-to-use cleaning supplies and ensuring guests have the tools they need to tidy up after themselves.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Guests may not always leave the property as clean as expected. It's important to recognize that accidents happen, and some guests may even try to hide their messes.

• Providing guests with cleaning supplies, such as a cordless vacuum, surface cleaners, and waste bins, encourages them to clean up after themselves.

• Messes can be categorized into three types: general rubbish, stains and splodges, and evidence of activities. Understanding these categories can help hosts prepare for and manage the aftermath of guest stays more effectively.

• Hosts should be knowledgeable about cleaning chemicals and their uses. Knowing how to address different types of stains—such as bodily fluids or cosmetic spills—can simplify the cleaning process and reduce stress.

• Establishing house rules, like "leave no evidence," and providing the necessary tools for guests to clean up can foster a sense of responsibility. This proactive approach can lead to a more pleasant experience for both hosts and guests.

BEST MOMENTS

"When guests had an accident, they often tended to ignore it or even more outrageously tried to hide it."

"I have literally found banana skins and a half-eaten chicken carcass thrown into the recycling bin."

"Every room should have a waste bin. Not just any waste bin, no, you want a waterproof one."

"If it's a bleach-based disaster... there's absolutely nothing you can do. It's gone. Off to towel heaven."

"Know your chemicals. By this I mean, understand how cleaning chemicals work, what they are good for, how to use them, and when to use them."

CONTACT DETAILS

Visit Neil's Airbnb https://bit.ly/SuperhostNeil

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/superhostneil/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuperhostNeil

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@superhostneil

Email: [email protected] 

ABOUT THE HOST

Neil has led a fulfilled and unconventional life, navigating an extraordinary journey from the Royal Navy to prop-making in London's West End theatres. Born into a military family, it was a twist of fate which led him to the theatre, where he contributed to iconic productions such as Phantom of the Opera.

Eventually, Neil transitioned to Corporate Event Team Building, eventually founding his own venture in 1999. Financial challenges in 2017 are what prompted a strategic shift to Airbnb hosting, proving a reliable backup income. By 2021, Neil and his business partner triumphed over significant debt, fuelled by their resilience and the success of Neil's Airbnb venture. Now, Neil has left the corporate world behind, thriving solely through his flourishing Airbnb endeavours.

ABOUT THE SHOW

Welcome to "The Airbnb Superhost," your ultimate guide to mastering the art of hosting on Airbnb. In each concise 15-minute episode, Neil will reveal the secrets to creating unforgettable guest experiences and maximizing the potential of your property, drawing on over 9 consecutive years as a qualifying Airbnb Superhost.

With a focus on 3 specific aspects of running an Airbnb business; the host, the property, and Airbnb itself, Neil provides step-by-step guidance on everything from ambience creation to effective communication.

In each episode, a Superhost Secret will help you elevate your hosting game and keep guests coming back for more. Whether you're a seasoned host or just starting out, Neil’s actionable tips and tricks will help you become a hospitality superstar.

Disclaimer: The Airbnb Superhost is in no way affiliated with Airbnb. All ideas, thoughts, concepts and data presented in this podcast are entirely Neil’s own and do not represent the views of Airbnb.