August bank holiday marks the beginning of the transition period for Devon holiday let owners. The peak summer rush gives way to the autumn shoulder season, which for well-maintained properties can be almost as busy as July and August. Autumn visitors tend to be older, more discerning, and more likely to leave detailed reviews. Maintaining cleaning standards through the shoulder season is how five-star averages are protected.
At MD Elite Cleaning, we carry out changeover cleans for holiday let owners and management companies across Torbay and Devon. Here is what a professional changeover covers and why it matters.
What a Professional Changeover Clean Includes
A thorough changeover clean for a holiday let goes significantly beyond a standard domestic clean. Every surface, fitting, and area is assessed and cleaned to the standard expected by guests paying short-let rates.
Kitchen
- Inside and outside all cupboards: contents checked and restocked, interiors wiped
- Oven cleaned inside and out including racks and door glass
- Fridge and freezer checked, wiped out, any food items from previous guests removed
- Extractor filter cleaned or replaced
- Appliances wiped down including kettle, toaster, microwave interior
- Worktops, tiles, and splashback deep cleaned
Bathrooms
- Limescale removed from shower screens, taps, showerhead, and tiles
- Grout cleaned and toilet sanitised including under the rim and behind
- All surfaces wiped and glass cleaned to streak-free standard
- Fresh towels folded and placed per property specification
Bedrooms and Living Areas
- All linen changed and beds made to hospitality standard
- Skirting boards, window sills, light switches, and door handles wiped
- Hoovering including under beds and behind furniture
- Windows cleaned inside
The Autumn Extras That Matter
As the season changes, a few additional checks become relevant. The patio furniture and outdoor space that guests use heavily in summer needs attention: garden furniture cleaned and stored or covered, outdoor areas swept and cleared of leaf fall, and any summer items like BBQs checked and cleaned. Heating systems should be tested and confirmed working before the first autumn guest arrives.
Protecting Your Review Average
The majority of guest complaints that result in negative reviews relate to cleaning. A property that is genuinely clean to a professional standard generates positive comments about cleanliness consistently, which compounds over time into a high average review score. The cost of a professional changeover clean is a direct investment in the revenue-generating capacity of your property.
Contact MD Elite Cleaning Services to discuss a changeover cleaning contract for your Devon holiday let.
