I didn't charge one at first, but added $10 soon after - and haven't seen it negatively effect my bookings, and have never heard a guest complain about it. Now in the slow season - I get a lot of same day, instant book, one night travelers. They are always clean, but it's extra costs for washing the sheets each night. Plus, here in Idaho I have to pay 13% sales taxes after the payment from Airbnb - so I see it as a small way to offset those costs.
When I co-hosted at my client's this summer who was pet friendly, I charged $20 cleaning fee - pets = more mess, more liability (no pet fee). I received as part of my income for cleaning in addition to my commission as onsite and online guest host / co-host.
When you outsource, you should charge a cleaning fee. And when you do it yourself, you should charge for it, even if it's $10-$20 extra.
I view it as getting paid to be a housekeeper in my own home, a part-time job.
I now view cleaning as a "money making task". I work from home so I have to put a value on my time to clean and prep a room for new guest as it takes away from my other ventures. But I love it to be clean and used to pay a housekeeper. And it's a great workout 🙂
Do you ladies outsource your cleaning? Is Airbnb your only source of income or a bonus? Do you pay for housekeeping weekly? Do taxes get collected by Airbnb and paid in your area?
It only really adds up for me on the overnight stays which is what I get in the slow season - so it's helpful and doesn't hurt me at all.