Checklist for seasonal cabin cleaning and maintenance
A well-maintained and properly equipped cabin leads to better guest reviews, fewer complaints, and a more enjoyable stay for guests. Take a look at our recommendations for seasonal cleaning and maintenance tasks to be completed before the summer and winter seasons.
Before the summer season
During the summer season, special attention should be paid to the comfort of outdoor areas and equipment used for outdoor activities.
- Check the condition of the terrace.
- Empty any cigarette butt containers.
- Clean or maintain outdoor furniture if needed.
- Check the condition of sleds, kick sleds, and other winter equipment after the season and store them away.
- Take out the barbecue grill, clean it, and check that it is in good condition. Make sure the gas cylinder is full.
- If the cabin provides bicycles or other summer outdoor equipment, inspect their condition and service them if necessary.
- Check the overall appearance and cleanliness of the yard after winter.
- Inspect the gutters and clean them if needed.
- Check whether additional blackout curtains or mosquito screens are needed indoors. These are important features for many summer guests.
- Many summer guests travel with pets. If pets are allowed in your cabin, make sure the property includes water and food bowls as well as sofa blankets for pets. Other pet-friendly amenities are also highly appreciated.
Before the winter season
Before the winter season, special attention should be paid to heating, indoor comfort, and winter equipment to ensure the cabin is ready for the colder months.
- Have the fireplace and chimney swept. Stock up on fire starters and make sure the fireplace instructions in the guest information folder are up to date.
- Make sure there is enough sand for icy conditions and firewood so they do not run out during the winter season.
- Check the operation and settings of the hot water heater. If the water heater is remotely controlled, make sure the settings are sufficient for larger groups of guests.
- Bring out sleds, snow sliders, and kick sleds.
- Make sure a snow shovel and snow pusher are available.
- Check the condition of the grill, mosquito screens, and any summer outdoor equipment such as bicycles, and store them away after the summer season.
- Make sure all outdoor lights are working properly.
- Inspect the gutters and clean them if necessary.
- Ensure there is sufficient lighting indoors, including additional lighting for reading and handicrafts.
- If you wish, consider adding seasonal lights and a few Christmas decorations for guests staying during the holiday season.
- Check the waste collection schedule and the size of the waste bin. During the winter season, waste should be collected frequently enough to prevent the bin from overflowing.
Tasks to complete during every seasonal maintenance visit:
Cleaning
- Carry out a thorough deep clean of the entire cabin or arrange one through a cleaning company. In addition, remember the following:
- Clean the windows.
- Wipe down cabinet surfaces and check their contents. Remove personal belongings from the cabin or store them in a separate locked cabinet to ensure guests have sufficient storage space for their own belongings during their stay.
- Deep clean the sauna and bathroom.
- Clean floor drains and water traps.
- Defrost and clean the refrigerator and freezer.
- Clean the cooker hood, grease filters, and oven.
- Check the condition of the coffee maker and kettle, and clean them thoroughly. Descale them if necessary.
- Wash rugs and curtains when needed.
- Wash decorative cushion covers, blankets, and bedspreads if necessary.
- Air out and, if necessary, wash pillows, duvets, mattress protectors, and pillow protectors. Replace them when needed.
- Take advantage of winter frosts whenever possible to freshen up textiles. Airing textiles outdoors in freezing temperatures helps remove odors and leaves items such as pillows, duvets, blankets, and rugs feeling fresher without washing. Frost is also a natural and effective way to reduce dust mites in textiles.
Kitchen and dining equipment
- Check the quantity of drinking glasses, plates, and cutlery. Is there enough, plus a few extras? There should be at least as many as the cabin’s maximum guest capacity. It is common for glassware and other items to break during the season.
- Check kitchen knives and sharpen or replace them if necessary (especially smaller knives, which tend to wear out quickly).
- Review kitchen utensils and assess whether any items need replacing, such as frying pans, pots, mixing bowls, ladles, or spatulas.
- Remove unnecessary or expired items from the dry goods cupboard.
- Is waste sorting clear and convenient? Guests increasingly appreciate recycling facilities and clear sorting instructions.
- Make sure the cabin is stocked with sufficient dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, toilet paper, paper towels, and other essential supplies.
Technical systems and maintenance
- Replace or clean the air-source heat pump filter.
- Check ventilation filters.
- Check the heating and thermostat settings and adjust them if necessary.
- Check that the vacuum cleaner is working properly and ensure that there are enough vacuum bags available.
- Test the internet connection and television, and replace remote-control batteries if needed.
- Check that all light bulbs are working and that there is sufficient lighting throughout the cabin.
- It is recommended to have a multi-tool available at the cabin for tightening loose screws and other small repairs.
Safety
- Check the contents of the first-aid kit.
- Check fire extinguishers and ensure inspections and servicing are up to date.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and ensure there are enough of them.
- Check the condition of fireplaces, chimneys, and the sauna, including the sauna stones.
- Check the condition and stability of sofas, chairs, tables, beds, and any spare beds or extra sleeping arrangements.
- Review all child equipment and ensure everything is clean, safe, and in good condition.
- Inspect emergency exits and exterior door locks. Remember to replace batteries in smart locks regularly.
- Change door access codes or key box codes regularly.
- Check the condition and number of keys. Ensure keys have clearly visible keychains so they are less likely to be misplaced.
Cabin guest folder
- Check that the guest information folder is available and that all pages are in order.
- Review the information and instructions to ensure everything is up to date and update any outdated content if necessary.
AuroraCottage Oy
BOOKING INQUIRIES
info@auroracottage.com
CUSTOMER SERVICE
Matters related to maintenance or cleaning are primarily handled by the property's maintenance or cleaning company, whose contact information you can find in the guest folder.
If the problem cannot be solved that way, you can always reach us by email at info@auroracottage.com or by calling +358 (0) 45 787 416 02.
