Household essentials are the behind-the-scenes items that keep a short-term rental running smoothly. Guests may never comment on them directly, but when they’re missing — or poorly chosen — problems show up quickly. Cleaning delays, extra wear and tear, and last-minute supply runs all stem from gaps in household setup.
This STR household essentials checklist is designed for hosts who want reliable, durable supplies that support fast turnover, consistent cleaning, and easy maintenance between stays. These are not decorative items or guest amenities — they are operational tools that protect your property and simplify hosting.
Everything below reflects what works best in real short-term rentals: products that hold up to frequent use, clean effectively, and reduce friction for hosts and cleaners alike.
How to Use This STR Household Essentials Checklist
This page is meant to function as a working checklist for hosts and owners.
Use it when:
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Equipping a new short-term rental
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Setting up a cleaner-ready supply system
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Replacing underperforming or worn items
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Standardizing supplies across properties
This checklist focuses on:
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Cleaning efficiency
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Durability and ease of replacement
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Products that cleaners already know how to use
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Items that reduce damage and downtime
Core STR Household Essentials (Must-Haves)
If you only focus on one section, make it this one. These are the foundational household items every short-term rental needs to operate efficiently.
Core essentials include:
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Reliable floor-cleaning tools
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Effective multi-surface cleaners
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Laundry supplies that handle heavy use
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Utility items that prevent damage and injuries
Cleaning Supplies: What Works Best for STR Turnover
Cleaning products in a short-term rental should be effective, familiar, and easy to restock. Complicated or specialty products slow down turnover and lead to inconsistent results.
Disinfecting & Surface Cleaning
Disinfecting wipes are essential for quick resets between stays and spot cleaning during turnovers.
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Lysol Disinfecting Wipes
Effective, widely recognized, and easy for cleaners to use on high-touch surfaces.
For deeper cleaning and odor control, a reliable multi-purpose cleaner is essential.
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MICROBAN Multi-Purpose Cleaner
Helps reduce bacteria and odors while staying effective between cleanings.
Glass and mirrors require a streak-free cleaner that works quickly.
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Sprayway Glass Cleaner
Foaming formula that cleans and polishes without streaks.
Floor Care: Tools That Hold Up to Frequent Use
Floors take constant abuse in short-term rentals. Having the right tools on hand makes cleaning faster and more consistent.
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EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop
Durable, easy to wring, and effective on multiple floor types.
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Broom with Step-On Dustpan
Simple, lightweight, and ideal for quick cleanups.
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Upright Vacuum Cleaner
A vacuum with strong suction and HEPA filtration helps manage dust, debris, and pet hair.
Laundry Supplies: Built for Heavy Turnover
Laundry in short-term rentals is constant. Supplies need to handle frequent loads and tough stains without damaging fabrics.
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Laundry Detergent
A detergent with odor-fighting power works best for linens and towels.
ARM & HAMMER Plus OxiClean Laundry Detergent
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Stain Remover
A reliable stain remover helps extend the life of linens and towels.
OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover
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Dryer Sheets
Helps reduce static and keeps linens smelling fresh.
Utility & Safety Items Hosts Often Overlook
Some household items don’t get used often — but when they’re needed, they’re critical.
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Step Ladder or Folding Step Stool
Necessary for changing light bulbs, reaching high shelves, and routine maintenance.
Having a sturdy, lightweight ladder on-site prevents unsafe improvisation and protects both guests and cleaners.
Storage & Organization Tips
To keep household supplies from cluttering guest spaces:
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Store cleaning products in a locked closet or utility cabinet
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Label shelves or bins for quick restocking
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Keep backup supplies stored out of sight but easy to access
A simple organization system saves time and reduces mistakes during turnovers.
Restocking & Maintenance Best Practices
For short-term rentals, household supplies should be kept fully stocked at all times.
Best practices include:
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Check supplies after every turnover
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Keep backups on-site to avoid emergency runs
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Replace tools before they fail, not after
If you manage longer-term or mid-term rentals, you may adjust quantities — but for typical STR stays, consistency matters more than minimalism.
Common Household Setup Mistakes to Avoid
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Buying specialty cleaners that slow down turnover
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Mixing too many brands or product types
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Storing supplies in guest-accessible areas
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Waiting until items fail before replacing them
Simple, standardized systems perform best over time.
STR Household Essentials Checklist (Complete List)
(This is where your full checklist lives — every item in one place for easy reference.)
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Step ladder or folding step stool
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Disinfecting wipes
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Multi-purpose cleaner
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Glass cleaner
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Mop and bucket system
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Broom and dustpan
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Upright vacuum
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Laundry detergent
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Stain remover
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Dryer sheets
Recommended Household Products
(Ideal placement for your LASSO list)
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Step ladder / step stool
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Disinfecting wipes
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Multi-purpose cleaner
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Glass cleaner
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Mop system
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Vacuum
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Laundry supplies
Complete Short-Term Rental Essentials (Room by Room)
Use the links below to access the complete checklist for each space.
Short-Term Rental Essentials Hub
STR Kitchen Essentials Checklist
STR Bedroom Essentials Checklist
STR Outdoor Essentials Checklist
STR Game Room Essentials Checklist
STR Coffee Bar Essentials Checklist
STR Security Essentials Checklist
STR Furniture Essentials Checklist
STR Living Room Essentials Checklist
Final Thoughts
Household essentials aren’t glamorous, but they’re critical. The right supplies protect your property, support faster turnovers, and reduce stress for everyone involved.
Use this checklist as your operational foundation, refine it based on your cleaning process, and revisit it regularly as your short-term rental evolves.
Last Updated 1/6/2026