Prep Your Kenai Short-Term Rental for Summer Guests
- arcticglassww
- May 24
- 2 min read
Getting Your Short-Term Rental Ready for Tourism Season on the Kenai Peninsula
As the snow melts and summer approaches, the Kenai Peninsula prepares to welcome a wave of travelers—from anglers chasing kings on the Kenai River to road-trippers exploring Seward, Homer, and beyond. If you’re managing a short-term rental, now’s the time to make sure your property is ready to stand out and deliver a five-star guest experience.
Whether you're brand new to hosting or have a season or two under your belt, this guide will walk you through the essentials of getting your rental property ready for peak season.
1. Deep Clean Inside and Out
A thorough spring cleaning sets the tone for the season. Focus on:
Dusting high-touch areas: ceiling fans, baseboards, window sills, and vents
Cleaning under and behind furniture
Washing all linens, including mattress covers and decorative pillows
Sanitizing kitchens and bathrooms
Checking for cobwebs in corners, eaves, and window frames
For outdoor spaces, clean off decks, sweep entryways, and remove any debris left behind by winter.
2. Refresh Windows and Curb Appeal
Alaska’s winters leave windows coated in grime, salt, and moisture buildup. Clean windows help brighten interiors, boost photos, and improve first impressions for guests. Make sure to:
Wash inside and outside of all windows
Clean screens and tracks
Wipe down doors, trim, and outdoor light fixtures
Add a few seasonal touches like flower baskets, fresh welcome mats, and tidy landscaping to make your rental feel polished and inviting.
3. Stock Up and Restock Essentials
Make sure your rental is fully stocked for the season. Essentials include:
Paper products (toilet paper, paper towels, tissues)
Trash bags and cleaning supplies
Fully outfitted kitchen (pans, utensils, coffee filters, etc.)
Backup linens and towels
Local maps, guidebooks, or welcome binder
Pro tip: Guests appreciate thoughtful extras like bear spray, reusable grocery bags, or local snacks.
4. Review Safety and Maintenance Checks
Tourism season moves fast—you don’t want surprise repairs or bad reviews slowing you down. Before guests arrive:
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Check all appliances and lightbulbs
Inspect plumbing and faucets for leaks
Service your heating or cooling system
Clear gutters and downspouts to avoid water issues
5. Refresh Your Online Listings
Once your rental is guest-ready, make sure your online presence is, too:
Update photos to reflect current furniture and amenities
Rewrite your description if it feels outdated
Confirm your pricing, availability, and calendar settings
Add any new features or improvements you've made
Respond to past reviews if you haven’t already
Bonus Tip: Clean Windows = Better Reviews
Clean, streak-free windows don’t just make your place look better—they also help your listing photos stand out and keep guests happy. Many travelers mention cleanliness in reviews, and sparkling windows can make the difference between four and five stars.
How Arctic Glass Can Help
At Arctic Glass Window Washing, we help short-term rental owners across the Kenai Peninsula get ready for the busy season with professional window cleaning, gutter clearing, and soft washing services. We know what your guests expect—and we’ll help you make a great first impression.
Call us at 907-912-0787 to schedule your pre-season cleaning.
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