Prep Your Kenai Short-Term Rental for Summer Guests

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.