Frequently Asked Questions

The best way is to start with referrals from other MV homeowners or your property caretaker. You can also browse our directory of vetted, island-based cleaners at MVMaid.com/cleaners. Look for cleaners who are island-based (not mainland), insured, and have references from MV clients specifically.

Vacation rental turnover cleaning on Martha's Vineyard typically ranges from $150–$600+ depending on home size. A 2-bedroom cottage might be $150–$250, while a 5+ bedroom estate could be $400–$600 or more. MV rates are generally 20–40% above mainland prices due to island cost of living and seasonal labor scarcity.

It's possible but difficult. During July and August, most MV cleaners are fully booked. Some companies keep limited same-day availability for emergencies, but it's much better to book your cleaning schedule well in advance — ideally by late March for the summer season.

A turnover clean is a standard cleaning between vacation rental guests — surface cleaning, linen change, bathroom sanitization, kitchen cleaning, mopping/vacuuming. A deep clean is much more thorough — inside appliances, behind furniture, baseboards, window tracks, grout scrubbing. Deep cleans take 2–3x longer and cost more.

Most professional MV cleaners bring their own cleaning products and equipment. However, it's worth confirming this before hiring. Some cleaners may ask you to have a vacuum on-site, especially for larger homes. If you prefer specific products (eco-friendly, certain brands), let your cleaner know in advance.

Yes — many MV cleaners offer winter check-in cleaning services. They'll visit your property monthly or bi-monthly to dust, clean, check for leaks or pest issues, run faucets, and ensure the dehumidifier is working. Not all cleaners operate year-round, so confirm availability.

The most common methods are lockbox with a code, smart lock with a temporary code, or key held by a property caretaker. Discuss access methods with your cleaner before the first visit and establish a clear protocol. Never leave keys in obvious hiding spots.

Set a clear checkout time (typically 10–11am on MV) and communicate it to guests. Notify your cleaner of the schedule at least a day in advance. Most turnover cleaners arrive within 15 minutes of checkout. For back-to-back bookings, ensure at least a 4-hour window between checkout and check-in.

The top areas guests inspect: bathrooms (toilet, grout, shower door), kitchen (microwave interior, stovetop, fridge), bed linens (freshness, wrinkles, stains), floors (especially sand on MV properties), and overall smell. Guests also check outdoor areas and entrance mats.

Many MV turnover cleaners handle linen stripping and bed-making with fresh linens. However, the actual laundering of linens is typically a separate service. Some cleaners coordinate with local laundry services for pickup/dropoff. Discuss linen management explicitly when hiring.

Document everything with photos before cleaning. Your cleaner can take 'before' photos for your records and potential Airbnb damage claims. If the mess requires significantly more time than a standard turnover, most cleaners will charge an additional fee. Have a clear policy for this.

Book by late March for the Memorial Day through Labor Day season. The best MV turnover cleaners fill their summer schedules months in advance. Waiting until May means you'll be competing with every other rental host on the island for limited availability.

Yes — many professional MV turnover cleaners offer post-cleaning photo documentation as a standard part of their service. This gives remote hosts peace of mind and provides evidence for any guest damage disputes. Ask about this when hiring.

MVMaid.com is a directory and lead-matching service, not a cleaning company. We connect Martha's Vineyard homeowners and vacation rental hosts with vetted, island-based cleaning professionals. We don't employ cleaners directly.

We verify that listed cleaners are island-based, carry general liability insurance, and have positive references from MV clients. We also check for any relevant business registrations and monitor ongoing client feedback.

No — submitting a cleaning request through MVMaid.com is completely free for homeowners and rental hosts. There is no obligation to hire any of the cleaners we match you with.

We aim to match you with available MV cleaners within 24 hours of receiving your request. During peak season, response times may be faster as we prioritize time-sensitive cleaning needs.

Yes! If you operate a cleaning service on Martha's Vineyard, you can claim your existing profile on our directory or request to be added. Contact us through the site to get started.

Yes — MVMaid.com is part of the MVVacation.com ecosystem of Martha's Vineyard service directories, which also includes MVRestaurants.com, MVBoats.com, and MVCaretaking.com.