Cleaning Tasks

Cleaning tasks are the backbone of the Housekeeping module. Every time a guest checks out, hejGuide can automatically create a cleaning task for that property, assign it to the right cleaner, attach the correct checklist, and track progress from start to finish. You can also create tasks manually for deep cleans, inspections, or any work that falls outside the normal booking cycle.

How automatic task generation works

hejGuide generates cleaning tasks automatically based on your bookings. The generation runs every time the Housekeeping dashboard is loaded, scanning bookings with checkout dates across the next 7 days. For each checkout found, the system evaluates whether a task should be created.

Cleaning model

Each listing has a cleaning model that controls whether tasks are created automatically:

• Included -- A cleaning task is always created for every checkout. This is the default and the most common setting for short-term rental properties.
• On request -- A cleaning task is only created if the guest purchased a cleaning product (a product with the triggers_cleaning housekeeping effect). This is useful for listings where cleaning is offered as an optional add-on rather than included in the nightly rate.

You can configure the cleaning model per listing in Housekeeping > Settings.

Cleaning type selection

Every cleaning task is assigned a type that determines which checklist is used. The system resolves the type using this priority:

1. Product override -- If the guest purchased a product with the full_cleaning housekeeping effect, the task is set to "Full Cleaning" regardless of the listing default.
2. Listing default -- The default cleaning type configured on the listing (either "Full Cleaning" or "Turnover Check").
3. Fallback -- If no default is configured, the system falls back to "Turnover Check".

The two available cleaning types are:

• Full Cleaning -- A comprehensive clean covering all rooms and surfaces. Typically used after longer stays or when the guest has purchased a full cleaning product.
• Turnover Check -- A lighter turnover between guests. Covers essentials like linen changes, bathroom cleaning, and a general walkthrough.

Cleaning window

Each task is assigned a time window that tells the cleaner when they can start and when the property must be ready:

• Start time -- Based on the listing's checkout time. If the departing guest purchased a late checkout product, the start time is pushed forward by 2 hours.
• Deadline -- Based on the next booking's check-in time. The system uses the most accurate source available: the guest-submitted arrival time from the online check-in form takes priority, followed by the calendar estimate, followed by the listing's default check-in time. If the arriving guest purchased an early check-in product, the deadline is pulled back by 2 hours. If there is no next booking, the deadline is set to 23:59.

Cleaner assignment

When a task is generated, the system automatically assigns the primary cleaner configured for that listing. You can set a primary cleaner per listing in Housekeeping Settings. If no primary cleaner is configured, the task is created unassigned and you will need to assign someone manually.

Duplicate prevention

The system will never create a second cleaning task for the same booking. If a task already exists for a given booking, it is silently skipped during generation. This means you can safely reload the Housekeeping dashboard without worrying about duplicate tasks.

Info flags

Products with the info flag housekeeping effect (for example, "Pet Stay" or "Extra Dirty") are displayed as banners on the cleaning task. These flags do not change the cleaning type or the checklist -- they serve as visual alerts so the cleaner knows to expect extra work or special conditions.

Task lifecycle

Every cleaning task follows a defined status flow. Statuses move forward only -- a completed task cannot be reverted to an earlier state.

Status flow

scheduled --> open --> in_progress --> completed

1. Scheduled -- The task has been created for a future date. Tasks with a due date after today are created in this state. They appear in the upcoming tasks list but are not yet actionable.

2. Open -- The task is due and ready to be started. The transition from scheduled to open happens automatically when the due date arrives (on dashboard load, all scheduled tasks with due_date <= today are moved to open). The listing's cleanliness status is set to "dirty" at this point.

3. In progress -- The cleaner has started working. This transition happens automatically when the first checklist item is checked off. You do not need to manually press a "Start" button -- simply begin checking items and the task moves to in progress. The listing's cleanliness status changes to "cleaning".

4. Completed -- The task is finished. This requires a manual action: the cleaner must mark the task as complete. The listing's cleanliness status is set to "clean".

WARNING

There are no backwards transitions. Once a task is completed, it cannot be reopened or moved back to an earlier status. Make sure all work is done before marking the task as complete.

Completion requirements

Before a task can be marked as completed, the following conditions must be met:

• All checklist items must be checked. If the task has an attached checklist, every single item must be marked as done. The system enforces this -- attempting to complete a task with unchecked items will fail.
• Guest cleanliness rating (configurable). Depending on your settings, the cleaner may be asked to rate the guest's cleanliness on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. This can be configured globally as:
  • Off -- No rating prompt is shown.
  • Optional -- The rating prompt is shown but can be skipped.
  • Required -- The cleaner must provide a rating before the task can be completed.
• Completion notes (configurable). When enabled, the cleaner can add free-text notes about the cleaning. This is useful for logging observations, supply needs, or anything noteworthy.

When a task is completed, the listing's cleanliness status is automatically set to clean.

TIP

Configure guest cleanliness ratings and completion notes in Housekeeping > Settings. Even in "optional" mode, encourage your cleaners to leave ratings -- over time this data helps you identify guests who consistently leave properties in poor condition.

Switching cleaning type on a task

You can change a task's cleaning type after it has been created (as long as it is not yet completed). When you switch from one type to another -- for example, from "Turnover Check" to "Full Cleaning" -- the system automatically:

1. Removes all existing checklist items from the task.
2. Finds the checklist template matching the new cleaning type and listing.
3. Creates fresh checklist items from that template.

Any progress on previously checked items is lost when switching types. This ensures the cleaner always works from the correct checklist for the assigned cleaning type.

Creating a task manually

For work that falls outside the normal booking cycle -- seasonal deep cleans, post-maintenance cleanups, or ad-hoc inspections -- you can create a task manually:

1. Go to Housekeeping in the sidebar.
2. Click New Task.
3. Select the listing the task is for.
4. Choose the cleaning type (Full Cleaning or Turnover Check).
5. Set the due date.
6. Optionally assign a team member and add any notes.
7. Click Save.

The task will appear on the Housekeeping dashboard and in the assigned cleaner's task list. It follows the same status flow as automatically generated tasks.

Reassigning a task

Only the account owner can reassign a cleaning task. The new assignee must be an active team member. To reassign:

1. Open the task from the Housekeeping dashboard or task list.
2. Select a different team member from the assignee dropdown.
3. The change takes effect immediately.

TIP

If a cleaner calls in sick, you can quickly reassign their tasks for the day to another team member without losing any checklist progress that may have already been started.

Related

• Housekeeping Dashboard -- Property status at a glance
• Checklists -- Create step-by-step cleaning checklists
• Assigning Cleaners -- Assign team members to tasks
• Reporting Issues -- Report problems found during cleaning