Cairns is a dream for guests—but the tropics can be tough on homes. Salt air, humidity and sudden rain expose small maintenance gaps that turn into late-night messages. Here’s the quick between-stays routine we use with our housekeeping team to keep things humming.
Quick toolkit we keep on-site
- Microfibre cloths, WD-40, silicone spray, multi-bit screwdriver
- AA/AAA batteries, spare CR2032 (remotes/sensors)
- Foaming bathroom cleaner, mould-resistant spray, magic eraser
- Cable ties, spare light globes (warm 2700–3000K), command hooks
10-minute checks that prevent 90% of callouts
1) Air-con & airflow
- Run split systems cold for 2 mins; confirm drip isn’t pooling.
- Wipe intake grills; clean filters weekly in wet season.
- Note any odd smells—treat early with coil cleaner if needed.
2) Bathrooms: moisture & drains
- Turn fans on; check windows/rollers open smoothly.
- Run showers 30–60 sec; ensure floor drains are clear.
- Spritz silicone joins where light mould appears; record for deep clean.
3) Balconies & outdoor
- Clear leaves from balcony/walkway drains (big during storms).
- Wipe rail corrosion spots; tighten any wobbly chair legs.
- BBQ: check gas level, igniter click, plate brushed and oiled.
4) Kitchen: the “first five”
- Fridge seals close cleanly; temp is cold, no odour.
- Dishwasher filter rinsed; quick empty cycle if smell present.
- Kettle/descaler, toaster crumb tray, coffee pod stock topped up.
5) Electrics & remotes
- TV + Wi-Fi on; test Netflix/Smart TV login page loads.
- Replace weak batteries in AC/TV/fan remotes.
- Lamps on/off; swap blown globes for same colour temp.
6) Bedrooms & linen breathability
- Check mattress protectors are dry; swap if even slightly damp.
- Open wardrobes for 1–2 mins to vent; silica packs for wet months.
- Spare blanket aired; no musty smell.
7) Safety quick checks
- Press smoke alarm test; confirm chirp. Replace 9V annually.
- Fire blanket/extinguisher visible with simple instructions.
- First-aid kit restocked (band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze).
Weekly/fortnightly extras (wet season focus)
- Wipe ceiling fans + AC vanes; mould-guard on silicone/grout.
- Dehumidifier on a 2-hr cycle before arrivals if humidity spikes.
- Inspect sliding door tracks + balcony weep holes for debris.
Simple logging = faster fixes
Snap a photo, note the room and the fix needed. Small things (door handle, blind chain, wobbly stool) get addressed next turnover. Anything urgent gets a same-day callout approval from the owner.
Owner takeaways
- Keep a tiny toolkit on-site so housekeeping can act immediately.
- Make AC + moisture checks non-negotiable in summer months.
- Log everything with photos; batch non-urgent fixes to reduce costs.
Want a customised checklist for your place? We’ll tune it to your layout and common issues we see across Cairns properties.