Locals know the drill: summer’s lush and lively up here. The trick for hosts is avoiding damp dramas and keeping guests comfy when it pours. Here’s a straightforward, Cairns-specific prep plan you can run every wet season.
1) Mould prevention that actually works
- Pre-arrival dehumidify: Run AC on dry/dehumidify for 1–2 hours before check-in. Aim for ~50–55% RH if you’ve got a meter.
- Airflow wins: Keep wardrobe doors ajar between stays; don’t trap damp air behind curtains.
- Bathroom basics: Fresh silicone beats scrubbing. Fit a timer fan and leave a “fan on during showers” note.
- Consumables: Provide a small mould spray and microfibre cloth under the sink with a simple label.
2) AC settings your cleaner can manage
- Arrival setting: 23–24°C, dry/dehumidify mode where available.
- Mid-stay tip: “Cool, then fan” keeps humidity sensible without freezing guests.
- Filter schedule: Pop filters monthly in wet season; add photos to your cleaning checklist.
3) Linen & storage (stop the musty smell)
- Dry store: Use lidded tubs with desiccant packs; no linen on concrete floors or tight cupboards.
- Fast swap: Keep at least one full spare set on-site to avoid late laundry dashes in storms.
- Beach towels: Hang rails + clear signage—don’t let wet towels stew in baskets.
4) Storm-ready without the drama
- Gutters & drains: Clear before December; check for pooling at entries and balconies.
- Windows & sliders: Replace tired seals; a simple door draft strip can stop water tracking.
- Power flickers: Put a torch in the entry drawer; a small UPS for the Wi-Fi avoids “no internet” messages.
5) Guest messaging (copy you can steal)
Use these as templates in your channel manager:
Pre-arrival (48–72 hrs): “Welcome to Cairns! It’s warm and tropical this time of year. If it showers, the lagoon and markets are still great. AC is set to keep humidity comfy—feel free to adjust. Text us anytime.”
During stay (rainy day): “Quick heads-up—light showers around this arvo. If you’re reefing tomorrow, operators will advise on conditions. For today: Rusty’s Market, aquarium, and cafes along Grafton are perfect.”
Check-out: “Hope you loved your stay—even with a bit of tropical weather. Safe travels, and see you next dry season!”
6) Minimum stays & pricing tweaks
- Mid-week: Consider 2-night minimums to keep occupancy moving.
- Weekends: Hold 3 nights if your clean costs are high; avoid uneconomical churn.
- Length-of-stay discounts: 7-night and 14-night offers beat deep nightly cuts.
Need a sanity check? Use our earnings & turnover calculator to see how cleans affect your net.
7) Quick maintenance loop
- Silicone & seals: Refresh before peak humidity.
- Dehumidifiers: Handy in ground-floor or shaded apartments—leave simple instructions.
- Pest control: Book routine treatments; keep baits out of guest sightlines.
For a between-stays routine, see our Maintenance Between Stays checklist.
8) House rules that help (and keep reviews sweet)
- Shoes off inside: Keeps floors drier and safer.
- Balcony awareness: Towels and gear secured during windy bursts.
- Quiet hours: Rain on roofs carries—remind guests of building rules.
Want a simple rules template? Grab ideas from QLD House Rules & Compliance.
Bottom line
Wet season is part of Cairns’ charm—lush, warm, and a little unpredictable. If your place is prepped and your messages are friendly and clear, you’ll keep occupancy steady and reviews glowing.
Keen for a wet-season tune-up? We’ll set your AC/dehumidify routine, refresh rules and templates, and adjust pricing/min-stays to your turnover costs.
Run the earnings & turnover calculator or book a free consult.