February in Adelaide means one thing: Fringe Festival fever! As the world's second-largest annual arts festival transforms our city into a playground of creativity, Adelaide homes become hubs for hosting interstate friends, family, and even paying guests through short-stay platforms.
Adelaide Fringe 2026: Running from February 14 to March 15, the festival attracts over 2 million visitors and features 8,000+ events across 700+ venues. That's a lot of potential guests looking for accommodation—and a lot of homes that need to be guest-ready!
🎭 Why "Fringe-Ready" Matters
Whether you're welcoming your best mate from Melbourne or turning your spare room into an Airbnb goldmine, the state of your home sets the tone for the entire visit. A clean, welcoming space isn't just about appearances—it's about creating memorable experiences and, for hosts, earning those coveted 5-star reviews.
Hosting Friends & Family
- First impressions create lasting memories
- Clean spaces reduce hosting stress
- More time enjoying the festival together
- Healthy environment for all guests
Short-Stay & Airbnb Hosts
- 5-star reviews boost bookings
- Premium pricing during peak festival
- Repeat guests and referrals
- Protect your property investment
Adelaide's Fringe Hotspots
If your home is near these popular Fringe venues, demand for accommodation will be high:
Rundle Park / East End
Rymill Park
Victoria Square
⚡ Priority Quick-Clean Areas
Short on time? Focus on these high-impact areas that guests notice most. A strategic 2-hour blitz on these zones can transform your home from "lived-in" to "guest-ready."
Entryway
15 mins
- Sweep/mop floor
- Clear clutter
- Fresh welcome mat
- Add fresh flowers
Main Bathroom
30 mins
- Deep clean toilet
- Scrub shower/tub
- Polish mirrors
- Fresh towels
Guest Bedroom
25 mins
- Fresh linens
- Dust surfaces
- Clear closet space
- Bedside essentials
Kitchen
30 mins
- Clean benchtops
- Empty fridge
- Wash dishes
- Stock basics
Pro Tip: The 5-Senses Check
Before guests arrive, do a quick walk-through checking all five senses:
Tidy, no clutter
Fresh, not perfumed
Clean surfaces
Quiet appliances
Comfortable temp
🛏️ Guest Room Preparation
Your guest room is where visitors will start and end each festival-filled day. Creating a hotel-quality experience doesn't require a renovation—just attention to detail and a thorough clean.
The Deep Clean Checklist
- Wash all bedding including mattress protector
- Flip and vacuum the mattress
- Dust all surfaces including ceiling fan
- Vacuum under the bed and furniture
- Clean windows inside and out
- Wipe down wardrobe shelves and hangers
- Clean light fixtures and replace dim bulbs
Thoughtful Touches
- Fresh flowers or a small plant
- Bedside water carafe and glass
- Phone charger (multiple types)
- Fringe program or local guide
- Extra blanket for cool nights
- Reading lamp with good lighting
- Empty drawers and wardrobe space
The Hotel Bed Secret
Want that crisp hotel look? Here's the professional method:
- Start with a clean mattress protector
- Use a fitted sheet one size up for a smoother fit
- Lay flat sheet upside down (pattern faces down)
- Hospital corners for a tight tuck
- Add a lightweight blanket, then duvet
- Fold top sheet over duvet edge
- Fluff pillows and stack (larger at back)
- Add decorative cushions last
🚿 Bathroom Brilliance
The bathroom is make-or-break for guest impressions. A sparkling bathroom signals care and attention to detail—exactly what guests want after a long night at Fringe shows.
Deep Clean Protocol
Toilet & Surrounds
- ✓ Clean inside bowl thoroughly
- ✓ Wipe base and behind
- ✓ Sanitise seat and lid
- ✓ Clean flush handle
- ✓ Mop floor around base
Shower & Bath
- ✓ Scrub tiles and grout
- ✓ Clean glass (or replace curtain)
- ✓ Descale showerhead
- ✓ Clear drain of hair
- ✓ Wipe all fixtures
Vanity & Mirrors
- ✓ Clean sink and taps
- ✓ Polish mirror streak-free
- ✓ Wipe benchtop
- ✓ Clean inside drawers
- ✓ Organise toiletries
Guest Bathroom Essentials
- ✓ Fresh towels (2 per guest)
- ✓ Hand towel
- ✓ Bath mat
- ✓ Toilet paper (extra roll visible)
- ✓ Hand soap
- ✓ Shampoo & conditioner
- ✓ Body wash
- ✓ Tissues
- ✓ Small bin with liner
- ✓ Air freshener (subtle)
Adelaide Summer Tip
February in Adelaide can mean hot, sweaty festival-goers. Consider adding:
- ✓ Cooling face mist
- ✓ Aloe vera gel (for sunburn)
- ✓ Extra towels for beach/pool trips
- ✓ Insect repellent
- ✓ After-sun lotion
🍳 Kitchen Guest-Ready
Whether your guests will be cooking full meals or just grabbing breakfast before heading to shows, a clean, well-stocked kitchen enhances their stay immeasurably.
Kitchen Deep Clean Priorities
Appliances:
- ✓ Clean inside fridge—remove old items
- ✓ Wipe down oven interior
- ✓ Clean microwave inside and out
- ✓ Descale kettle
- ✓ Clean coffee machine
- ✓ Wipe small appliances
Surfaces & Storage:
- ✓ Sanitise all benchtops
- ✓ Clean sink and taps
- ✓ Wipe cupboard fronts
- ✓ Organize pantry
- ✓ Clean rangehood filters
- ✓ Mop floor thoroughly
Stock These Basics
A thoughtful welcome basket or stocked pantry makes guests feel at home:
Breakfast Basics
- • Coffee & tea
- • Milk
- • Bread
- • Butter & spreads
- • Cereal
Essentials
- • Salt & pepper
- • Cooking oil
- • Sugar
- • Dish soap
- • Paper towels
Adelaide Touches
- • Local wine
- • Haigh's chocolates
- • Farmers market fruit
- • Local honey
- • SA olive oil
🎉 Living Spaces & Entertainment Areas
After a big night at the Fringe, guests want a comfortable space to relax, share stories, and maybe host a few friends. Your living areas should be clean, welcoming, and ready for impromptu gatherings.
Living Room Refresh
- ✓ Vacuum sofas and cushions
- ✓ Wash throw blankets and cushion covers
- ✓ Dust all surfaces and electronics
- ✓ Clean TV screen and remotes
- ✓ Vacuum/mop floors including under furniture
- ✓ Clean windows for natural light
- ✓ Organize books and magazines
Entertainment Ready
- ✓ Stock bar cart or drinks area
- ✓ Clean and set up outdoor furniture
- ✓ Test sound system and streaming
- ✓ Have board games accessible
- ✓ Set up phone charging station
- ✓ Prepare extra seating options
- ✓ Clean BBQ if outdoor hosting
Create a Fringe Corner
Enhance the festival atmosphere with a dedicated Fringe information spot:
Official program book
Mark your favourites
Restaurant recommendations
Bus/tram routes
🏠 For Airbnb & Short-Stay Hosts
Fringe Festival is peak season for Adelaide short-stay rentals. With guests potentially turning over every few days, you need a systematic approach to maintain standards and earn those crucial 5-star reviews.
The Turnaround Cleaning Checklist
Between guests, complete this checklist in 2-3 hours:
Bedroom (45 mins)
- □ Strip and remake bed with fresh linens
- □ Dust all surfaces
- □ Empty and wipe wardrobes
- □ Check under bed
- □ Vacuum floor
- □ Restock bedside supplies
Bathroom (30 mins)
- □ Scrub and sanitise toilet
- □ Clean shower/bath thoroughly
- □ Polish mirrors and taps
- □ Replace all towels
- □ Restock toiletries
- □ Mop floor
Kitchen (30 mins)
- □ Wash and put away all dishes
- □ Clean all appliances
- □ Wipe benchtops and splashback
- □ Empty fridge of perishables
- □ Restock essentials
- □ Take out rubbish
General (30 mins)
- □ Vacuum all floors
- □ Mop hard floors
- □ Wipe high-touch surfaces
- □ Check all lights work
- □ Test WiFi and TV
- □ Final walk-through
Review-Winning Tips
- Leave a handwritten welcome note
- Include local Fringe recommendations
- Provide a "house guide" for appliances
- Offer early check-in when possible
- Respond quickly to messages
Fringe Season Pricing
Maximize your Fringe earnings with strategic pricing:
- • Opening Weekend: Premium pricing (up to 2x)
- • March Long Weekend: High demand dates
- • Final Weekend: Last-minute bookers pay more
- • Midweek: Slightly lower for longer stays
- • Minimum stays: Consider 2-3 night minimums
✨ Maintaining the Sparkle During Festival Chaos
The deep clean is done, guests have arrived—now how do you keep things tidy when everyone's coming and going at all hours? Here's your daily maintenance plan.
The 15-Minute Daily Tidy
Each morning, spend just 15 minutes on these tasks to maintain your Fringe-ready home:
Morning (5 mins)
- • Quick bathroom wipe
- • Refresh hand towels
- • Empty dishwasher
Afternoon (5 mins)
- • Tidy living areas
- • Fluff cushions
- • Take out rubbish
Evening (5 mins)
- • Kitchen bench wipe
- • Load dishwasher
- • Quick floor sweep
Handling Festival Messes
- Glitter: Use tape to pick up, then vacuum
- Red Wine: Blot (don't rub), salt, then wash
- Makeup Stains: Dish soap and cold water
- Muddy Shoes: Let dry, then vacuum
- Food Spills: Act fast, enzymatic cleaner
Keep Supplies Handy
Stock a "Fringe Survival Kit" in accessible spots:
- ✓ Stain remover spray
- ✓ Microfibre cloths
- ✓ Disinfectant wipes
- ✓ Air freshener
- ✓ Paper towels
- ✓ Vacuum accessible
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I clean before Fringe guests arrive?
Ideally, complete a deep clean 2-3 days before guests arrive. This allows time for any last-minute touch-ups and for fresh scents to settle (not overwhelm). Focus on guest areas first, then common spaces. A quick refresh the morning of arrival ensures everything looks fresh.
What are the most important areas to clean for Airbnb guests during Fringe?
Priority areas in order: 1) Bathroom (spotless is non-negotiable), 2) Bedroom (fresh linens, dust-free surfaces), 3) Kitchen (clean appliances, empty fridge), and 4) Entry points (first impressions matter). High-touch surfaces like door handles and light switches should always be sanitised.
How do I maintain cleanliness during a busy Fringe hosting period?
Implement a daily 15-minute maintenance routine: wipe bathroom surfaces, refresh towels, tidy common areas, empty bins, and do a quick vacuum of high-traffic zones. Keep cleaning supplies in each bathroom for quick touch-ups between the deep cleans.
Should I hire professional cleaners during Fringe Festival?
For Airbnb hosts with back-to-back bookings, professional turnaround cleaning is highly recommended—it ensures consistent standards and saves you time. For hosting friends and family, a pre-arrival deep clean from professionals lets you focus on enjoying the festival together.
What Adelaide-specific cleaning challenges should I prepare for during Fringe?
February in Adelaide means heat, dust, and late-night returns. Prepare for: extra dust from open windows, sunscreen residue on fabrics, higher laundry loads from sweaty clothes, and potential glitter/face paint from shows. Keep extra towels and stain remover handy.
Ready to Get Fringe-Ready?
Let MyHomeCleaning handle your pre-festival deep clean or between-guest turnovers. Our professional team will have your Adelaide home sparkling and guest-ready, so you can focus on enjoying the world's greatest arts festival.
