How do you reconcile a 4.94 rating with the dirtiest Airbnb you’ve ever stayed in?

I have been an Airbnb Superhost for four years. We maintain a 4.93 rating, 148 reviews, a “Guest Favorite.” I clean our Airbnb myself. I’m currently staying in an Airbnb with a 4.94 rating, 33 reviews, also a “Guest Favorite.” It is the dirtiest Airbnb/rental that I’ve ever stayed in. I've been an Airbnb user for nine years, usually renting two to four times annually. I am flabbergasted that *recent* reviews indicate “super clean space”; “beautiful and clean”; and “clean and comfortable” when it’s very apparent that the space hasn’t been deep cleaned in many months, if ever (and *just barely* surface cleaned). Dust and hair in every corner; grease on items throughout the kitchen; crumbs/dirt/grime in drawers and cabinets in the kitchen and on each of the kitchen chairs; spills in the fridge; rust in the teapot; makeup stains on linens; lint in the dryer; dirt in the shower/tub; dirty windows and mirrors… it goes on. I have been taking photos for reference. When I clean our Airbnb, I wipe down walls, baseboard, trim, window sills, etc. I pull out kitchen items from drawers and cabinets to vacuum and clean, and put pots/pans/tools through the dishwasher. I don’t do these things *every* clean but frequently. I wouldn't say I'm a "clean freak" as my own home is FAR from spotless... but my Airbnb is, and when I drop $2600 for a week, I expect my rental to be clean, too. I feel like when I mention these things to the host, she will be shocked since apparently other guests have not said anything/the reviews are fine/complimentary. If the reviews were actually accurate, I would not have booked. I’m not looking for a discount, nor do I want a cleaning during our current stay… but I do feel that I need to say something so that if she is paying a cleaner, she knows they are not doing their job. It’s also possible that she is “the cleaner” in which case, my husband feels like I will be insulting her. As a fellow Airbnb host, how would you approach this? Thoughts/suggestions/commiseration are appreciated! --- **Post Details:** - **Subreddit:** r/airbnb_hosts - **Author:** u/LadyAllBiz - **Score:** 221 upvotes - **Upvote Ratio:** 92.0% - **Comments:** 168 - **Posted:** 7/7/2025 - **URL:** https://reddit.com/r/airbnb_hosts/comments/1ltv5nd/how_do_you_reconcile_a_494_rating_with_the/