Why I Clean My Own Hot Tub

Hey Rob Mob!

Last night, around 5 p.m., while most people were wrapping up their weekend, I was out back, scrubbing down my hot tub. I drained it, filled it back up, and finally got to learn the chemistry behind keeping it clean and ready for guests. Now, could I have hired this out? 100%. Should I have? Probably. But here’s the thing about how I run my business: I believe in learning every job that keeps my Airbnbs running before I hand it off to someone else.

There’s something too many operators miss these days. They want to skip to the part where everything runs itself—automated messages, hands-off check-ins, hired cleaners—all before they’ve learned what goes into it. Everyone wants to hit “autopilot” before they know what it’s really like to welcome a guest or clean up after one. And that, in my opinion, is the quickest way to lose money, lose guests, and lose your way.

Why I Believe In Doing It All First

Over the years, I’ve done every single job involved with running my Airbnb. I’ve checked in guests in person, cleaned every inch of my properties, and sent all my own messages. I’ve learned what guests care about, what they’ll notice, and what they’ll remember. Only then did I feel ready to outsource parts of my business—and I still get involved more often than most would think.

It’s not about being a control freak. It’s about understanding the art of hosting. Hospitality isn’t just a transaction; it’s a craft. And once you’ve felt it, once you’ve mastered it, then you’re ready to bring others in to help. But when you skip the steps, you skip the lessons—and those lessons are what separate true hospitality from just a business.

Why This Matters to You

I see a problem in the way some hosting coaches and gurus out there operate. They’ll charge you $10,000, $15,000, or more to “teach” you to host. And the advice? Hire a property manager. Imagine that: paying thousands of dollars just to be told to hand over the reins. That’s not hosting. That’s not Airbnb. That’s a shortcut that skips the heart of hospitality.

If you’re serious about hosting, my challenge to you is this: don’t hire it out just yet. Give each part of the job a fair shot. Clean a room yourself. Write your own welcome messages. Learn how the thermostat, hot tub, and coffee maker work. Understand what it’s like to manage all the details, because each one affects the guest experience—and, ultimately, your success.

For Me, It’s About Growth

Learning the ropes myself isn’t just about the day-to-day operations; it’s about growing as a host. Every time I dig into something new—like hot tub maintenance—it’s a learning experience that gives me more insights to share with you. That’s why you’re reading this right now. I want to pass on the real, unfiltered knowledge that comes from being in the trenches, making mistakes, and learning every single day.

When you truly invest in understanding the nuts and bolts of your business, it shows in the quality of your hosting. Guests feel the difference, and that’s what keeps them coming back. In a world of shortcuts, be the host who owns every part of the process. Master it, and then, when the time is right, hire it out.

So, next time you’re tempted to offload a task—ask yourself if you’ve truly learned it yet. And remember, hosting is more than a job—it’s an art that deserves your attention.

Thanks for being here with me on this journey.

If you're wanting to level up your short-term rental game, I've got a ton of free guides, free tools and even free courses over on Host Camp.

Happy hosting,
Rob

P.S. I just rewatched "The Nice Guys." Solid movie. Very funny. Peek Baby Goose (Ryan Gosling). Here's my favorite scene you can watch after you've checked out Host Camp :)

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