> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.betweenguests.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Urgent Cleans

> Flag time-sensitive cleanings and set escalation alerts.

Sometimes a cleaning can't wait — a same-day checkout, a last-minute booking, or a guest complaint. Marking a cleaning as **urgent** ensures your cleaners see it immediately and you're alerted if nobody picks it up.

## Creating an urgent cleaning

When creating a new cleaning, toggle **Urgent** on. You'll see an additional field:

| Field                 | Description                                                                       |
| --------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Escalation window** | How long to wait (15 minutes to 24 hours) before escalating if no cleaner accepts |

Click **Save** to post the cleaning. It will appear at the top of your cleaners' job feed with an urgent badge.

## What cleaners see

Urgent cleanings are visually distinct in the job feed:

* An **urgent badge** is displayed on the job card
* The escalation countdown is visible so cleaners know the time pressure
* Urgent jobs appear above non-urgent opportunities

## Escalation

If no cleaner accepts the job within your escalation window, you'll receive an escalation notification (via your preferred channel — email and/or SMS). At that point you can:

* Wait for a cleaner to accept (the job remains in the feed)
* Cancel and reschedule
* Handle the cleaning yourself using [Owner Cleans First](/owners/owner-cleans-first) if enabled

## Default escalation settings

You can set a default escalation window so you don't have to configure it every time:

1. Go to **Settings → Notifications**
2. Find **Default escalation minutes**
3. Set your preferred default

This value pre-fills the escalation window when you create a new urgent cleaning. You can still override it per cleaning.

<Tip>
  For same-day cleanings, set a short escalation window (30–60 minutes). For next-day urgent jobs, a longer window (2–4 hours) gives cleaners more time to respond.
</Tip>