Bed Linens

[Anthony2515]

What type of bed linens have you found most durable and easy to maintain for frequent Airbnb turnovers? In terms of material, colors, e.t.c. what actually works?

 I know Hotels use all-white linens for a reason, but how do regular Airbnb hosts keep white sheets clean and restored without industrial chemicals?

[Bhumika]

These are great insights @Dore239 . Thank you for sharing!  I think many hosts would agree with your approach 💯

@Dore239 @Diana3003 Have you tried any special techniques or products for stain removal that you’d recommend to other hosts? 

[Diana3003]

@Dore239 Great idea to ask them not to strip the beds! I am also in favor of all white cotton sheets and towels, even though in one of the houses we use linen sheets with cream colored towels, it just goes with the theme.  Nothing dark though, in my view it doesn't convey clean, which is very important. 

[Eva877]

I use the same in all properties so it's easy to match together, usually a mid grey bottom sheet and some form of patterned grey duvet set.  Usually a cotton or cotton mix that dries without creases.  Hope that helps

[Bhumika]

Hi @Eva877 , that's an interesting idea to match linens across all your listings for easy maintenance. Do you usually match linen with room interiors as well in terms of colour?

[Harsh161]

I am hosting for 4 years and my experience says that go with dark colour and cotton bed linen with dark protector..

it is easy to wash 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Harsh161 , I really liked what you said about using coloured cotton bed sheets. They can be easier to maintain too!

Do you have any tips to maintain coloured linens, so that the colour lasts despite multiple washes?

[Erin7983]

Hi Anthony, it would seem everyone is in favor of colored sheets, and for good logical reasons.  However, for what it’s worth, I use all white linens because I read somewhere the guests like to be able to ‘see the clean’. You can’t hide cleanliness as well with white as you can darker colors.  Also white reminds them of a hotel. Yes I’ve had stains over the years and had to replace linens, but overall it has worked. We keep several sets of backup linens so in case there’s a bad stain there is a replacement. Also, like someone mentioned below, we ask guests to leave the linens on the bed. That way the cleaning crew can then report and provide photos of any stains or damage. I hope this insight helps. Thanks and good luck to you!

[Bhumika]

Hi @Erin7983 , your way of documenting and keeping a track of stained or damaged linens is indeed insightful. 

How do you usually deal with stains on your white sheets? Do you have any specific cleaning methods or go-to products that help keep the linens looking fresh, or do you typically just replace them if a stain doesn’t come out? Any tips would be appreciated!

[Erin7983]

As far as I know my cleaning crew uses normal laundry detergents and stain removers to treat most issues. Occasionally they’ve taken laundry off site to treat stains before, say to try soaking in a bleach solution. I’ve very seldom had to replace linens, so it seems to be working so far.  I definitely recommend having your cleaners photograph the beds when needed because Airbnb will need proof of damage to file a claim. I had to do it once. I actually sent the photo to the guest first to *politely* let them know I would be filing a claim…a friendly heads up if you will. 

[Bhumika]

Thanks for the fantastic tips @Erin7983 ! I am definitely going to try out your tip about adding baking soda and vinegar to linens 😍 

How do you coordinate with your cleaning crew to make sure they're consistently following  your preferred steps, especially when it comes to documenting and reporting any damage? Do you use any particular checklists or apps to streamline communication and ensure nothing slips through the cracks?

[Dore239]

I treat whites with a spray of oxiclean or a bit of Hydrogen Peroxide-great to remove blood. Cold or warm water if blood, not hot. Every so often I will add a little extra baking soda and vinegar to the sheets which helps to keep them bright.

[Irene1033]

!White is easy for matching when guest take pillows with the pillowcases. I’ve had this happen multiple times. I don’t know why it is , but some guests seem to think that since I keep more than two pillows on each bed, that they are extra therefore they can take them home with them! It’s not possible to buy only the pillowcases for special sets so buy sheets that are easy to match! Because guests are also very concerned and will downgrade value of stay if the pillow cases don’t match exactly!

[Bhumika]

Hi @Irene1033 , I agree, it's hard to replace special linen sets and find a matching design in case one of them is no longer usable. 

Have you considered adding a small note in your house manual to clarify which amenities are for guest use and which should remain in the property? 

[Irene1033]

Haha! I think most guests would be offended if I told them they have to leave the pillows . 

[Bhumika]

Haha, makes sense @Irene1033 🙈