Beds that have not been slept in.

[Michelle3725]

Do you wash sheets and bedding if the bed was not used?  Or freshen them up in another way?

[Bronwyn100]

I don't make the bed up until it is booked so the sheets smell fresh.

[Michelle3725]

Thank you, in this case only one bed was slept in at the last booking.  

[Gifty5]

@Michelle3725 - If the bed was not used by a guest, it's generally not necessary to wash the sheets and bedding. However, it's a good practice to freshen them up to ensure a clean and welcoming environment for future guests. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Check for Stains or Visible Dirt: Inspect the sheets and bedding for any stains or visible dirt. If you find any, spot clean or treat the affected areas as needed.
2. Shake Out and Air: Remove the sheets and bedding from the bed and give them a good shake to remove dust and debris. Hang them outside or in a well-ventilated area for a few hours to air out. This can help eliminate any musty odors.
3. Vacuum or Lint Roll: Use a vacuum cleaner with an upholstery attachment to gently vacuum the sheets, especially if they are textured or have pet hair on them. Alternatively, you can use a lint roller to remove any lint or pet hair.
4. Refresh with Fabric Spray: Lightly spray the sheets and bedding with a fabric freshener or linen spray. This can help eliminate any lingering odors and give them a fresh scent.
5. Fold and Store: Once the sheets and bedding are refreshed, fold them neatly and store them in a clean, dry place. Make sure they are protected from dust and moisture.
6. Regularly Rotate: If you have multiple sets of sheets and bedding, it's a good idea to rotate them periodically to ensure they stay fresh. 

Hope this helps!

[Kia272]

@Gifty5  Whaaaattttt??? If I'm going to go through all that, I'd just throw them in the washer again. Why would you unmake the bed, hang the sheets outside, vacuum the sheets (?????), lint roll the sheets???? 

Fabric spray is horrible advice. Not everybody likes the smell of "fresh scent", and it makes people think the sheets are NOT clean and that they've been sprayed with fabric spray. 

If the sheets have a musty odor- wash them

If the sheets have pet hair on them- wash them

Are you copying and pasting some of this from Good Housekeeping or something? It sure seems like it. Anyway, it's not advice that I would use. 

[Gifty5]

@Kia272 

I believe you enjoy going through my comments to respond negatively. This is the second time you've provided a negative response to my comment. Even if I were to copy and paste housekeeping rules, I think the hosts are seeking multiple responses to assist them with their hosting. Since you seem to have all the answers, why not keep your ideas to yourself to prevent any further comments or please refrain from responding to my comments? Thank you!

[Kia272]

@Gifty5 It's simply very poor advice, and I'm entitled to my opinion. As you said, hosts are seeking multiple responses, so I am simply sharing mine, and also trying to help other hosts by pointing out that it's.....bad advice. 

BTW, in a public forum, you don't get to pick who gets to respond. 

If you post good advice, I won't provide a "negative" comment. I believe that you meant to use the word critical. 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Kia272 @Helen744 @Gifty5, Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and ideas in this thread and I truly appreciate it.

I noticed that the conversation has drifted from the original topic started by the Host and is becoming a bit personal. As this is a global forum, we always look forward to hearing different perspectives as shared by our members as per their experience and expertise. But it is also important to remember that we remain respectful and kind, despite differing opinions and ensure we create a supportive environment for other Hosts as per our Community Center Guidelines. 

[Gwen386]

@Gifty5 Sorry, but your advice is not in line with good housekeeping for a clean and sanitized rental. In my rental, I have two beds and I don’t care whether the daybed has been used or not, I want to know for myself that each guest gets the cleanest rental that they paid for. 

[Gwen386]

@Kia272 You took the words right out of my mouth. It’s no way “in you know what” I’m doing all that!!

@Michelle3725 Absolutely, unequivocally rewash everything. You can’t judge a bed by it’s cover. Just because it looks clean and made-up, doesn’t make it so. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Michelle3725 @Kia272 @Gifty5 @Bronwyn100 All responders should remember they are required (STILL) to comply with the Covid cleaning protocols. Some seem to have forgotten this which is quite understandable given that, unlike Airbnb, the world has generally moved on from Covid.

[Helen3]

Not all of us have moved on from Covid :).  I work for the NHS and the Autumn Covid booster programme  has been brought forward to roll out from next week in the light of two new Covid variants in the UK @Mike-and-Jane.

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Helen3 Indeed it is as a result of the hard work of all involved in vaccines and boosters that allows us to move on. If, however, companies like Airbnb do not recognise that vaccines have done a great job in negating the damage done by Covid then we will continue to waste money and damage the environment unnecessarily.

[Robin4]

@Michelle3725 

When I wash my bedding I do use a sanitiser and when ironing the linens I use (very sparingly) an ironing aid. This procedure gives the linens a fresh, but not overpowering smell which, if undisturbed will last for around 2 weeks. 

Some times the extra bed may be required by separate bookings twice a week......some times it won't be used for 2 weeks. I don't leave a made up bed indefinitely but I am quite often in the situation where I am not sure if the bed has been used by a particular guest or not! Some guests are very tidy and it can be almost impossible to tell if it has been used or not!

I have enough on my plate without doing work I don't have to do!

When I have prepared the extra bed, I have made up some cards (as per this pic) and I slip one of these cards in between the top and the fitted sheet.

After the guest leaves, if the bed looks like it hasn't been slept in I just check for that card......If the bed has been used the card won't be there, it will be removed, put in the bin or left on the bench.

If the bed hasn't been used the card will be exactly where I left it......Simple solution!

Cheers.........Rob.

[Mark116]

@Michelle3725 If I was 100% sure that the bed had not been slept in, e.g. everything is in the exact same location/pillow angle, etc. as when it was made I would not wash the sheets or quilt.  If there is any question, or if it appears that maybe someone didn't sleep in in the bed, but still used it, sat on it, moved pillows around, I would still wash everything.

Unlike some hosts, I do like linen spray, I use Mrs. Meyers or make my own lavender spray from essential oil and witch hazel.