Changing of linen when a guest messes

[Audrey1278]

Hi All 

I am a new host and had a situation where my guests child had messed the bed and they needed the bedding changed. I'm not sure how best to handle this. any tips?

Do I charge the guest a cleaning fee for changing the bedding? Or do I leave extra bedding for cases like this? 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Audrey1278 I would charge nothing and you will make a friend for life. We always let small things to generate goodwill.

[Patricia2526]

Hi @Audrey1278 

I wouldn’t charge any cleaning fees just give them some extra sheets and maybe leave a few more handy in case they need them. Little gestures like that really go a long way, and guests always appreciate the thoughtfulness!

[Guy991]

Hello @Audrey1278 ,

I agree with my fellow hosts here. I also would not charge for it, but I would like to suggest how to handle it.

I do not recommend stepping into the apartment to make the change yourself. The best approach is to coordinate with the guests about when they will be there and let them know that you will bring a new set. But do not enter the space.

If it were a private house, I would suggest leaving it outside in a bag, but since it seems to be an apartment in a building, I would just bring it to the door. Let them know clearly that you will not enter the space, even if they are inside.

[Lorna170]

@Audrey1278   Whenever I know a child is going to be visiting, I put an extra waterproof sheet under the waterproof mattress pad of the second bedroom where I expect the child will sleep.  If it is an infant who may be co-sleeping with the parents, an extra pad goes on all of the beds.  I have 2 queen size beds in the cabin property.

I also leave a full change for one bed in a storage bag in the bedroom closet.  This bag has a thin waterproof mattress pad, a set of basic white cotton sheets, pillowcases, a duvet and duvet cover as well as a large linen laundry bag.  This allows a guest to change the bedding in an "emergency".

They can choose to use the washer and dryer in the cabin, or they can bag the soiled bedding for me/housekeeping to pick up and wash.  When I or housekeeping see that the emergency set has been used, all of the linens are examined thoroughly and treated as needed.  

Do not enter the property to exchange linens unless the guest is present.  

If your guest appears to be "helpless" and unable to remake a bed that they soiled, only then would I offer to assist.  

Do not expect to be paid for extra cleaning/linen exchange unless you have stated it in your listing description somewhere.