Cleaning and fresh linen costs

[Karen4003]

Hello, we are new hosts with a 2 bedroom flat in Stratford London, we are trying to figure out a solution for cleaning and washing/changing of linen.  The prices we're being quoted from laundry services are very high, looking at around £20 per bed either for them to supply fresh linen or for us to take it to a local launderette.  In total the cleaning costs will be upwards of £70 which eats massively in to our profit when we're charging £100 - £120 per night.  Doing it ourselves isn't an option as we live far away.  Does anyone have any suggestions for how they've managed to keep the costs down?  Thanks 

[Helen3]

That's not expensive it's pretty standard. You can do the washing for laundry yourself if you want to save money. @Karen4003 

if you look at the listing set up you can add your cleaning costs  as a separate item. Most hosts bundle up the laundry costs with cleaning costs 

[Lorraine442]

Hi @Karen4003 , Congratulations on becoming a new Airbnb host!  I see three  options as possibilities to your cleaning rate concerns. 

1). Reach out to local hosts in London to see what they are charging and what do they do about cleaning sheets/towels. 

2). Raise your rates to meet the demand of the prices charged for cleaning. 

3). Enlist one or two private persons willing to clean AND take laundry to their home to clean and bring back during the next guests stay.  Supply their cleaning supplies. Doing this will probably be cheaper, and cut out the  middle man of a laundry service. It will require an investment in extra towels and sheets at the flat but if you put an ad in your area, with references, you may find a good solution. Also ask around your circle of friends. 

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Karen4003 Just bear in mind that asking other hosts what they charge is technically illegal in the UK. Its also a bit unnecessary as you can look at their listings.

[Leif43]

Hi @Karen4003 , we can have up to 5 guests. 

We only get 4o pounds per nite. 

So we only supply 2 sets and offer more sets for 4 pounds each

We do not accept shorter wisits than 3 days. 1 or 2 is too much to do for little income. 

[Lera27]

Hello  @Karen4003 , 

 Welcome to hosting! Managing cleaning and linen costs is a common concern for hosts. I would suggest staying on top of regular cleaning after each guest, doing the cleaning yourself instead of hiring a professional cleaner. Also, try purchasing cleaning supplies in bulk and energy-efficient appliances to cut down costs on utilities.  Hope these tips help.

Lera

[Lyndell4]

Hello @Karen4003 !  We have been hosting now for just over a year.  We do not live in the same city as our AirBnB, so we do have it professionally cleaned about every other time.  I do the cleaning the other times to keep costs down.  Hope this helps!