How do you ask your guests to keep utensils/dishes clean?

[Nandini11]

Hi everyone,

 

I’m wondering how to handle utensils and dishes after guests has check-out!!

I’d love to hear your experiences on this.

Do you:

• Charge a cleaning fee that covers it?

• Mention it clearly in your additional house rules?

• Keep a board or small note in the kitchen reminding guests that they are responsible for cleaning up after themselves?

• Or have you found some other idea that works better?

I’d really appreciate suggestions on what has worked for you without making guests feel uncomfortable.

Thanks in advance!

[DeBron1]

@Bhumika Fortunately, I have people in my family that were custodians and needed something to do. 

    But I have, in the past went through an agency. Make sure you find an agency that all workers are bonded.

[Bhumika]

Thanks for sharing the tip @DeBron1 ! 🤗 

By the way, congratulations on your Superhost status this October! How is the Superhost season treating you? 😉

Regards,

[DeBron1]

Awesome looking forward to using my coupons.

[Emilie]

Exciting, @DeBron1!  Do you have an idea what kind of trip to use them for already?

[Bec3748]

I need to update my own rules regarding this but I'm planning on making one encompassing statement which includes the implication that tidying/cleaning the kitchen is already expected. I usually only have guests stay 1 or 2 nights as my cabin is more like a couples getaway; so I want my guests to leave the dishes they've washed to dry in the dish rack so I can check them. It helps to narrow down what they've used so I don't have to check every item in the kitchen. So far it's worked well. 

"As part of tidying & cleaning the kitchen before checkout, please leave washed items on the side of the sink to dry."

[John5097]

@Bec3748 

This is what I do, and probably my very last update to my listing. 

For check out instructions which I believe they get a message. 

"Please put used dishes in the dishwasher and put used towels anywhere in the bathroom. Guest don't need to start the dishwasher or washer dryer. Please don't put used dishes back in the cabinets after handwashing." 

I added the part about not putting dishes back in the cabinet after handwashing because they are never ever completely clean. For six years I could tell if they did this and would run them through the dishwasher, even a quick cycle does really well if they are pre washed.

99% of guest leave everything tidy but they don't prewash dishes well enough or will put dishes away not clean enough. I think upcoming guest would also appreciate this attention to detail as they don't want to trust previous guest cleaning.

The ones who are messy don't read anything anyway and it really doesn't take any extra time to clean up. It would be better to limit how many sets are available and take 5 minutes to wash them again.

Ironically I thought I cleaning would be the worst part of hosting but I enjoyed it. I think if host had clearers who are complaining all the time and expecting guest to clean everything get new cleaners, and set expectaitions that occasionally there will be a little extra cleaning.  

[Bec3748]

oh I so agree with you - I have a 4 place setting in my cabin and that is it. Very easy to run an eye over everything .... is there anything worse than pulling out a bread knife and cutting board after purchasing a fresh loaf from the local bakery where you are staying and the cutting board is dirty or smells (this exact thing happened to me).... ughhh!  Or picking out a saucepan to make scrambled eggs for breakfast and there's still food residue from the last guest.

Asking them to leave the dishes out after they clean is a way to nip that in the bud. Process process process ha ha. 

I'm with you on this too - I thought cleaning would be a drag but there's something really satisfying about cleaning and re-styling for the next guest, knowing they will walk in to a fresh, welcoming atmosphere. 

[John5097]

@Bec3748  

Exactly there are so many things host can't control but cleaning is one thing we can! I agree it's very peaceful if you have a protocol to do everything the right way and can turn on the music and sing while cleaning and not even have to think about it becomes so routine! I've had other host hand wash dishes and put them back in the cabinet, everything super clean, I couldn't even tell they used them,  but holding he dish up to the glass door could see a greasy thumb print! It's been really rewarding also because guest from all over mentioned how clean it was in almost every review. I had a great run with mine and wish you the best with yours! 

[Bhumika]

Hi @Nandini11 , thanks so much for starting this wonderful discussion! There are so many insights that hosts can use when they visit this thread. 

Have you made any changes to your own cleaning routines or house rules based on the advise from other hosts? I'd love to hear of these changes🌻

[Robert6007]

• Mention it clearly in your additional house rules.

• Keep a board or small note in the kitchen reminding guests that they are responsible for cleaning up after themselves.

Recently a guest left a review about the request to clean up dishes, this was my reply. = Thx for selecting us. Doing a quick google search and you will find that it’s very common for Airbnb hosts to request guests to wash and put away dishes. (we do have a dishwasher ). Dirty dishes left for long periods can attract insects and create odors. While we do charge a house cleaning fee, it’s only a partial charge, we don’t charge the full housing cleaning fee that we pay to our house cleaners. Thx for your understanding and leaving our unit in a tidy state, it’s very much appreciated. As owners we have to work worth our house cleaners and having them do dishes can be too much work when you have a checkin and check out on the same day.