How often do you replace pillows and sheets?

Paula
Community Manager
Community Manager
Port Moody, Canada

How often do you replace pillows and sheets?

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Hello, everyone 👋

 

A single night of good sleep can greatly influence our guests' overall stay. Regardless of hosting short-term or long-term, it's crucial to regularly assess the condition of the pillows and sheets. Some Hosts in our community have mentioned that they personally stay in their listings every few months to evaluate the quality of amenities, including bedding.

 

I would like to ask our amazing Hosts: What strategy do you follow to check if you need to replace your sheets and pillows? How frequently do you do so?

 

Let's exchange our insights in this thread to help other Hosts adopt effective practices.

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Please follow the Community Guidelines // Por favor consulta las Normas de la comunidad

27 Replies 27
Andora21
Level 2
Columbus, OH

We replay sheets when we visually see any signs of wear and tear — stains, any fraying or if the sheet becomes thin. Same with pillows. If they are stained and look worn, we replace. 

John5097
Level 10
Charleston, SC

@Paula 

Sheets usually get stained before they get replaced. Every six months all the sheets and towels get rotated out. I keep two sets of everything in rotation so they get laundered between stays. I also change out and wash the mattress and pillow protectors between each stay. I keep two mattress protectors on the mattress, one is an encasement that zips up, and the other is one that's fitted with a padded topper. Pillow protectors are also water proof. I do this more for guest as nothing can get through them. 

I usually change out linens to keep them looking new and super fresh but sometimes new ones get ruined so keep backups. If it has even a tiny stain it gets retired, but I can usually get them out. I always have a few extra pillow cases during turnover because may only notice a stain when ironing.

 

The bedspreads and blankets also get changed out and washed between each stay. 

 

We change them as soon as there’s any discoloration, stains, or damage. 

Corina-Eunice0
Level 2
Bacalar, Mexico

Este es mi quinto mes con mi propio Airbnb concuerdo con todos en qué las sábanas y toallas se manchan antes de presentar desgaste y he tenido que comprar nuevas, sin embargo las de colores vivos son las que han aguantado mejor las lavadas.

 

Y el hecho de que mi esposo y yo de vez en cuando hayamos dormido en nuestro Airbnb creo que ha sido fundamental, para ver la comodidad del colchón, la base de la cama, las almohadas que se pueden ver muy bien pero hay unas sumamente incómodas, lo mismo que la tela de las sábanas, todos esos detalles realmente hacen la diferencia, experimentar tu espacio con ojos de huésped hace que te esfuerces en mejorarlo😉

 

Por ejemplo hace un mes tenía unas cortinas de color beige muy lindas a la vista pero nos dimos cuenta de que daban la sensación de estar muy a la vista de los vecinos, sino duermes ahí no notarás el polvo en los ventiladores, los detalles de pintura que van siendo necesarios, esos detalles es muy raro que los managers los noten, pero el huésped de dos noches ya los nota, tenlo por seguro.

 

Lori3487
Level 2
Littleton, CO

Hi, I’ve been assisting with a STR for roughly 18 months. Our cleaners will inform us of spots, stains, items broken, etc. I know it’s an extra step but we check after the cleaners as well to  put our personal touches in the Airbnb for that unique experience. 
We use protectors for the mattresses 
and pillows to prolong the use of the items. Along with sanitation and general cleaning after guests, you can see the condition of your sheets and pillowsFrom there you figure wear and tear of your items, and replace them as needed. Remember quality over quantity. When in doubt replace pillows and sheets.
I agree, it helps to stay at your Airbnb and get a birds-eye view of not only the bed/bedding/sheets, but to see what you can add and/or takeaway from your place.

Anoop16
Level 7
Bhopal, India

Usually 2 sets of linen and bath towels are kept in the room in case the guests feel change is required. However, the guests who are staying a bit longer period, they are asked if the ones being used need replacement / wash or not. Based on guest requirement this is being done. But in any case before arrival of new guests, the same are being replaced. Hygiene has to be priority. 

We change sheets, pillow cases or anything based on visible wear and tear.  Sheets are stained occasionally and are immediately removed from stock.  We want everything to be pleasing to the eye.

 

Fausto105
Level 2
Merida, Mexico

En mi casa he decidido, una vez a la semana cambiar todo el juego de toallas de baño, y ropa de cama en las estancias que duran más de una semana.

Bedding is checked at guest departure by housekeeping where decision is made next step..to wash, trash, or the the expert stain remover..  IN terms of how frequently we replace…we find that..we are constantly ordering bedding/bath… due to:

 

8/10 guests stain bedding, . 60% stains come out. 

1/10 guests bedding goes directly into the trash can. 

1/10 guests..no stains. 

 

We dry clean the pillows and duvet every 6 weeks, either at cleaner or with  “home dry clean kit”.

 

Usually replace pillows mid season, as they seem to get flat…even the $$$ ones. 

 

The frequency of replacing pillows and sheets depends on several factors, including personal preference, usage, and the quality of the bedding. Here are some general guidelines:

  1. Pillows:

    • Every 1-2 years: Over time, pillows can accumulate dust mites, and allergens, and lose their original shape and support. If you have allergies or respiratory issues, you might consider replacing them more frequently.
    • Every 6 months to 1 year for allergy sufferers: If you suffer from allergies, it's advisable to replace pillows more often to maintain a healthier sleep environment.
  2. Sheets:

    • Every 1-2 years: Similar to pillows, sheets can wear out over time due to regular use, washing, and exposure to body oils and sweat.
    • More frequently for hygiene reasons: If you prefer a higher level of hygiene or if you have specific skin conditions, you may choose to replace sheets more often.

It's important to note that high-quality pillows and sheets may have a longer lifespan than lower-quality ones. Additionally, following care instructions such as washing and maintaining proper hygiene practices can extend the life of your bedding. Ultimately, personal comfort and cleanliness preferences play a significant role in determining when to replace pillows and sheets.

I'm going to modify my comment after checking with my wife. We can use some sheets and pillowcases a year if they are of higher quality (Thread Count, etc.). Others can last a month or, in rare cases, less if they are stained and it won't come out with bleach. Replacement is tour biggest maintenance cost, including the laundry. 

What brand pillows do you use? I have used many different brands and haven't found any that last more than 6 mo. Even expensive ones.

cleaning process of pillows every 4 days and /or every guest's leave.   new pillows shall be replaced every 6 months 

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