Hygiene

Hygiene

Hello my name is Thelma.

Hosting  can be  beautiful, but today  was one of those hard reminder days.

I had to block off my entire day for deep cleaning after previous guests  because the whole space , bedding couches cushions  , blankets carried a very nasty strong odor , it just couldnt be solved by anything .

 I think we dont  talk enough about how  much effort goes into mantaining a clean, welcoming  airbnb for the next guest. as hosts we truly appreciate  guests who leave  spaces  with consideration and care.

fellow hosts ,how do you proffessionally handle  situations like this

4 Replies 4

Hi Thelma, First of all, sending you a huge hug. You are so right, we really don’t talk enough about the physical and emotional exhaustion that goes into days like today. Turning a space around after a situation like that is incredibly hard work, and your dedication to keeping a pristine, welcoming home for your next guests is truly admirable. It is incredibly frustrating when a guest doesn't show that basic consideration, but you handled it like a total professional by blocking out the day to protect your standards. When it comes to tackling those deep, stubborn odors professionally without losing your mind, few things that work wonders for hosts in the community: Fabric Odor Eliminators (Not Air Fresheners), Standard sprays just mask the smell for an hour. Look for commercial grade enzyme sprays or fabric refreshers specifically designed to break down odor molecules at a chemical level. Spraying down the couches, rugs, and cushions and letting them air-dry makes a massive difference.The Secret Weapon: An Ozone Machine,  If you find yourself dealing with heavy smells (like intense cooking spices, smoke, or deep damp odors) frequently, investing in a small, commercial ozone generator is a total lifesaver and if you want to save more money planting different nasa proven plants that can actually help clearing the air. You set it in the sealed room for an hour or two while the house is completely empty (no people, plants, or pets inside), and it completely sanitizes the air, leaving it smelling like a fresh thunderstorm. Washable Everything,  A great preventative trick is making sure every single fabric layer in your space can go into the washing machine. Using zippered, liquid-proof protectors under your pillowcases and mattresses keeps odors from sinking into the foam, and using washable cushion covers means you can just throw them in the laundry next time instead of scrubbing them by hand. Handling it with Support, If you had to buy extra heavy-duty cleaning supplies or hire professional carpet cleaners, make sure to take photos, keep the receipts, and document everything. You can professionally submit a reimbursement request through the platform's AirCover protection for the extra deep-cleaning costs caused by the guest. Take some time to rest tonight and treat yourself, you earned it after a grueling day! Your next guests are going to be incredibly lucky to step into a space cared for by someone like you. Hang in there!

@Thelma70  Everything that @Lazmee0  said.  I have an ozone machine in the closet of every unit for days like this.  It does make it challenging as you can't be in the room while it's running so hopefully  there is time to accomplish before the next check in.  

 

I keep textiles to a minimum, blinds vs curtains and drapes, triple sheeting beds vs comforters and quilts,  minimal throw pillows and no throw blankets. Towels that are not too fluffy so they can be washed and dried quickly.

 

It is always a bit of shock/surprise when this happens because 99% of the time all is well so just have to roll with the punches and do what you can.  I had a quest that smoked what smelled like cigars in my unit.  Even running the ozone machine for days didn't quite take care of it.  I was fortunate that I didn't have a same day check in as they likely would have left. This is also one of the reasons I am not on board with booking my calendar so full with back to back bookings.  If I have a gap between guests, so be it as it gives the unit time to breathe and also gives extra time for unknowns if need be.  

 

Best of luck on your hosting journey, it's all good for the most part 😀

Karen

Thank you so much for backing me up, @Karen114, and for sharing your incredible insights!

I love your approach to minimizing heavy textiles. Switching to triple sheeting and choosing blinds over heavy drapes is such a smart, proactive way to keep odors from trapping in the first place definitely a game-changer for fast turnovers!

And you are so right about the calendar buffer. Having that extra time for the unit to just breathe takes away so much of the stress when those unexpected situations happen. It’s wonderful advice for all of us here.

Appreciate you sharing your wisdom, Karen. Happy hosting! 🌿

Paula
Community Manager
Community Manager

Hello @Thelma70, I'm sorry to hear about this situation. However, I am very glad to see such great suggestions from other hosts.

 

Thanks so much, @Karen114 and @Lazmee0, for stepping in to help Thelma and sharing these wonderful suggestions.

 

@Thelma70, looking forward to hearing your thoughts.

-----

 

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

More tools to help you meet your goals

Resource Center

Explore guides for hospitality, managing your listing, and growing your business.