I have a question

[Bernadette466]

So I am newer host about 11 months in, I have only had one cleaner so far who I had to switch out because they kept leaving trash under the beds or behind the dressers. The new cleaner I found seemed great, but come to find out that after a second inspection I found a stain on one of the duvets. I questioned it she stated that they do not wash them unless they see noticeable stains, hairs or something of that sort. My last cleaner washed everything is that typical? To me it seems unsanitary she wanted to up charge me $50 dollars per bed because it would be an extra load for a duvet cover..... A DUVET COVER ..... I have a 5 bedroom home with 9 beds. Your help is appreciated. 

[Shelley159]

Hi @Bernadette466 

Duvet inners don't have to be washed at every changeover, but I agree with you that duvet covers do.

I think maybe a 5-bedroom house can be a big job for just one person? If there's time pressure too, it's not impossible that some things will be missed.

[Mary1523]

It's your choice what you wish to have cleaned. Changing duvet covers for every booking is time intensive, especially if you don't have extras and they have to be washed and dried first. To get them professionally laundered at the laundromat - even the covers, is way more expensive than a set of sheets.

Honestly for our 5 bed home, we do not wash duvet covers every booking. Although we have top and bottom sheets on the bed which rely upon the guests to use. If it looks they haven't, then we'll go and wash the duvet covers. Or if they do have stains absolutely they get swapped out and washed. We will cycle through a clean of them on a regular basis, depending upon the number of bookings. 

Regs

MK

[Karen114]

@Bernadette466  Finding the right housekeeping set up is a challenge for sure.  In the 14 years I have been doing this, I can't even count how many I have had.  

Just my 2 cent's, for a home of your size with 5 bedrooms and 9 beds, that seems like a lot for one cleaner.  I am assuming that you are leaving a day between bookings. 

As someone that owned a residential house cleaning company for 17 years, I understand the challenges cleaners face especially cleaning solo in a large home.  Because of this understanding of how it all works, I have used solo cleaners as well as teams.  Both have their pros and cons.  I use a company now that works in teams and I am comfortable with that. 

The Duvet...😑  This was always a bone of contention for my cleaners and I think they would call in sick when they had homes that used Duvets.  They are very challenging for 1 person to change out.  There are some handy hacks on Youtube but it's still a challenge. 

I have switched from Duvets, quilts and bedspreads in my units and gone to triple sheeting with a bed scarf at the foot of the bed.  This is what hotels do and it's a quick turnaround for the cleaners and very crisp and clean looking.  Some hosts won't agree with this if they themselves are turbulent sleepers. 

The triple sheeting will preserve the comforter of blanket between the two flat sheets so they don't always have to be washed. The flat sheets and fitted sheets wash and dry quickly.   

I had so many quests sleeping on the bedspreads or comforters, using the decorative sham pillows to sleep on, it was weird lol.  Things seem to be going well with the triple sheeting and the cleaners I use like it too.  

Here's a link at to how it's done https://youtu.be/9FkuTAY77FQ?si=gulZ4aWeOJkDNqcQ 

[Emilie]

Hi @Bernadette466, 

You are approaching your one year hosting anniversary, how exciting! 😃

Shelley, Mary and Karen have all shared their perspective on the matter, did you get a chance to read through them?  

You might find discussion interesting as well, for even more insights:

💡How do you handle the cleaning and management of bed linens and sheets?

💡Bedding blankets

I hope this helps!

Emilie

[Frank2147]

Hello
 your question is nice I will answer you

[Emilie]

Hi @Frank2147, 

It's great to see you'd like to share your advice with Bernadette as well! What would be your suggestions in this case?

Your perspective might help not only Bernadette, but other hosts coming across this conversation in the future, so thank you very much for helping out. 🙂

Emilie 

[Alicia753]

Hi @Bernadette466,

It's important to maintain high standards for cleanliness in your Airbnb, especially to ensure guest satisfaction and maintain positive reviews. Washing all bedding, including duvet covers, after each guest is not just a preference but an expectation for many guests. It ensures hygiene and a fresh experience, which is vital in hospitality.

If your cleaner considers this an extra service and charges additional fees, you might want to evaluate whether their pricing aligns with your budget and expectations. Some cleaners do not include washing all bedding in their standard rate, but it's reasonable to expect it for a property with multiple beds. Open communication is key—clearly outline your expectations for cleaning and ensure these are agreed upon in advance.

If this cleaner is unwilling or unable to meet your standards, it might be worth looking for another who will, as the long-term impact of cleanliness on guest satisfaction is far greater than the short-term cost adjustments.

I hope this helps.

All the best,

Upfish Management

[Frances3408]

@Bernadette466. Hi Bernadette. Congratulations on your high ratings, especially cleanliness.

I assume given the size of your place its a team of cleaners you employ, not one person? With thoughtful guests I would say that a duvet cover may not need to be washed every time  (after careful inspection) if you have a top and bottom sheet that guests use, as @Mary1523 mentions.

But you have all white duvet covers so thats going to be hard to leave on between guests as it shows everything. Your cleaning pricing needs to factor this in.

Do what works for you, your home AND your cleaning team.

[Mary1523]

Thats a good point re white doona covers. I actually swapped out to all dark, small pattern doona covers! Because you can't see the dirt nor creases so much! Nothing with straight lines as that shows up creases and obvious when its not straight. So go for busy small patterns.

I was constantly washing the white doona cover i had in one of the bedrooms regardless of the top and bottom sheet. So if you want white, then you have to factor that in.

Honestly had no complaints about not having white quilt covers after 9 years of hosting!

All the best

Regs

MK