Laundry machine use, over use

[Diane1771]

Does anyone have ideas on a friendly and professional way to address those who obviously only book my little studio to run their laundry 24/7? I like to stay modestly priced but some people abuse the availability or wash their mud soaked and leafy camping gear and leave my family washer and dryer so gross. Also turn on dryer and leave, it’s a fire concern. Thank you! 
Diane

[Nandini11 · Accepted solution]

Hi @Diane1771 ,

That’s a tough situation, but a very real one!

A friendly and professional way to handle this is to set clear expectations upfront rather than addressing it only after it happens.

You can add a simple house rule like:

“Laundry facilities are available for light personal use only. Please avoid washing heavily soiled items (e.g., mud-covered gear), and do not leave machines running unattended for safety reasons.”

You could also mention that excessive use may incur an additional charge—this often discourages misuse without sounding harsh.

Another helpful step is to gently remind guests at check-in with a casual tone like:
“Feel free to use the laundry for regular clothes, just a small request to avoid heavy or outdoor gear and not leave machines running unattended.”

This keeps it polite but sets a boundary.

If the issue continues, you might consider limiting access (like specific hours or on-request use), which still keeps your listing attractive but protects your appliances.

I feel Clear communication would be much helpful to keep it safe…..

Update me what works best for you! 

[Diane1771]

@Nandini11 Thank you, this is a great way to phrase things and definitely plan to put something in listing. It’s only maybe 10% of guests that ever do any laundry but when they do it’s a pattern of multiple loads. I’ll try your suggestion. Thanks again! 🙂

[Marie8425]

@Diane1771 

Looking at your reveiews Guests are only booking 2 or 3 days I think you have gotten positioned as a rental to do laundry.  Average Guests don't pay for accomodations away from home to do laundry.  

Looking at other Lake Oswego listings you are v ery discount in your pricing but they are regulart doin 7 - 10 days stays with an occasional few day stays.

[Diane1771]

Only about 10% of guests are doing laundry but when they do it’s sometimes overuse and also a fire risk. I added some suggestions about “light personal use” to my listing House Rules and a nearby laundromat address and hours and anticipate it will help. I’m hopeful it’s just a few that are on extended trips doing this.

[Lorna170]

@Diane1771  I would suggest a laminated sign on the door/lid of the washer that lists the nearest commercial laundromat AND states very clearly that your washer is for undergarments and personal items.  

I am in a popular hiking area that hosts marathons and other outdoor sports -- A large tub (collapsible pet bathtub) for guests who have outdoor gear that needs to be washed/rinsed is worth every penny (and keeps pets out of the hot tub too!)

[Diane1771]

Thank you 🙏🏼 @Lorna170 I love the idea of a collapsible wash bin for their outdoor gear. There is even a water spigot on their private porch and maybe I can tuck a drying rack in the closet.  I’m also going to add a laminated post by the machines with the nearby laundromat and hours, great idea. I love this community of experienced hosts as someone new, thank you again!