Laundry

[Patrice472]

Hey 

So I’m new to hosting. I have a home and guests have their own room and bathroom and we share certain spaces. I have pretty pricey smart washer and dryer. I have recently had a few issues with guests not adhering to some rules when it comes to the washer and dryer. I have it clearly stated that guest must be briefed on its use by the host before they use them. Guest just proceed to use them, putting detergent and softener in the drum when the machines self dispenses. 🫣 I have also have guests doing laundry every other day or doing 3 or more loads per day. 

I would like to update my laundry rules to the following to minimize wear and tear on my appliances lower utility costs. I would love some feedback

1. Laundry services are restricted to guest staying a week (7 days) or more. 

2. Guests are limited to 2 loads per wk.
3. Guests must not operate the washer and dryer until they have been briefed by the host. 

[Yolanda596]

… Please contact host for access code to washing machine. 

Switch off the breaker to the machines. 

[Tariq52]

I offer the washer and dryer as amenities in my listing. My advice is to follow the KISS rule. 

I keep it simple and provide laundry tabs and dryer sheets. It's very difficult to mess that up. I understand you have some expensive machines. But these things are built to last - 10-15 years for normal use, in most cases. I find that almost all of my guests use the laundry, even for 2 night stays.

As a guest, I would find it unreasonable to see laundry restrictions if I'm booking a shorter stay. Many guests travel from out of town, and being able to do laundry is a huge plus. These restrictions could result in lower occupancy rates, or a poor experience for your guests.

Most laundry machines are self-explanatory and don't require any instructions. This would be the way to keep it, but every circumstance is different. If you have to provide instructions, I would do so in the house rules and in a note like others have suggested.

To offset the cost of utilities, you can always raise your prices. The more restrictions and rules you have, the more friction it creates. And you want the least amount of friction possible!

[Stephanie3138]

I don't have a laundry, but I think you could put what you have said in your notes.  I would put #3 first in your list.  And then add the other 2.  Or, don't even advertise about the w/d and as each person checks in, just have a chat with them IF they need washer/dryer.

That's what I would do.

Stephanie

[Sherrill2]

@Patrice472 

After all is said and done, I believe your ONLY choice is to remove those Expensive Units because this is beyond your control. People will do / use whatever they want if they have access to it even if its not LISTED in the amenities. They some how get the feeling as though they are paying for it and that means they can use whatever they want too. I recently had a booking use/take all the Laundry Pods (the Jumbo ones) that they wanted cause they could, I don't believe they came with 10-12 loads of laundry for just a weekend booking and arrived after 8:30pm on a Friday night and was all checked out on Sunday by 11am. I think if your home is being left safe without damage to anything your ahead of the game. In the Air BnB world the bottom line is did they PAY and that is all that matters in the END. So sad but So TRUE I only hope you find some peace and wisdom in this reply. Good Luck in your future bookings pick your Battles !!

[Theodore74]

Is there a laundromat close by?  The simplest thing you can do  is update your house rules to have guests use outside facilities.  if you’d like to bring the service back in house, conditioner standard appliances that can be used without explanation.  Putting too many steps into a community routine like laundry can be confusing for some and set the wrong tone.

[Sylke19]

Hello Patrice

I know this problem from the past. You can make rules however you want. The only thing that helps is a coin machine and a private one. Otherwise it never ends.

Kind regards

Sylke

[Susan5159]

Is there a way to lock laundry space? This will require a verbal or written request from guest to utilize appliances. Which, would allow you to provide you the opportunity to provide specific instructions! You would have to list wash times though, otherwise you would be held hostage to their clock and calendar! 

If this is causing a true threat to your appliances; just say there are particular wash times upon departure date, which are by appointment only! 

Good luck! 

[Sri-Puji0]

Hello Patricia,

Good question! Actually we never had such an issue. We have a brand new washing machine Samsung, in the attached bathroom, that some 30% of our guests have used, without any problem. We supplied the washing powder, and noone abused the system, it was always reasonable use from their side.

But your three rules make sense, and I wish you good luck with this issue.

All the best,

Sri Puji

[عماد-شعبان0]

If you are at home permanently. It is better for you to put away or look at the clothes that need to be washed

Usually good guests will come and take an interest in the house and the machinery. Sometimes guests will come who do not care about the house. When determining the rental price, you must include all services, such as maintenance and cleaning

[Sofia1280]

Hi Patrice

You are certainly entitled to your rules and if you made it clear in your post under house rules, the guest must be abide by the house rulers. From my roommate experience have them signed the house rules as soon they are as they arrive. Inddition, you must be seriouse with them. Do not try to chat or be friend with them. 

Good luck

[Shadé2]

I also require a minimum stay of 1 week at my Airbnb. Guests must provide their own detergent/fabric softener. My guests normally come to me before using washing machine in order to use it properly, so odd that you have that issue. I do like the two loads per week idea.

[Troy315]

I agree with your rules. Some people don't take care of property they don't have to pay for.

[Sophie2645]

I agree with your rules.

[Steve482]

You are new! 😊 and experiencing the importance of being in charge. Do you ID guests on arrival? All hotels do. Among other things it establishes a bit of authority. That said it’s then easy to clarify expectations & needs on all sides - or not! - and then you have a real problem. Filter your requests carefully. Guests new to Airbnb or with little or no reviews are unknowns. How many in the party or how long. 

That said being a host begins with hospitality & respect for diversity. Without knowing the context & frequency of oops - I can’t offer much more than that. We enjoy hosting immensely for the people we’ve met - some still acquaintances. The income is secondary. Before Airbnb we hosted foreign students & managed rental property. It’s not for everyone but we enjoy it. 

[Tresa4]

Hi @Patrice472 ,

is there anyway you can close off the washer with a locked door or curtain? Then give the key to seven day guests, but not others? In my experience, people have no problem with closed off spaces. But understandably feel irked if something is offered and then restricted.

I put a magnetic page protector on my washer/dryer that reads:

Big letters: “It’s no fun if you’re in a hurry and your socks won’t dry.”

Medium size lettering: “To avoid inconveniences, please follow the steps below when using our washer/dryer:”

Then list bullet points below including, “1 load per day please”, etc. Use language that puts responsibility on guest when using YOUR washer. And point out how a malfunction will affect THEM. People on vacation often forget that Household items are not for their individual use. **Magnetic page protectors (Amazon) hold a printout that can be edited if necessary.

Also, maybe switch to laundry pods? Put a bullet on the sign saying “only use provided pods in washer”. Then provide guest with one pod per day?