Should I charge guests to use the washer / dryer

[Richard3413]

Hi, I have a combi washer dryer and dryer and noticed that travelling guests  rather than UK visiting London for a staycation are excessively using the machine. By excessive, I mean the moment they arrive and a number of times throughout their stay. If someone is staying for two nights, 4/5 wash and dry cycles seems a lot. I get if someone is staying for 5 or more nights, then the machine is a benefit and I’m ok with reasonable use, but still within a reasonable amount. I don’t leave any products out to use so they are using their own but I’m worried about the electricity cost and wear and tear on the machine. 

Does anyone have any views on this? Do you charge? 

I have a smart machine that’s linked to my phone so I can see the usage (unfortunately) 

Thanks in advance 

Richard 

[Helen0]

In my experience, if your listing shows a washer and a dryer as an amenity that is available to guests, you will attract people who are travelling around and specifically look for a place every now and again to catch-up on all their laundry! Multiple guests have cheerfully told me this. I have even come across this when I was away myself and booked into an Airbnb property that also had two other guest rooms. The other guests decided to fill up the common spaces with their damp laundry everywhere, which I really didn't enjoy. 

I therefore no longer list my washing machine as available and I give details of the nearest public laundrette in my guest folder of local amenities and recommendations. I feel this is appropriate for a home-host who charges a very competitive rate - you might decide free laundry is something you want to provide for a luxury self-contained property, but then you can't really impose limits.

Occasionally, depending on circumstances, I do allow guests to do one load of washing in my machine but when they realise I don't have a tumble dryer and they would have to hang things to dry on the outdoor washing line, or in their room, most people change their mind. 

[John5097]

@Richard3413 @Quincy @Helen0 @Anton7298 @Denise1951 

It's been a while but sharing an update to this.

I added a laundry basket in the bathroom for used clothes and have noticed guest use the WD much less. It makes sense that they have somewhere to put their used clothes. I use a white plastic one that sits on the bottom self of a bakers rack. I have laundry baskets as well but think guest would be leery of them.  Also if the laundry basket is just sitting on the floor guest might not use it, and would just wash clothes every day and put it up in a closet or in their bags. 

The dryer was making a grinding noise, so I ordered a dryer repair kit, that included new dryer rollers and a belt, and watched video on how to disassemble the dryer.

I was surprised how much lint had built up on the bottom inside the cabinet. So I ordered a repair kit for the ones I use as well, and it also had a lot of lint in the bottom. 

While I was at it replaced the drain pumps on the washing machines as these seem to fail. 

I clean the exhaust ducts twice a year also.

I think this will keep them running much longer. 

[Anton7298]

@John5097 Laundry basket in the bathroom seems to be an interesting discovery and one that makes sense.

since they have a proper place to store their used clothes, the urge to clean it right away diminished.

Good catch!

Thanks for sharing!

cheers

-A-

[Rosanna51]

Hi Richard

there is nothing more annoying than travellers who arrive and use your space to wash their build up of soiled clothes. Has happened to me a couple of times, and even though there are clothes lines at the property they use the drier for endless hours also. 
You could set an extra charge after what you consider reasonable use but it must be stated clearly in your listing or under the rules section as then it cannot be disputed later, especially if you have to involve Airbnb later. Hope this helps.