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-

[Lorina14]

@John5097 

What an interesting discovery! I would never think to wash my clothes each day in a washer/dryer - I’d bring enough to mix and match and wash only if there over 7-10 days. But we once home shared with a person for a weeklong retreat for martial arts who only brought one set of workout clothes and did laundry each day to have a new one. It really baffled me as that is wasteful and disrespectful. She should have just washed her clothes in the bathroom sink, squeezed it out, rolled it out in a towel to dry then hang dry (the way we used to have to do if revering for long periods in hotels).

Glad to hear your washer/dryer is getting less use with your discovery!

[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. 

[Casanora0]

I’m considering charging $20 per day upon guests inquiry or $20 on the last day. The amenity is not promoted. Airbnb business model is proving not to be advantageous in the regions I’m located. Guests regularly damaging property and cleaning professionals requiring equitable pay becomes challenging hurdles to address. I am going to try this and see if this works.

[Janet61]

Hi

I live in the space where I host Air BNB and noticed people doing A LOT of laundry so I have a new rule - one load a day. This is definitely not a laundromat. I notice it's younger guests who seem to think - Oh I'll bring allllllll my things and wash them while I'm there. It seems to be working well.  Someone who did this wanted to come back and I welcomed him back but mentioned the new house rule and that there is a laundromat in town and he seemed to understand. I agree that it would be hard if you aren't in the unit. I think you could put up a sign asking for one load per day or to leave $5 for extra loads and just do the honor system. ?? Janet

[Helen3]

That's very generous of you @Janet61 I offer one load to guests for every five days that they stay.

no short term rental guest needs to do one load a day in a homeshare situation.