Smells

[Lori4388]

Anyone had a guest who, in a two night stay, used so much perfume/cologne that even after several washings, the sheets, duvet cover, comforter, wash cloths still smell like it? I’ve washed everything in my regular odor fighting detergent. That didn’t do it. Washed again in an enzyme killing sanitizer. The smell is still there. 

When you walk past the air conditioning coils OUTSIDE, you can smell the smell. 

Don’t get me started on the furniture and carpet. Currently furniture is covered in baking soda and we have bowls of vinegar sitting about the place to absorb smells. 

Is this something that needs to be reported or do I just suck it up? 

Lori

[Elaine701]

@Lori4388 

Yes, we've had that before. 

Another one is spray on tanning products. Ruins towels,  sheets, and pillowcases, the laundry service can't get it out. 

What are you going to do? Report a "smell" to Airbnb? And they will do what? Confront the guest? No better way to solicit a retaliatory review (that will not be removed by Airbnb). And no, Aircover won't pay money for that. 

So yes, you just have to live with it, unfortunately.

Next guest, please...

[Lori4388]

Thanks so much. I figured but needed validation. And how would I “approach” a former guest with “hey, our place stinks because of you.” 🤦‍♀️

[Paula]

Thanks for sharing this with the community, @Lori4388. I’m also sharing this link where hosts have had different conversations about smells in their listings. You might find their experiences helpful and interesting to read.

Regards,

[Lori4388]

Update: we set out three bowls of white vinegar in our small place and bought extra strength baking soda. (Didn’t know there was such a thing.) Sprinkled the b/soda all over the sofa, loveseat, throw pillows, and rug. Left overnight. The air smells were basically gone this morning! Will try the vinegar/baking soda in the third washing of the sheets, duvet, and towels and hope it works there too!

[Paula]

Thanks for the update, @Lori4388. I’m looking forward to hearing how the vinegar and baking soda work on the sheets, duvets, and towels.

Regards,

[Karen114]

@Lori4388  Yes I have had this happen I thought surely she must have dropped a bottle of perfume on the floor.  I ran Ozone for days on end and it still didn't take care of it.  I was down on the floor sniffing all the rugs etc lol.  

Sometimes I get lucky and the scent is quite pleasant.  In the above it was ghastly.  I am a huge perfume girl and love nice scents but this one really missed the mark.  It did finally go away after we had a hurricane and had to remodel the place 🙃

[Lori4388]

That’s awful - all the way around! I guess it’s the price WE pay. 😢

[Lorna170]

@Lori4388  If the washing with baking soda etc. does not work, try a capful of Mr. Clean all-purpose cleaner (the yellow liquid), wash well, rinse twice.  This was a trick I learned when caring for parents who were incontinent.  Got rid of the persistent urine smell.  Also eradicated son-in-law's nasty smelling exercise gear.  Used it when I had a guest who left horrible perfume (and hair dye stains) on the bedding.  No smell!

Second step -- Use Uproot, Affresh or other type of washing machine cleaner with your drum clean or sanitizing wash cycle before AND after you wash the bed linens that smell.  You don't want the smell to linger in your washing machine.