Concerns about Washing Towels and Bedding

[Nicky220]

Hi, I currently have a guy staying in my self contained Annex for three weeks whilst he works locally.  When he booked I had an initial message but I have since messaged twice asking if he wants towels and bedding washed whilst he is there as there is currently no washing machine in the property.  He has never responded which is fine, however I’m concerned about those particular items being used for three weeks without being washed. They are all new as we only opened our Annex as an air B&B a couple of weeks ago.  I’m not sure how far I can interfere whilst someone has longer term stays because it is self contained property.  We do plan to put a washing machine in but it is advertised as not having one at the moment.   Can anyone advise me what they would do? Thank you Nicky. 

 [Title updated by OCM to make it relevant to the post]

[Mike-And-Jane0 · Accepted solution]

@Nicky220 perhaps a message or call to his phone number? Many guests don't have the app or notifications switched on. The latest features should allow you to see if the guest has read his messages. 

In future I would always agree linen changes with the guest at check in. We offer to change the linen  (either with or without the guest being present) but also allow the guest to change it if they wish.

[Dawn241]

@Nicky220 My husband can go three weeks without changing his sheets too. Not much you can do if he’s not interested in washing/changing sheets and towels. When he leaves if the are white use hot water and bleach. If they are not white, both Lysol and oxyclean make laundry sanitizer. Happy washing! 

[Helen427]

@Nicky220 

Welcome to ABB CC
Definitely reach out to the Guest on the telephone, messages don't always work and what's not to like about a little friendly conversation and asking at the same time how the Guest is enjoying their stay in your location and if there's anything else you can help them with to reach out and ask.

I can't think of anything worse than dirty sheets longer than 10 days maximum myself, personally I wash mine and my Guests linen once a week, and hang them in the fresh air to dry and then, yes iron them to. Nothing beats clean linen and a good nights sleep wherever we are in the world.

[Bhumika]

Hi @Nicky220 ,

I hope the advice from our members helps you to reach out to this guest.

Did this guest respond in the meantime since the time you posted?

Keep us posted on how it is going on for you!

[Nicky220]

Thank you for your message. I don’t think I could have done anymore. The gentleman  has another week left at the property , he hasn’t responded to any means of communication, even a note I put through the door about rubbish collection.  He isn’t causing a problem, just  don’t know  how I would review people that don’t respond to anything. I’m just hoping everything will be ok in the property once he leaves as it is brand new.  

[Helen744]

@Nicky220 I have had some guests who do not communicate initially but they quickly realise that a house clean free ,or otherwise is a luxury .All my worker boys love it...H

[Helen744]

@Nicky220 , bit late now Nicky but if you have someone more than a week then prearrange a cleaning , turnover day.. This must be arranged with the guest before the stay begins... H

[Nicky220]

Hi @Helen744 , thanks for responding. I did message him when he initially booked  regarding this, and have since and posted a note through the door regarding rubbish  bin collections but he hasn’t responded to anything, including putting rubbish out . Not sure what else I could have done, but will have to rethink re longer term stayers in future. 
thanks again Nicky. 

[Helen744]

@Nicky220 I have a rule that I post saying all guests must have a working mobile phone and if they do not answer host messages I will have to come down and check if they are okay .. that may work for you Nicky as you have already been to the home ,but for some reason not waited or returned to actually speak with the guest . There may be reason for him not receiving messages. It is probably the App not connected or working. ... H