GREEN BnB

[Lauren4085]

I would LOVE if Airbnb would start a column for clean/green cleaning supplies.  I have been in many air bnb's that use fabreze  plug ins, horrible stinky (to me) cleaning supplies, including laundry supplies.  It smells so bad and is so toxic at many of them, that I can't even sleep on the sheets.  Is there any way to put in a column and incentivize hosts to use non toxic cleaning supplies and to advertise that?  It is so harmful, all those chemicals.  They are pure poison.  There are many people with MCS (multiple chemical sensitivity) that Cannot travel because of the poisons in cleaning supplies.  PLEASE HELP AIR BNB

[Breanna · Accepted solution]

@Lauren4085 Welcome to the CC! 

This has been a much-debated topic here on the Community, so I thought I'd link a couple posts that talk about this here and here.

I'd also definitely recommend filling out Airbnb's Feedback form if you haven't already >> https://www.airbnb.co.uk/help/feedback

[Lauren4085]

Hi Breanna,

Thank you for your response.  There was definitely a LOT of talk on those pages.  Thank you for sending.  It made me feel not so alone!

But it doesn't look like Air BnB has added, Non Toxic Cleaning Supplies, or Green cleaning, or anything like that.  Can you kick this request up the ladder, showing how much support there is for this change, and make it happen?

Thank you!
Lauren

[Breanna]

We pass along all the feedback like this we receive on the Community, of course @Lauren4085! 

[Karin2848]

I feel like I wrote this myself Lauren!!!I have been asking Airbnb to do the same thing.  I no longer stay in an AirBNB due to toxic plug-ins, toxic cleaners and pesticides stored in these homes. These are not good for anybody. 

[Frances3408]

@Karin2848 @Lauren4085 Come to my place. My brother has MCS so I've been aware of this for years. Being on the coast we are also aware of how quickly things get into the water supply. I have a washing machine thats one of a few brands only that filters the plastics you find in clothes etc.

I dont get the need to use plug ins: whats wrong with fresh air and opening a few windows/doors when you're doing a change over and drying sheets without laundry starch?. And elbow grease and hot water works with the smallest amount of disinfectant if you're doing it regularly. I am also old school using brooms instead of blowers outside!

If your place has a smell then find it and fix it. New furniture, bedding and rugs are the worst to deal with. I have to leave them washed and unpacked for weeks before putting near guests. If I cant stand the chemicals they emit I can only imagine how someone with MCS reacts.

I do note that some of my guests seem to like to spray it around (especially in wedding season) so I dont know how I can stop that, except usually we dont have back to back bookings so the smell is usually all but gone in a few hours. COVID meant we had to agree to hand sanitisers etc but at least they dont smell too much. I keep limited cleaning products for guests to use: dishwashing liquid and non aerosol aerogard if going outside (or take your chances). 

BUT I think hosts would be concerned those with MCS would rate them harshly, even if trying.

Just my 2 cents as a host. 🙂