Makeup on towels

[Jennifer3217]

I have dark gray embroidered towels that say “makeup” on them right in the open on the bathroom shelf. I also have in my welcome book to use the makeup towels for makeup removal, which they must open to get the Wi-Fi password and it’s on the same page. With all this in place, I am still getting stained towels. What can I do?! 
I do not want to use makeup remover wipes as that’s just extra waste and don’t want them flushed. I also don’t prefer to switch the color of my towels as I have them already purchased and I’m catching on fairly quickly that this is becoming an issue before all my towels are ruined. 
Can I charge if they’re ruined? How much time do I have to request payment? How do I go about that? Started in March of this year so this is all still very new for me. 

Any other suggestions? 

[Lenore22]

 

We have a sign that says we can charge, but we never do.

The basket is right on the counter by the sink and the little business card-sized sign is right on top of the washcloths.

[Jennifer3217]

I will try adding a sign and mention a charge. It does normally deter them away. Thank you.

[Kia272]

@Jennifer3217  I've never encountered this problem, although I know other hosts have. What I've done is to purchase a number of inexpensive washcloths, actually from Ikea. They're in a basket right next to the bathroom sink. They do NOT match my towel sets, but who cares? They're 100% cotton, and they're soft. They come in dark colors. I don't put out the washcloths that match the towels. When a guest sees a pile of washcloths right next to the sink, that's what they'll grab. I have no signs or instructions about what to use. It's kind of a no-brainer. I've actually never had one stained, but if I did, they're so inexpensive that I'd just turn it into a cleaning rag and move on. 

[Jennifer3217]

They're using towels and wash cloths. I just don't understand why they're not using the ones specifically for makeup?! drives me bonkers.

[Helen3]

Yes you can claim for damaged towels but some see replacing towels as a cost of doing business and factor in replacement costs

Not sure why you're guests are being so lazy, hopefully you mention this in your reviews to warn future hosts

If you want to know how the Airbnb Guarantee works or any other aspect of hosting - there are lots of FAQs on the Airbnb Help website - so have a look there @Jennifer3217 

[Gillian166]

@Jennifer3217  So I was going to buy some of those make up towels, but they aren’t cheap. I’ll pass on it. We also just supply grey washcloths, and we use grey towels. The issue with a dark colour is they can be easily discoloured. Even expensive ones. 

[Jennifer1897]

@Jennifer3217 I experienced that same problem and it drove me crazy as well. I had a basket similar to yours directly next to the sink with a nice little sign, yet to no avail they used the white towels for everything. I have learned that you can tell people something over and over and they will still do exactly as they please or see fit.

I was spending extra time trying to remove stains or in some cases just throwing out towels or using them for cleaning.  I finally just switched all the towels to a nice medium gray., it has saved me time and money.  

[Lorna170]

@Jennifer3217   It sounds like you have done your very best to discourage using your regular towels for makeup removal.  I lose a towel for every 4 guests, and my makeup washcloths remain pristine.  I have learned to just tally the ruined towels and put the dollars in the expenses column.  Cost of business.

I also found my guests using the bath towels for drying off the dog, the hot tub, coming in from a hike, etc.  So I now have a pile of "ruined" towels in an easy to see location in a basket marked For Hot Tub and Dogs.  When I have guests with dogs the "Dog Sheet" bag is left in a kitchen chair or at the foot of the bed in the master bedroom.  This apparently has the guests thinking...