Bedding Strategies for Your Airbnb Business: Blankets, Sheets, Pillows & More

Welcome back to the Hosting Hotline! This is an Ask Me Anything where each week we’ll answer your questions on Airbnb, STRs, real estate, and everything in between.

A listener asks:

We are about ready to launch our first short-term rental on the beach. I’ve been vetting cleaning companies and have been a little surprised to learn of common standard practices related to washing (or not) the top layer of bedding.

It seems like most cleaners don’t wash that regularly, which to be honest, gave me the heebie-jeebies. Is that standard practice in the industry? To me, that needs to be turned over between each guest. Do I need to wash them myself?

Any other wisdom that you have on bedding, number of layers, quilts vs duvets – really providing a high quality, comfortable, luxury experience for the guests – would be appreciated.

8 Airbnb Bedding Tips and Laundry Strategies To Give Your Guests the Best Possible Experience

• Wash the Top Layer: Ensure that the top layer of your bedding, such as quilts or duvets, is washed between each guest to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
• Provide Multiple Sets: Equip your cleaning team with multiple sets of bedding to avoid waiting for laundry and ensure a quick turnover.
• Quality Bedding: Invest in high-quality, hospitality-grade bedding that is durable, easy to clean, and dries quickly.
• Bedding Options: Offer a mix of quilts and duvets to cater to guests’ preferences for warmth and comfort.
• Mattress Protection: Use a mattress protector that is easy to remove and wash to protect your investment and ensure cleanliness.
• Pillow Protection: Protect your pillows with pillow protectors and offer a variety of pillow firmness options for guest comfort.
• White Bedding: Consider using white bedding for transparency and ease of maintenance, as it shows cleanliness and is easier to spot and treat stains.
• Regular Maintenance: Regularly check and maintain the bed frame and other furniture to ensure they are secure and noise-free.

Bedding and Laundry Tips for Your Short-Term Rental: Episode Timestamps

(00:01:51) When Do Airbnb Hosts Wash the Top Layer of Bedding?

(00:03:53) Training Your Turnover Team to Your Cleaning Standards 

(00:05:27) Pro Bedding Tips for Successful Airbnb Hosts 

(00:09:30) How To Protect Your Pillows in a Short-Term Rental

(00:10:08) Sarah’s Tried-and-True Airbnb Blanket & Sheet Strategy

(00:11:25) White Bedding?! Yes, White Bedding

Thanks to everyone who submitted questions. To hear your voice on the show and send a question to Sarah and Annette, submit your burning hosting questions at: hostinghotline.com.

Download a transcript of this episode.

Resources and Additional Airbnb Bedding/Laundry Tips

• Shop our recommendations at HostGPO
• Video: How to Clean Your Airbnb – A Walkthrough for New Airbnb Hosts
• Visit thanksforvisiting.com/workshop to watch our Hosting Business Mastery Method workshop!
• Airbnb Essentials Checklist: hostchecklist.com