Washing Airbnb linen yourself works when you have one property, a dryer and time between check-out and check-in. Once turnovers stack up, or you manage several places, outsourcing the sheets and towels to a laundry service is usually what keeps guest-ready linen on the shelf. Whichever you choose, keep at least three sets of linen per bed.
What one turnover means for laundry
Every check-out creates a full load. For a one-bedroom apartment that usually means:
- A full sheet set: fitted sheet, flat sheet or doona cover, and pillowcases
- Bath towels, hand towels and a bath mat for each guest
- Tea towels and any throw or cushion covers that look used
That's a load or two per turnover, and it all needs to be dry, folded and back in the cupboard before the next guest arrives.
How much linen to keep
Many hosts work on three sets per bed and per bathroom: one in use, one in the wash and one spare on the shelf. With back-to-back bookings, or when you send linen out, a fourth set gives you breathing room.
Stick to one colour and style, usually white. It's easier to match, looks fresh in photos, and you can wash it all together.
Doing it yourself
It costs nothing extra and you control the result. It works best when:
- You have one property and your own washer and dryer
- Turnovers are spread out, with a day or more between guests
- You or your cleaner have time to wait for the dryer and fold
Outsourcing it
A laundry service takes the washing out of the turnover entirely. It starts to make sense when:
- Same-day turnovers leave no time to wash and dry
- You manage several properties, or a property without a dryer
- Your cleaner's time is better spent cleaning than waiting for machines
Laundry Load collects linen for short-stay hosts and property managers across 59 Sydney suburbs. It is washed at our own laundromat in Wentworth Point, folded and returned on a schedule that suits your bookings, from one-off pickups to several a week. Business laundry is quoted per host, based on your items, volume and schedule: see our commercial laundry service.
Tips for a smoother turnover
- Strip the beds and bag the linen in one go, towels in a separate bag
- Keep the spare set in the property so the cleaner can make the beds straight away
- Note stains or damage when you strip, so they can be treated or replaced
- Book pickups around your calendar, not after every single stay
