Laundry Tips for Airbnb Hosts and Property Managers

Choose Quality Linens That Can Handle Frequent Washing

Your linens are your workhorses. Unlike home bedding, Airbnb sheets and towels get washed far more often - sometimes multiple times per week. Investing in durable, high-quality textiles will pay off in longevity and guest comfort.

Look for cotton blends with a higher thread count (250–400) for sheets and ring-spun cotton for towels. These materials stay soft, resist pilling, and hold up to frequent laundering. Avoid delicate fabrics that shrink or fade quickly.

Pro Tip:

Buy multiple identical sets for each bed and bathroom. This makes it easy to rotate and replace items without mismatched linens.

Set Up a Simple Laundry Rotation System

Organization is key. Even a single missed step can cause delays between check-outs and check-ins.

Label bins or shelves for:

• Used linens (sorted by white/color).

• Clean, folded linens ready for use

• Damaged or stained items needing attention

If you manage multiple units, assign color-coded laundry bags or tags for each property. This helps keep inventory organized and prevents items from getting mixed up.

Pro Tip:

Many hosts in Glendale schedule Tip Top Laundry’s wash-dry-fold pickup service on checkout days, so fresh, folded linens arrive just in time for the next guest - with zero stress.

Treat Stains Immediately Before They Set In

Every host has faced the dreaded "makeup towel" or coffee-stained sheet. Stains become much harder to remove the longer they sit.

Keep a stain-treatment kit on hand with:

• Enzyme-based pre-treat spray

• Baking soda and white vinegar

• Hydrogen peroxide for whites

• Soft brush or cloth for gentle scrubbing

Encourage cleaning staff to check for stains during the stripping process. Pretreat items before they go into the washer, or place stained linens in a separate "stain treatment" bin for later.

Pro Tip:

Tip Top Laundry’s professional machines use the right detergents and water temperatures to lift tough stains safely - no guesswork needed.

Wash in Warm, Not Hot, Water

It’s tempting to wash everything on hot to ensure cleanliness, but constant high-temperature washes can shorten the life of fabrics and cause shrinkage or fading.

Warm water (around 90–110°F) is usually best for balancing sanitation and longevity. Use cold water for dark or delicate fabrics to preserve color.

For deep sanitization (after long stays or illness concerns), you can still run an occasional hot cycle with oxygen bleach rather than chlorine - it disinfects without damaging fabrics.

Skip Heavy Fabric Softeners

While softeners smell great, they can actually reduce absorbency in towels and leave residues that trap odors over time.

Instead, add ½ cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle once a month to remove buildup and keep linens fluffy and fresh. Vinegar neutralizes odors and dissolves detergent residue naturally.

Pro Tip:

Commercial-grade washers at Tip Top Laundry are designed to rinse more thoroughly, giving linens that crisp, hotel-fresh feel without chemical buildup.

Don’t Overload the Washer or Dryer

When you’re trying to get ready for the next guest, it’s easy to overstuff machines to save time. But overcrowding prevents proper cleaning and drying, leaving towels stiff or even slightly damp.

Always give items enough room to tumble freely. This helps detergent and water circulate, ensuring deep cleaning and faster drying.

If you’re short on time or capacity, outsourcing larger items (comforters, duvet covers, mattress pads) to a professional wash-dry-fold service saves wear and tear on your equipment and ensures thorough results.

Fold and Store Linens Properly

Folding isn’t just about neatness - it protects your linens and keeps them guest-ready.

• Fold immediately after drying to prevent wrinkles.

• Use open shelving so you can quickly see what’s stocked.

• Store in a clean, dry area to avoid moisture buildup or dust.

If you prefer a hassle-free approach, Tip Top Laundry’s folding specialists return your items neatly stacked and bagged - ready to go straight into your linen closet or supply shelf.

Have a Backup Supply for Emergencies

Even the best systems hit a snag sometimes - a broken machine, late checkout, or unexpected spill. Keeping an extra full set of linens and towels per property can be a lifesaver.

This buffer ensures you never scramble between guests. Rotate older sets into backup duty as you replace them with new ones.

Schedule Professional Cleaning for Bulky Items

Comforters, duvets, mattress toppers, and curtains can be easy to overlook, but guests notice the difference between "clean enough" and truly fresh. These items often trap dust, hair, and odors.

Most should be washed every two to three months, depending on occupancy. Since they’re heavy and require more drying space, professional equipment ensures they’re thoroughly cleaned and sanitized without damage.

Tip Top Laundry’s large-capacity washers and dryers handle these bulky loads easily - no clumping, no damp spots, just fresh, even results.

Consider Outsourcing for Efficiency

If laundry feels like the one task always eating into your schedule, you’re not alone. Many hosts and property managers reach a point where doing it themselves just isn’t efficient.

Partnering with a local professional service like Tip Top Laundry can:

• Save hours every week

• Ensure consistent, hotel-quality results

• Reduce utility costs and equipment maintenance

• Simplify scheduling with convenient pickup and delivery

You can even set up recurring service days that match your check-in/check-out schedule - so your business never misses a beat.