Running an Airbnb is a complex operation, and keeping pristine linens for guests is a must. Managed laundry services can take a huge part of the work off a host’s hands.
Challenges of Linen Management for Airbnbs
There are a number of challenges to managing linens for an Airbnb, especially for an Airbnb owner who has multiple properties or regular turnovers. Inventory management is a big part of keeping an Airbnb’s linens looking and feeling good. This means keeping account of the number, the size, and the condition of the linens.
Replacing linens is an inevitability, so Airbnb owners have to make sure they have enough linens available to accommodate all bookings, replacing worn-out or soiled linens as soon as possible. Falling short of this expectation can be hugely damaging to an Airbnb’s rating and reputation.
Linens for Different Seasons
Different seasons might require different types of linens (lighter sheets in the summer and heavier blankets in the winter). Owners will have to be responsible for keeping track of swapping linens out as seasons change.
Then, there is laundry and cleaning. As good as it is to keep an Airbnb’s linens frequently laundered, doing so can be time-consuming. It can also be expensive. The more linens there are to keep clean, the more the cost of water and detergent rises. Owners of Airbnb properties are responsible for quality control, ensuring the linens are properly washed, dried, and stored, so they can be immediately made available for rentals.
Finding adequate storage space for linens can be a challenge, especially if the Airbnb property is not large. The challenge is compounded when owners have to organize your linens in order to provide easy access and prevent clutter.
Keeping Guests in Mind
Of course, the most important thing about running an Airbnb is meeting the expectations of guests. A travel writer notes in Business Insider that having good pillows “always [garners] a better review” for the Airbnb he stays at. Many guests have specific requirements for their linens (like being hypoallergenic or organic), which can provide unique and unexpected challenges.
Lastly, accidents do happen. Linens can be accidentally lost or damaged and even sometimes stolen. This may add levels of frustration to the already pre-existing challenge of having pristine linens in your Airbnb.
How a Managed Laundry Service Can Help
There are many ways that a managed laundry service can help an Airbnb owner keep their linens pristine. For one, they can offer detailed tracking of all linens, such as their number, location, condition, and size. When necessary, replacements can be automatically ordered, ensuring an unbroken supply.
Every step of the washing process — washing, drying, ironing, and folding — can be covered by the laundry service. They are also responsible for quality control, using strict quality standards to make sure that all linens are clean and fresh.
Another benefit of using a managed laundry service is that they typically have economies of scale, which can lead to lower costs per unit. Managed laundry services can store and organize excess linens at their facility. This not only frees up space at the Airbnb, but it also reduces the likelihood of loss or damage to the linens.
Consistent Quality
Using a managed laundry service means that an Airbnb’s guests will always receive quality, fresh linens. Guests who have special requests, like the hypoallergenic or organic linens examples mentioned earlier, can be efficiently accommodated.
If linens are damaged, the service can quickly supply new linens, so guests will not have to go without. Owners will not be put into the embarrassing situation of not being able to supply towels and bed linens to their guests.
How Do Managed Laundry Services Work?
The process starts by the managed laundry service picking up dirty and used linens from the Airbnb at a predetermined time (or at regular intervals). The linens are taken back to the laundry facility, where they are sorted by type (such as sheets, towels, or tablecloths) and inspected for stains or other damage. They are washed in commercial-grade washing machines, using specialized detergents and precise water temperatures. The linens are then dried in industrial dryers.
Once dried, the linens are ironed and folded according to the preferences set out by the Airbnb manager. Once cleaned and pressed, the linens are sent back to the Airbnb, ready for use.
Managed laundry services can also supply other services, such as these:
Repairing minor tears and holes in linens
Labeling linens with the Airbnb’s custom name or logo
Providing expedited services for emergencies, like an unexpected linen shortage
How Alsco Can Help
Alsco Uniforms understands the importance of making an Airbnb’s guests feel comfortable and clean, and that starts with providing services to manage the load of an Airbnb’s linens. With our linen rental services, we can take care of the heavy lifting — washing, drying, ironing, repairing, and delivery — letting Airbnb owners focus on providing the best experience for their guests. Contact us today to learn more.
References
I'm a Full-Time Traveler Who Has Stayed in Over 100 Airbnbs. Here Are 8 Mistakes I See Hosts Make. (September 2022). Business Insider.
Opinion: Airbnbs That Don’t Provide Linen Are a Joke. (August 2022). Dmarge.com.
Smart Ways to Shrink Laundry Expenses. (December 2023). Hotel Management.