When preparing an Airbnb property for new guests, the cleaning process needs to be efficient yet thorough to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and keep your reviews glowing. Among all the tasks involved, laundry tends to be the most time-consuming. Here’s why and how you can streamline the process.
1. The Volume of Laundry
One of the main reasons laundry takes so long is the sheer volume involved. Each guest stay can generate a significant amount of laundry, including:
- Bed linens: Sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and mattress protectors.
- Towels: Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths, and sometimes even bath mats.
- Kitchen items: Dish towels, tablecloths, and napkins.
If you’re managing a multi-bedroom property, the amount of laundry can quickly pile up, requiring multiple loads.
2. Washing and Drying Cycles
Laundry is a multi-step process that includes washing, drying, and often ironing or steaming. Each step takes time:
- Washing: Depending on the cycle, a load can take 30-60 minutes.
- Drying: Towels and heavier items like duvet covers take longer to dry, sometimes up to 90 minutes.
- Ironing/Steaming: Wrinkled bed linens can detract from the guest experience, so additional time may be needed to ensure they’re crisp and presentable.
Unlike other cleaning tasks, laundry has built-in waiting periods, which can slow down your overall turnaround time.
3. Folding and Staging
Once items are clean and dry, they need to be folded or hung neatly. Proper staging is critical to ensure the property looks inviting. Folding fitted sheets, in particular, can be a time-consuming task that requires practice.
4. Unexpected Issues
Sometimes, you’ll encounter laundry-related surprises that extend the process:
- Stains: Makeup, wine, or coffee stains may require pre-treatment and re-washing.
- Missing items: Pillowcases or towels left behind in the property need to be retrieved and added to the wash.
- Damaged linens: Tears or excessive wear may require replacement, adding to your workload.
5. Overlapping Tasks
While laundry cycles run, you can work on other cleaning tasks. However, the need to monitor machines and handle laundry at different stages can disrupt your workflow. This constant back-and-forth often makes laundry the bottleneck in the cleaning process.
Tips for Streamlining Laundry
To reduce the time spent on laundry, consider these tips:
1. Invest in High-Capacity Machines
Upgrade to commercial-grade washers and dryers that can handle larger loads and have faster cycle times. This is especially useful for hosts managing multiple properties.
2. Use Quick-Dry Linens
Choose linens and towels made from quick-drying fabrics to shorten drying times. These materials are often just as soft and luxurious as traditional options.
3. Have Backup Sets
Keep at least two full sets of linens and towels for each bed and guest. This allows you to set up the property with fresh items while the used ones are being cleaned.
4. Outsource When Possible
If managing laundry in-house is too time-consuming, consider outsourcing to a local laundry service. While it adds a cost, it can significantly reduce your cleaning time and stress.
5. Stay Organized
Use labeled bins or baskets to sort laundry by type (e.g., bedding, towels, kitchen items) as you collect it. This makes loading machines faster and more efficient.
6. Train Your Team
If you have a cleaning team, ensure they’re trained in efficient laundry handling, from stain treatment to folding techniques.
Conclusion
Laundry is a critical but time-consuming aspect of preparing an Airbnb property for new guests. By understanding the challenges and implementing strategies to streamline the process, you can ensure a faster turnover without sacrificing quality. Remember, the effort you put into laundry reflects in your guests’ comfort and satisfaction—and ultimately in your reviews.