Short-term rental properties such as Airbnb accommodations and holiday rentals have become increasingly popular in recent years. They offer travellers a more personalized and cost-effective alternative to hotels, providing a home away from home experience. However, since multiple guests stay on the same property, it’s important to ensure the property is cleaned and the linens are washed between guests. There are a number of common methods used to clean short-term rentals as well as a range of challenges faced by professional cleaners when maintaining these properties.
Methods of Washing Linens Between Guests:
Several methods exist for washing linens between guests, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a closer look:
On-Site Washing Machine:
Using an on-site washing machine is a convenient option if the property owner lives on-site and can do the laundry themselves. This method only requires one set of linens, which can be washed and dried quickly. However, this isn’t feasible for externally managed properties, as cleaners cannot wait around for the linens to be cleaned and dried.
Local Laundromat/Dry Cleaner:
Another option is to take the linens to a local laundromat or dry cleaner. This is done off-site, which means there is no disruption to guests. However, this method requires multiple sets of linens and can be logistically more challenging and expensive. During peak holiday periods, many laundromats or laundering companies may close, causing further difficulties.
Linen Hire:
Many property owners choose to hire linens from companies that provide clean linens and accept used linens to be returned. This is the most convenient option, as the property owner doesn’t need to wash the linens themselves. The linens are always in good condition and receive a professional clean, which is quality-controlled by the company. The linens are also ironed before they’re returned. However, this option is more expensive per change and requires large orders (e.g., linens for the whole month), which means spare linens need to be stored somewhere.
Professional Cleaners:
Professional cleaners are often employed to visit the property between guests, clean the property, and return everything to its place, ready for the next guest. This ensures that the property is cleaned to a high standard and makes the process stress-free for the property owner. Additionally, the cleaner can recognize and note if any items are missing or damaged, which is important for Airbnb insurance claims. The feedback provided by the cleaner to the property manager can also allow for a quick online review of the guest, increasing the chance of the guest leaving a review in return.
Challenges Faced by Professional Cleaners:
One of the most significant challenges for professional cleaners is the same-day turnaround. With guests checking out at 10 am and new guests arriving at 3 pm, cleaners have just a 5-hour window to clean and change the linens. This is a big job and can be stressful, especially if cleaners don’t turn up or if unexpected issues arise. In these cases, the property manager needs to step in to alleviate the stress.
With so many options, the process of maintaining a holiday rental investment can seem overwhelming and stressful. At Dynamic Residential Short Stays, we can handle all aspects of short stay property management, including cleaning, linen washing, guest communication, and more. By delegating these tasks to a professional, property owners can ensure that their short stay properties are managed effectively and efficiently, leading to happier guests and a more successful business.
