How to Manage Laundry for a Short-Term Rental Business

In the short-term rental business, cleanliness is one of the most critical factors influencing guest satisfaction and reviews.

Fresh, crisp linens and clean towels create a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere for guests, making them more likely to leave positive feedback and return in the future.

However, managing laundry efficiently can be a challenge, especially for hosts managing multiple properties.

Without a structured laundry system, rental hosts may struggle with quick turnarounds, high costs, and inconsistent linen quality.

This guide will explore the best strategies for managing laundry in a short-term rental business, covering whether to handle it in-house or outsource it, best practices, cost-saving tips, and common pitfalls to avoid.

Understanding Laundry Needs for Short-Term Rentals

Managing laundry for a short-term rental requires a strategic approach. Unlike personal laundry, rental laundry must be handled quickly, efficiently, and professionally to meet guest expectations.

– Types of Laundry Items in Short-Term Rentals

Bed linens: Sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers.
Towels: Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths.
Kitchen linens: Dish towels, napkins, oven mitts.
Bathroom essentials: Bathmats, shower curtains.
Other: Sofa covers, curtains, blankets.

– Factors Affecting Laundry Frequency

Guest turnover rate: More frequent check-ins and check-outs mean more laundry loads.
Length of guest stay: Longer stays may require mid-stay cleaning and linen changes.
Number of properties: Managing multiple rentals increases laundry volume.
Seasonality: Peak seasons require faster laundry turnaround to accommodate high occupancy.

Understanding these needs helps in structuring a sustainable laundry management system.

In-House Laundry vs. Outsourcing: Which is Best?

– In-House Laundry

Pros:

Full control over quality.
Lower cost in the long run.
Flexibility in washing frequency.

Cons:

Time-consuming.
Requires investment in equipment.
Higher utility costs (water, electricity, detergent).

What You Need for In-House Laundry:

High-capacity washing machine and dryer.
Drying racks (if air-drying is preferred).
Detergents, fabric softeners, and stain removers.
Iron and ironing board for crisp linens.

– Outsourcing Laundry Services

Pros:

Saves time and effort.
Professional-level cleaning.
Scalable for multiple properties.

Cons:

Higher recurring cost.
Potential delays in turnaround time.
Less control over quality and handling of linens.

Choosing the Right Laundry Service:

Look for laundromats that offer same-day or next-day service.
Compare pricing for per-load vs. bulk rates.
Check for special services like hypoallergenic detergents or linen pressing.

Whether to opt for in-house laundry or outsourcing depends on the size of the rental business, budget, and operational capacity.

Read This: Preventive Maintenance Tips for Short-Term Rental Properties

Best Practices for Efficient Laundry Management

– Creating a Laundry Schedule

Wash linens immediately after guest checkout.
Have a fixed schedule for deep cleaning heavier items like curtains and sofa covers.
Implement a system where clean linens are stocked separately from used ones to avoid mix-ups.

– Choosing the Right Linens

Opt for durable, easy-to-clean materials like cotton-polyester blends.
White linens are easier to clean with bleach and maintain a crisp look.
Invest in stain-resistant fabrics to reduce long-term damage.

– Laundry Essentials for Rentals

Hypoallergenic detergents: Cater to guests with sensitive skin.
Oxygen bleach: Keeps whites bright without damaging fabric.
Fabric softeners: Keeps linens fresh and soft.
Quick stain removers: Essential for immediate treatment of spills and stains.

By following these best practices, rental hosts can maintain high cleanliness standards without unnecessary stress.

Setting Up a Laundry System for Multiple Properties

For rental hosts managing several properties, an organized laundry system is essential.

Tips for Handling Multiple Properties’ Laundry Needs

Label linens by property: Use tags or color-coded markers to differentiate linens.
Keep spare linens: Always have a backup set to avoid delays during busy seasons.
Implement an inventory tracking system: Track linen usage to prevent losses or damages.
Standardize laundry procedures: Ensure all linens are washed, dried, and stored in the same way for consistency.

By streamlining laundry processes across multiple rentals, hosts can maintain efficiency and prevent mix-ups.

How to Speed Up Laundry Turnaround Time

Short-term rentals require a fast turnover, making laundry speed crucial. Here are ways to optimize efficiency:

Invest in fast-drying linens: Materials like microfiber dry faster than heavy cotton.
Use a two-set system: One set in use, one being washed.
Utilize high-speed washing machines: Machines with faster spin cycles extract more water, reducing drying time.
Air-dry strategically: If drying naturally, use well-ventilated areas to speed up the process.

Efficient laundry turnaround ensures that linens are always available for incoming guests, reducing last-minute stress.

Cost Management and Budgeting for Laundry

Keeping laundry costs under control is essential for profitability.

– Calculating Laundry Costs

Include the cost of water, electricity, detergents, and labor (if hiring help).
Track how many loads are required per guest stay.
Compare in-house costs vs. outsourcing costs.

– Saving on Laundry Expenses

Bulk purchase detergents and fabric softeners.
Use energy-efficient machines to lower electricity bills.
Schedule washes during off-peak hours to save on utility costs.
Encourage guests to reuse towels for longer stays (optional).

With proper budgeting, hosts can keep laundry expenses manageable while maintaining high standards.

This is for You: Eco-Friendly Cleaning Tips for Short-Term Rentals

Common Laundry Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Mistake 1: Overloading Machines

Leads to inefficient cleaning and faster wear and tear on linens.

Mistake 2: Using Harsh Detergents

Can cause fabric deterioration and skin irritation for guests.

Mistake 3: Skipping Regular Machine Maintenance

Washing machines and dryers need regular cleaning to prevent buildup and maintain efficiency.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Stains Until Later

Treat stains immediately to prevent permanent damage.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures that linens last longer and retain their quality over time.

Read This: How to Hire a Reliable Cleaning Service for Your Rental

Conclusion

Managing laundry for a short-term rental business requires strategic planning, whether done in-house or outsourced. A well-organized laundry system ensures quick turnaround, cost efficiency, and top-tier guest satisfaction.

By following best practices, avoiding common mistakes, and optimizing costs, rental hosts can streamline their laundry process and maintain high cleanliness standards that keep guests coming back.

Implement these strategies today to create a hassle-free, cost-effective laundry management system for your short-term rental business.