When you first start hosting, laundry might seem like the simplest task on your list — until the first turnover day when sheets, towels, and duvet covers start piling up faster than you can fold them. Suddenly, you’re facing one of the biggest operational decisions every host must make:
Should your cleaner handle laundry onsite, or should you outsource it?
Keeping laundry in-house can be incredibly efficient — especially if your cleaner is already managing turnovers.
Pros:
✅ Real-time quality control – Your cleaner sees everything firsthand — stains, damage, or missing items — and can address them immediately.
✅ Faster turnaround – No waiting on pickups or deliveries. Fresh linens can go straight from dryer to bed.
✅ Accountability – Your cleaner becomes your eyes and ears. When they handle laundry, they take more ownership of the property’s presentation and condition.
Cons:
⚠️ Equipment wear and tear – Frequent use can shorten the lifespan of your washer and dryer.
⚠️ Time-intensive – Turnover days can stretch longer, especially for larger properties.
⚠️ Utility costs – Electricity and water bills will reflect every extra load.
Professional laundry services can seem like a dream — drop off, pick up, repeat. Some even provide linens for a monthly fee, removing the hassle of buying, tracking, and replacing them.
Pros:
✅ Professional results – Commercial machines get linens whiter and fluffier than a standard home setup ever could.
✅ Simplified logistics – No more detergent runs or dryer repairs.
✅ Predictable costs – A flat monthly rate helps with budgeting.
Cons:
⚠️ Less oversight – You’re trusting an outside service with one of your most important guest-experience elements.
⚠️ Scheduling risks – Late deliveries can delay check-ins and create headaches.
⚠️ Less personal connection – Cleaners might be less invested if they’re not responsible for the full presentation.
Every Airbnb operation runs a little differently. Some hosts swear by outsourcing, while others — like me — have found that keeping laundry onsite creates better alignment and accountability.
When my cleaner handles laundry, she doesn’t just clean — she cares. She notices when towels need replacing, reports wear and tear, and treats the property as her own. That relationship has been the cornerstone of consistent 5-star reviews.
At the end of the day, it’s about choosing what aligns with your property setup, your cleaner’s reliability, and your own bandwidth.
Whether you decide to do laundry onsite or outsource it, these tools can help you stay organized and profitable:
🧺 BNB Startup Cleaning Checklist – Track every detail of your turnovers and supply management.
💰 BNB Startup ROI & Cost Tracker – Compare the real costs of in-house vs outsourced laundry, and find your profit sweet spot.
📋 BNB Startup Setup & Furnishing Checklist – Keep all your essentials organized from day one.
We’re here to educate, simplify, and help you grow as a host. Every article and tool we create is designed to make your Airbnb run smoother, smarter, and more profitable — so you can focus on what matters most: creating unforgettable stays for your guests.