Linen Maintenance 101: How To Provide Pristine Bedding in Your Holiday Homes

Guests consider clean linens as the norm. A standard for any Airbnb.

As an Airbnb host, if you leave UNCLEAN sheets for guests, they will notice. Not only will they notice, they will inform everybody and anybody who cares to listen.

And that’s terrible.

Don’t underestimate Airbnb beddings. We’ve managed hundreds of holiday homes and overseen thousands of guest stays, so we know what works when it comes to guest satisfaction.

In this guide, we’ll explore easy ways to provide pristine bedding in your holiday homes even as a busy host. Whether you manage one rental or ten, these tips will help you avoid stains, keep guests happy, and boost their overall satisfaction.

Let’s get into it.

5 Reasons Why Pristine Bedding Matters in Your Airbnb & Holiday Homes

Photo by cottonbro studio

We asked Fatima (our head of cleaning & turnover at Homevy), why pristine linen matters in Airbnb rentals. Her answer was straight to the point – “Comfort and cleanliness. No complaints from the guest.”

And she’s right.

At Homevy, we take the standard of our linens SERIOUSLY. Almost obsessively.

Our housekeeping team thoroughly inspects every sheet before it even gets to the unit. Once it’s in the unit, we check it again for stains, wear and tear, and even the faintest of smells.

This level of care is why guests keep coming back and why homeowners trust us to manage their Airbnbs. If you own a property in Dubai and want to deliver this kind of guest experience, we’d love to help, so contact us on Whatsapp.

Now here are 5 key reasons why pristine bedding is a MUST for every holiday home or Airbnb host:

1. It’s Something Guests Interact With

Guests might scroll through your beautifully photographed photos and appreciate the welcome package, but at the end of the day, they’re climbing into that bed. If the sheets feel rough, smell of leftover detergent, or show stains or stray hairs, it immediately sets off alarm bells that your Airbnb is unclean.

2. It Builds Trust

When guests check into your short-term rental, they usually don’t inspect every corner; they judge your Airbnb based on a few key details. One of the first and most important is the bed.

If the sheets look wrinkled, smell stale, or feel worn out, guests start to question everything: “Was this place cleaned properly?” “Are the bathrooms clean?” “Can I trust that the kitchen was cleaned?”

The questions can break the trust before it’s even built. Pristine bedding, on the other hand, creates a great first impression and reassures guests that everything else is clean too.

3. It Influences Sleep Quality and Overall Comfort

Even in a beautiful room, no one wants to sleep on scratchy or wrinkled sheets that feel like they haven’t been changed. Quality sleep is a big part of a relaxing stay; and clean, breathable, soft bedding plays a huge role in that.

When guests sleep well, they wake up happier, more relaxed, and more likely to leave positive feedback.

4. Pristine Bedding Always Gets Mentioned in Reviews

Go through Airbnb reviews and you’ll see it: guests always mention how clean or comfortable the bed was. It’s one of the top things they remember and share with others.

At Homevy, we’ve hosted guests and consistently earned 5-star reviews, with many specifically mentioning the freshness and comfort of our sheets. It’s no coincidence that we’ve achieved Airbnb Superhost status. Why? Because we prioritize clean, quality linens. (That’s not all, but it’s a MAJOR factor).

5. It Adds Some Luxury to Your Vacation Rental

You don’t need a luxury apartment to give guests a great experience. Sure, the space matters, but clean, well-made bedding goes a long way. It shows you care, not just about your ROI, but about your guests’ comfort and overall experience.

Annnndddd that’s it. Now you know why holiday homes bedding matters so much. But how do you keep them in pristine condition? We’ll tell you our Homevy secrets (courtesy of Fatima).

7 Ways to Provide Quality Bedding in Your Holiday Homes and Airbnbs

Photo by Marcus Aurelius

Having clean bedding isn’t just a “must-have essential” in holiday homes; it’s a non-negotiable. The good news is you don’t need a full housekeeping team to keep your bedding clean. Once you follow this guide, you’re good to go.

Here’s what Fatima (our head of cleaning & turnover at Homevy) recommends:

1. Invest in High-Quality Bedding

First things first…don’t pick random sheets in a rush. Start with the right materials.

High-quality sheets not only feel better, but are built to handle frequent washes without thinning, fading, or tearing. And no, they don’t have to be expensive.

Here is what to look for:

1. Material: Choose 100% cotton or a durable cotton blend like percale or bamboo. They hold up well to high-heat washes and feel great on the skin, especially in hot climates like Dubai. For colder regions like Canada, switch to cotton sateen, flannel, or brushed cotton for added warmth and coziness.
2. Colour: Stick with white or off-white. These colours don’t fade, show stains early, and are easy to disinfect using bleach or whitening agents.
3. Thread Count: A range between 200 – 400 is ideal; anything higher often traps heat and takes longer to dry.
4. Durability: Look out for hotel-grade or commercial-use sheets that are designed to withstand daily laundering without losing softness or structure.

Homevy Tip: Use the same sheet sizes and brands for every bed across all your properties. It makes washing, folding, and replacing much faster and easier.

2. Use a 3-set Linen Rotation for Each Bed

To keep up with quick turnovers, especially with frequent bookings, you need a rotation system that avoids last-minute laundry panic.

Image by Homevy

What we mean is this: Every bed in your holiday home should have three full sets of bedding, not just sheets, but pillowcases and duvet covers too.

Here’s how it works:

• Set 1: On the bed, ready for the current guest.
• Set 2: Being washed or dried after the last use.
• Set 3: Clean, folded, and stored – ready for the next quick turnover.

This system ensures you’re never rushing to wash bedding between bookings, and you always have clean guest-ready sheets.

During peak seasons, it’s smart to keep 4 sets of bedding for each bed. That extra set gives you backup in case of stains, delays, or last-minute bookings.

3. Wash the Bedding at the Right Temperature & With the Right Products

Is there makeup on the pillowcase? Wine on the sheet? Don’t just throw it in the wash and hope for the best. You’ll end up with a “clean” sheet and a permanent stain.

You’ll have to remove the stain without damaging the fabric. Here are the best practices:

• Set the washer to 60°C (140°F): This kills germs and dust mites without shrinking cotton sheets.
• Use a gentle, fragrance-free detergent: Strong scents can trigger allergies or make guests question if the sheets were actually washed.
• Make Use of Additives: Occasionally, add white vinegar to the rinse cycle to neutralize odors and soften the fabric without residue.
• Properly Dry: Line-drying in the sun helps naturally whiten sheets. If using a dryer, shake out linens before drying; it helps to reduce wrinkles.

4. Handle Stains with Immediate Effect

You don’t need a commercial laundry service to deal with stains. You just need a clear routine:

1. Inspect before washing: Don’t toss everything into the machine. Look for pillowcases or sheet stains first.
2. Pre-treat the stain: Put a stain remover or mild dish soap directly on the stained area. Gently rub it in and leave it for 15 to 30 minutes before washing.
3. Use warm or hot water: Wash the sheet on a warm/hot cycle (check the fabric care label first).
4. Check before drying: If the stain is still there, don’t dry it. Heat will lock the stain in.
5. Try again with oxygen bleach: Rewash using a safe whitening product (like Vanish or OxiClean). Avoid chlorine bleach on coloured or delicate fabrics.
6. Replace damaged sheets: If a stain doesn’t come out after two washes, don’t keep using it; swap it out for a new one.

When we asked Fatima her process for checking each sheet before it’s used, she said:

“I do a visual inspection, feel the fabric with my hands, and make sure it smells fresh. Then, we double-check everything again at the unit before the bed is made.”

Behind the scenes at Homevy, we don’t stop at the wash. Before any sheet goes on a guest’s bed, it goes through a final inspection by a second set of eyes. Our linen team checks every piece again on-site to make sure no stain, crease, or scent issue slips through.

This level of detail is one of the reasons we consistently maintain Airbnb Superhost status and why our guests often mention how clean and fresh the bedding feels.

5. Present the Bed Like It’s Guest-Ready

You’ll have to make the bed like someone’s about to walk in and lie down. Yes, you have to be that intentional.

Start by pulling the sheets tight and smoothing out every crease. Fluff the pillows so they don’t look slept on. Lay the duvet flat, with no lumps or bunching. If you use a throw or decorative pillow, place it neatly.

Step back and look at the whole setup. Does it feel clean, fresh, and inviting? That’s the goal. A well-made bed instantly tells your guest, “You’re welcome here.”

The way your bed looks in person is the same way it should show up in your listing photos. A neatly made, well-presented bed makes your Airbnb look polished and that can help attract more bookings.

6. Store Clean Linens Properly to Keep Them Fresh

Freshly washed sheets can easily pick up damp smells, dust, or even musty odours if you don’t store them right, and that’s not the kind of detail you want guests to remember.

To keep linens fresh in storage:

• Store in a cool, dry, ventilated space and avoid airtight plastic bins.
• Use breathable cotton bags or fabric bins for folded sheets.
• Add moisture absorbers like baking soda packs or natural lavender sachets.
• Never store damp linens; always let them cool and dry fully before folding.

Homevy Tip: Label shelves or bins by sheet size and property/unit name. This makes it easy to grab the right bedding set quickly during turnovers.

7. Replace Bedding Regularly

Even the best care routines can’t make bedding last forever. Over time, sheets start to thin, fade, or lose their softness and that can leave guests silently wondering, “How long has this been here?” That’s not the kind of thought you want them to have.

For weekend rentals or occasional stays, replacing bedding every 12 to 18 months is usually enough. But for high-occupancy Airbnb, where sheets are washed more often, it’s best to replace them every 6 to 12 months. The more you wash them, the faster the fabric wears down.

Include a quarterly linen audit in your cleaning checklist. If a sheet doesn’t look good enough, it’s better to retire it than risk a guest noticing it first.

Common Bedding Mistakes to Avoid as an Airbnb Host in 2025

Photo by Liliana Drew

You could follow every tip for providing pristine bedding in your Airbnb, but still get negative reviews if the bed isn’t made properly. To help you avoid that, here are four common bedding mistakes hosts often make, so you don’t have to.

1. Using the Wrong Sheet Size

Guests quickly notice when the sheets don’t fit the bed. If they’re too tight, too loose, or don’t match, the bed ends up looking messy even if everything is clean.

A properly fitted sheet makes all the difference.

Match your sheet sizes to each mattress and stick to them. Use tags or colour codes to quickly tell which sheet is which when doing laundry or restocking.

2. Holding on to Worn or Stained Linens

A clean sheet with a visible stain still makes guests uncomfortable. “They looked clean… but are these stains?” That’s not a question you want your guests to ask as they pull back the duvet.

Even if it’s a tiny mark or a bit of fading, it makes the bed feel used, which is not a great first impression. Ensure to check the sheets thoroughly before using them.

3. Using Strongly Scented Detergents

What smells “fresh” to you might be overwhelming (or even allergy-triggering) for guests. A heavily perfumed bed can raise doubts about whether the sheets were actually washed or just sprayed.

Yes, the sheets don’t have to smell like roses; they just have to be fresh and soft.

4. Skipping the Final Bed Check

You’ve washed and made the bed, but did you check it with a guest’s eye?

Hair strands, lint, or visible creases can instantly make your space feel less clean, even when the rest of the vacation rental is tidy.

After you’ve dressed the bed, step back and look at it as a guest would. Smooth the sheets, plump the pillows, and make sure everything’s lint-free.

FAQs on Pristine Bedding in Your Airbnb and Vacation Rentals

1. Why Do White Linens Turn Yellow?

White linens turn yellow due to body oils, sweat, skin products, and detergent buildup that aren’t fully rinsed out during washing. Over time, this residue oxidizes and causes discolouration, especially when linens aren’t washed in hot water or stored properly.

2. Should I Put Vinegar in My Laundry?

Yes, adding white vinegar to your laundry is a natural way to soften fabric, remove detergent residue, and neutralize odours without using harsh chemicals. Use about ½ cup during the rinse cycle.

3. Should I Iron or Steam My Sheets for Airbnb?

Ironing or steaming isn’t necessary, but it goes a long way in how the bed looks, especially in your listing photos. When sheets are ironed, the bedding looks sharp, smells clean, and elevates the entire room’s appearance. If steaming or ironing isn’t feasible, make sure to smooth and tightly tuck the linens when making the bed.

4. Do I Need to Use White Bedding for My Holiday Home?

White bedding is recommended for vacation rentals. You can’t go wrong with white. It’s easy to wash and replace, and it also signals cleanliness and quality to your holiday home guests. Plus, if you’re aiming for a hotel-like experience, white bedding is always the right choice.

5. Is Providing Clean Bedding Important for My Vacation Rental?

Yes,  Airbnb’s official cleaning guidelines highlight that cleanliness is a top priority for guests and a key reason behind five-star ratings. A neatly made bed with fresh linens signals hygiene, care, and professionalism. This often enhances guest satisfaction, reviews, and repeat bookings in vacation rentals.

Final Words on Providing Quality Bedding for Your Airbnb

At Homevy, we’ve turned average stays into unforgettable guest experiences, and we’ve realized one of the simplest ways to stand out in the short-term rental market is through cleanliness.

One of our recent guests mentioned this after staying in one of our Dubai properties:

Source: Google Review

Again, to provide pristine bedding in your holiday home, focus on three main things: quality, consistency, and presentation. These little details are what guests will rave about; the comfort they’ll mention in their reviews, which leads to better visibility, more bookings, and a higher ROI.

And remember, if you need help with managing your short-term rental in ANY WAY, talk to us on Whatsapp.