Delegating the cleaning responsibilities to your housekeeper while listing your apartment on Airbnb is a practical approach. When it comes to washing and drying clothes with only one washing machine, you can follow these steps:
Set a Schedule: Coordinate with your housekeeper to establish a clear schedule for laundry tasks. Depending on the number of guests and their length of stay, you may need to plan regular laundry days. Communicate any urgent laundry needs promptly to avoid any inconvenience for the guests.
Sorting Laundry: Advise your guests to sort their laundry into different baskets based on colors and fabric types. This makes it easier for your housekeeper to load the machine efficiently.
Use Laundry Bags: To keep each guest's laundry separated, provide laundry bags or hampers with guest names or room numbers on them. This will help your housekeeper easily identify and sort the laundry for washing.
Laundry Schedule for Guests: Consider implementing a laundry schedule for guests, especially if you have a higher number of guests staying simultaneously. For example, guests on the first floor can use the washing machine on certain days, while guests on the second floor can use it on different days.
Fast Wash and Dry Cycles: Opt for quick wash and dry cycles if the washing machine has this feature. This will reduce the turnaround time for laundry, allowing your housekeeper to process multiple loads efficiently.
Drying Rack or Clothesline: If you have limited drying space, invest in a drying rack or use a clothesline outside (if available and weather permits) to air-dry some clothes. Not all garments require machine drying, and this will help reduce the load on the machine.
Prioritize Bedding and Towels: Since these items are essential for the guests, prioritize washing and drying bedding, towels, and other linens first. This ensures you have clean sets available for the next guest's check-in.
Have Backup Linens: Consider having spare sets of bedding and towels so that while one set is being laundered, you can replace them with fresh ones for the incoming guests.
Laundry Service: In some locations, you may find laundry services that offer pick-up and drop-off options. If the workload becomes overwhelming, you could consider using such services occasionally.
Clear Instructions for Guests: Provide clear instructions to your guests about the laundry process. Explain the schedule, how to use the washing machine, where to find detergent, and any other relevant details.
Remember, communication with your housekeeper and guests is key to ensure a smooth laundry process. By implementing a well-organized system and being proactive in managing laundry, you can efficiently handle the laundry needs of your Airbnb guests with just one washing machine.