What kinds of textiles should an Airbnb listing have?

As an Airbnb host, you know that first impressions are key to getting a good review. Guests compare their experience to staying at a hotel, and linens are one of the most important factors that distinguish an average stay from a five-star experience. The right Airbnb linens boost reviews, reduce complaints, and make your listing memorable.

In this guide, we’ll cover the very questions that concern every professional short-term rental host: what textiles are needed, how many, what quality to aim for, and how to manage maintenance in practice.

What textiles must an Airbnb listing have?

An Airbnb listing must have at least bedding for every bed, enough towels for every guest, and bathroom linens. The basic package for high-quality accommodations includes sheets, pillowcases, blankets, pillows, bath towels, hand towels, and possibly a bath mat. These are the minimum standards guests expect.

If you want to stand out from your competitors and earn five-star reviews, it’s worth investing in a few extra touches beyond the basic package. Bedspreads make the bed look hotel-like and polished when guests arrive. A bathrobe is a surprisingly small investment compared to how much it enhances the perceived luxury of the stay.

Bedding and Bed Linens

Each bed requires at least one mattress protector, two sets of sheets (one in use, one in the wash), one pillow for each sleeping spot, and a blanket. Mattress and pillow protectors are especially important for short-term rentals, as they protect more expensive bedding and make it easier to maintain hygiene. A liquid-repellent mattress protector is practically a must when guests change frequently.

Bathroom textiles

The bathroom should include a bath towel and a hand towel for each guest, as well as a bath mat or floor towel. If the apartment has more than one bathroom or shower, equip each one separately. High-quality terry cloth towels and bathrobes are the kinds of details that guests photograph and mention in their reviews.

How many towels and sets of linens are needed for an Airbnb listing?

An Airbnb listing requires at least two complete sets of towels and linens for each sleeping space. One set is for guests’ use, while the other is kept clean and ready for the next rental or is in the wash. A third set is recommended if your listing has short turnaround times or if the laundry service doesn’t always arrive on time.

The practical formula is simple: multiply the number of sleeping spots by two or three. If your apartment sleeps four, you’ll need eight or twelve towel sets, as well as the same number of pillowcases and sheet sets. This may seem like a lot, but having the right inventory is what enables smooth operations without rushed laundry runs.

When it comes to towels, keep in mind that you’ll need both a bath towel and a hand towel for each guest. A foot towel or bath mat is a nice addition to the bathroom and also protects the floors from moisture. Premium hosts also provide a separate face towel or bidet towel, which significantly elevates the standard of the accommodation.

What kind of quality should you look for in textiles for Airbnb use?

For Airbnb use, you should choose hotel-quality textiles that can withstand frequent washing, stay soft, and look neat for a long time. The most important features are washability, breathability, and ease of care. Textiles that are too cheap wear out quickly and increase costs in the long run, whereas textiles designed for professional use pay for themselves through their durability.

Sheets and Bedding

For sheets, a thread count of at least 200 is recommended, as well as cotton or a cotton-polyester blend that can withstand industrial laundry temperatures. Pure white is a favorite color among hotels for a reason: it conveys cleanliness, is easy to keep stain-free, and complements any interior design. Sheets designed for professional use are manufactured in accordance with SFS standards, ensuring consistent quality wash after wash.

It’s best to choose blankets and pillows made from breathable materials suitable for both summer and winter use, or alternatively, to purchase a lightweight blanket and a winter blanket separately. Pillow covers and mattress protectors—especially liquid-repellent models—are an investment that pays for itself quickly.

Towels and Bath Textiles

For towels, the best choice is thick, absorbent terry cloth with a weight of at least 500 g/m². This feels high-quality to the touch and dries you off effectively. Terry cloth designed for professional use can withstand hundreds of washes without losing its softness or shape, unlike the cheapest options on the consumer market.

Import No. 1’s No Problem Textiles collection is designed specifically for this purpose: the products are on par with those found in leading hotels, but they are also available to individual lodging providers through the Sisustus1 online store. You can also explore the products in person at our Helsinki showroom, where you can feel the materials for yourself before making a purchase decision.

How should you care for and store linens in an Airbnb listing?

Caring for Airbnb linens works best when you have a clear system in place: a laundry bag in every room, a sufficient supply of clean linens, and a washing machine that follows the washing instructions. Textiles designed for professional use can withstand washes at 60–90 degrees, which ensures hygiene as guests come and go.

The most important thing when storing textiles is to keep clean and dirty items separate and to make sure the textiles are allowed to air out before storage. Moisture is the biggest enemy, so the storage area must be dry and well-ventilated. Rolled-up or folded towels must not be left in a confined space for long periods of time.

Practical maintenance tips

• Wash new textiles before using them for the first time so that they reach their full absorbency and softness.
• Use a detergent designed for white textiles to keep the color bright white.
• Dry the towels in a tumble dryer at a low temperature to keep the terry cloth surface soft.
• Check each item of linens during each change and immediately remove any worn or stained pieces from use.
• It is recommended to change bed linens and mattress covers after every guest, even if they appear clean.

When should textiles be replaced?

According to industry standards, towels are replaced after about 100–150 washes, and sheets after 200–300 washes. In active Airbnb use, this means, in practice, replacing them about once or twice a year in the most popular destinations. Investing in higher-quality linens means fewer replacements and a better guest experience throughout their entire lifespan.

If you want to ensure that the textiles in your accommodation are hotel-quality from start to finish, we’re here to help. Contact us and tell us your needs, and we’ll tailor a textile package specifically for your property. You can also visit our showroom in Helsinki, where you can feel the materials for yourself and receive expert advice. All products are delivered directly to your address.