Quick Answer: The Exact Bulk Linen Kit I Use In My Airbnbs
For each bed I keep 3 full sheet sets, 2 mattress protectors, 2 duvet covers, 1 all season insert, and 4 pillows with protectors. For towels I stock at least 2 bath towels, 1 hand towel, and 1 washcloth per guest, plus black makeup cloths, bath mats, and kitchen towels in bulk.
Key Takeaways
- White hotel style linens make cleaning simple and reassure guests that everything is spotless.
- A three set “PAR” system per bed keeps you safe on same day turns and laundry delays.
- Mattress and pillow protectors quietly protect your most expensive items and improve hygiene.
I am writing this as an active Superhost who runs multiple short term rentals. I have tested cheap towels that fray after 5 washes, luxury sets guests never use twice, and everything in between. The products below are the ones that held up to constant laundry, fast turnovers, and five star cleanliness expectations.
1. White Microfiber Sheet Sets For Every Bed
White sheets are the foundation of your Airbnb linen strategy. Hotels use white because stains show, guests trust the look, and staff can wash everything together on hot cycles.
As a host, I love basic bright white microfiber sheet sets because they dry fast, resist wrinkles, and are affordable enough to buy in true bulk. I follow the three set rule per bed. One on the bed, one in the wash, one spare. That pattern comes straight from hotel PAR level guidance.
Best Practices For Sheets
- All white, no patterns
- Deep pockets for thicker mattresses
- Easy care, quick drying
- At least 3 sets per bed
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: Amazon Basics 4 Piece Microfiber Bed Sheet Set, Queen, Bright White
This set gives you a soft, wrinkle resistant microfiber base that my cleaners can wash and dry in one turnover cycle, even on tight schedules.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
2. Bulk White Bath Towels For Everyday Guests
Bath towels are the textile guests touch the most. If they feel thin or stiff, your review takes a hit. If they are too heavy, they never dry between turns. The sweet spot for daily bath towels is a GSM rating above 500 for comfort and absorbency without slow dry times.
In my units I standardize on all white cotton bath towels. This lets me wash every towel on hot, use oxygen based bleach when needed, and mix sets from the same bulk packs without guests noticing.
I plan for at least 2 bath towels per guest plus spares, which lines up with what experienced hosts report in community forums.
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: ZUPERIA White Bath Towels Bulk 24 Pack, 20 x 40 Inches, 100% Cotton
These cotton towels are light enough to dry quickly but still feel soft and absorbent, which is perfect when you are turning several bathrooms in one afternoon.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
3. Hand Towels And Washcloth Bundles For Every Sink
Hand towels and washcloths disappear faster than anything else in my listings. Guests use them for faces, spills, and sometimes cleaning, so I only buy big bulk bundles here.
A simple formula that works well is 1 hand towel and 1 washcloth per guest, multiplied by three sets. That matches how I stock sheets and keeps me safe when guests stay a week or more.
I like darker washcloths in this category for the bathroom, and lighter ones for the kitchen or bar area, so staff can tell them apart at a glance.
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: Utopia Towels 12 Pack Premium Cotton Wash Cloths, 12 x 12, Grey
These ring spun cotton cloths are soft, dense enough to feel substantial, and cheap enough that I do not worry if a few go missing each month.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
4. Black Makeup Washcloths To Protect Your Whites
If you have ever pulled a mascara streaked “white” towel from the hamper, you already know why this item is on the list. Many guests will reach for whatever is closest. You want them reaching for dedicated makeup towels, not your nice bath sheets.
Once I added black makeup cloths with a small “Makeup” sign by the sink, my ruined towel count dropped fast. Hosts across forums report the same effect.
Placement Tips
- Folded and stacked near the vanity
- Small sign that says “Please use these for makeup”
- Two cloths per guest for beauty heavy bookings
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: White Classic Bleach Safe Black Makeup Washcloths, 12 Pack
These soft black cotton washcloths are sized like regular face cloths and take on mascara, foundation, and self tanner without making your white towels look tired.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
5. Waterproof Mattress Protectors To Guard Every Bed
Mattress protectors are non negotiable in a serious Airbnb operation. A good protector catches spills, sweat, and accidents, and blocks dust mites and allergens.
A recent study highlighted that over half of adults skip mattress protectors even though the average person loses hundreds of milliliters of sweat and millions of skin cells into their bed every night. That waste feeds dust mites and bacteria and shortens mattress life.
In my units I use quiet, breathable protectors that feel like a regular sheet under standard white bedding. I keep 2 per bed so if one gets hit by a spill, cleaners can swap in a fresh one right away.
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: SafeRest Waterproof Queen Mattress Protector
This terry top protector gives you a soft surface and a waterproof membrane that blocks liquids and allergens without that plastic crinkle guests hate.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
6. Zippered Pillow Protectors For Hygienic Pillows
Pillows are expensive to replace and almost impossible to clean well once they are stained. Zippered pillow protectors create a washable barrier that extends pillow life and helps allergy sensitive guests breathe easier.
Hotel style guidance suggests 2 to 3 pillowcase sets per pillow, plus at least one inner protector that stays on the pillow full time.
As a host, I notice guests comment more often on “fresh pillows” after I added protectors and started washing pillowcases on every turnover without fail.
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: BC Bare Cotton Luxury Hotel Collection Pillow Protectors, Zippered, 4 Pack
These zippered protectors fit snugly, add a smooth cotton blend layer, and go in every hot wash without shrinking, which keeps my pillow inventory looking new.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
7. All Season Duvet Inserts Or Comforters For Hotel Style Beds
The comforter is the star of your listing photos. A big, fluffy white duvet signals comfort and cleanliness in a way no throw blanket can.
For Airbnbs I prefer all season down alternative inserts that work in both warm and cool months. Bedding experts highlight that medium weight down alternative inserts provide enough warmth for most climates without making guests overheat.
I usually stock 1 insert per bed plus one spare per property, so if something gets stained on a stay, I am not scrambling.
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: Bedsure Comforter Duvet Insert, All Season, Queen, White
This down alternative insert has corner tabs for duvet covers, enough loft to look luxurious on camera, and holds up to repeated washing in a busy short term rental.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
8. Hotel Style White Duvet Covers For Fast Turnover
Duvet covers are your secret weapon at turnover time. Instead of washing a bulky comforter after every guest, you strip and wash a cover, just like a sheet. Hotel operations guides often recommend 2 to 3 duvet covers per bed so staff can rotate them and protect the insert.
I go with crisp white cotton covers that look upscale, hide minor wrinkles in photos, and match any wall color. Guests instantly read this as “hotel level” bedding, which supports cleanliness and quality scores.
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: Bedsure Luxury Hotel Duvet Cover, Queen, 100% Cotton, Embroidery White
This three piece set gives you a white cotton duvet cover with subtle embroidery and two matching shams so every bed photographs like a boutique hotel suite.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
9. Cotton Bath Mat Towels To Keep Floors Safe
Slippery bathroom floors are a liability and a guest complaint waiting to happen. Towel style cotton bath mats solve that problem and go straight into the same hot towel load as your bath sheets.
I switched from rubber backed mats to towel mats years ago. My cleaners stopped fighting crumbling backing and could move faster, and I stopped worrying about mildew trapped under bulky rugs.
Hospitality suppliers stress that simple white cotton bath mats are ideal for hotels because they wash and dry quickly, yet still protect feet from cold tile.
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: GOLD TEXTILES 12 Pack White Bath Mat Towels, 20 x 30
These hotel style mats are the right size for most tubs and showers, absorb quickly, and stand up to commercial style washing without curling or shredding.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
10. Kitchen And Cleaning Towels To Protect Everything Else
If you do not give guests kitchen towels, they will grab bath towels for spills and dishes. That creates stains, lint on glasses, and a laundry mess. I treat kitchen towels as consumables and buy big packs that can live under the sink and in the cleaner caddy.
Microfiber towels are great for glass and stainless steel because they are lint free and highly absorbent, while classic cotton dish towels feel familiar to guests and dry hands well.
My baseline is at least 12 kitchen towels per listing, split between microfiber and cotton, with more in high use properties.
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: Puomue Microfiber Kitchen Towels And Dishcloths Set, 12 Piece
This set gives you larger towels for counters and smaller cloths for dishes, all highly absorbent and fast drying, which keeps both guests and cleaners happy.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
BULK BUY RECOMMENDED: Zeppoli Classic Kitchen Dish Towels, 15 Pack, 100% Cotton
These cotton towels handle hand drying, light cleaning, and backup dish duty without leaving lint on glassware or cookware.
➡️ Check price and buy on Amazon
Recommended Quantities Per Listing
Here is the simple stocking plan I follow across my properties, adapted from hotel linen PAR standards and guest hosting guides.
- Sheets: 3 full sets per bed
- Duvet covers: 2 to 3 per bed
- Duvet inserts or comforters: 1 per bed, plus 1 spare per property
- Pillows: 4 per queen or king bed
- Pillow protectors: 1 to 2 per pillow
- Bath towels: 2 per guest, plus spares
- Hand towels and washcloths: 1 of each per guest, plus spares
- Makeup cloths: 2 per guest capacity
- Bath mats: 2 per bathroom
- Kitchen towels: At least 12 per listing
To stay compliant with Airbnb’s camera policy, place Arlo units only outdoors over entry paths, driveways, or parking, never inside the listing or pointed at private areas such as enclosed hot tubs, and clearly disclose their presence and locations in your listing.
FAQs
How many sets of sheets do I really need per Airbnb bed?
I advise having a minimum of three full sets of linens per bed—this includes the fitted sheet, top sheet, and pillowcases. This allocation allows for: one set currently in use by the guest, one set in the wash/drying cycle during turnover, and one clean, dry set stored as a backup for rapid, same-day flips or emergencies.
How many towels should I provide for each Airbnb guest?
I advise having a minimum of three full sets of towels (bath, hand, and washcloths) per bed. This rotation ensures one set is in use, one is being laundered (or waiting for laundry), and one clean set is stored as a vital backup for fast turnovers, preventing scheduling delays.
Are white linens really better for short term rentals?
I strictly use white sheets because they are universally perceived as the cleanest and most hygienic option. Crucially, the white color allows for the use of chlorine or color-safe bleach to effectively eliminate nearly all stains, drastically extending the linen lifespan and maintaining a crisp look.
Do I need a mattress protector for every bed in my Airbnb?
Yes, absolutely. As an experienced host, I consider zippered, waterproof mattress protectors a non-negotiable insurance policy. They defend your high-cost mattresses and pillows from stains, spills, and allergens, significantly extending the life of your bedding assets and minimizing potential replacement costs.
What type of towel is best for Airbnb, cotton or microfiber?
For bath and hand towels, 100% white cotton (600–700 GSM) is best. It offers the luxurious texture guests expect while being durable and bleach-friendly for effective stain removal. Microfiber, however, is the best choice for cleaning cloths, as its superior absorption and polishing ability make it ideal for streak-free surfaces during turnover.
What kind of toilet paper should I buy for Airbnb?
Always choose a well-known, soft, two- or three-ply brand in bulk, like those recognized for "Ultra Soft" quality. While cheaper options exist, using a recognizable, comfortable brand is a small investment that elevates the perceived quality of the stay and minimizes guest complaints. My overall best pick for for buying toilet paper is Scott Professional 100% Recycled Fiber Standard Roll Bulk Toilet Paper
What is the best brand of refillable shampoo for Airbnb?
The best choice is a high-quality, lightly or unscented formula from a professional hospitality supplier, purchased in large gallon jugs. Focus less on a single "brand" and more on the bulk format, neutral scent, and quality ingredient list for universal guest appeal and cost efficiency. My overall best pick for for buying toilet paper is Ginger Lily Farms Salon Formula 100% Pure Morocco Argan Oil Shampoo for All Hair Types
What is the best strategy for Airbnb linen lifecycle management?
The best strategy involves buying commercial-grade, high-durability linens and using a three-set rotation (in use, in wash, in storage). This allows immediate replacement when wear or irreversible stains occur, maximizing the life of your linen investment and ensuring consistent quality.
How should I manage cleaning supply inventory for multiple Airbnbs?
I recommend a centralized bulk purchasing system combined with standardized inventory kits for each unit. Use checklists and a color-coded microfiber system to track usage. This minimizes emergency runs and ensures all properties maintain the same professional cleanliness standards.
A Foundation for Superhost Success
Stop viewing linens and towels as merely inventory; they are the bedrock of a five-star guest experience and the engine of efficient property management. By adopting this bulk buy blueprint and standardizing every piece of bedding, you aren't just filling shelves, you are implementing the core strategy of commercial hospitality. This decisive action immediately translates into faster turnovers for your cleaning team, eliminates laundry guesswork, and ensures the beautiful, crisp look in your listing photos is exactly what guests find upon arrival.
Making this one time switch to commercial-grade, high-durability essentials is the single best piece of Superhost advice I can give you. Pull this ultimate list into your cart now, and treat it as a powerful investment in your business. You will save countless hours, dramatically reduce your long-term operating costs, and secure those consistently stellar reviews that elevate you from being just a host to running a truly professional, profitable short-term rental operation.