What Essentials Should Airbnb Hosts Provide Without Overspending?
As an Airbnb host, deciding what essential supplies to provide can be tricky. On one hand, offering essential items improves guest satisfaction and leads to better reviews. On the other hand, stocking up on too many extras can cut into your profits—especially when some guests take supplies home and use without any responsibilities.
So, what’s the perfect balance? As an Airbnb cleaning service, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. Let’s break down the must-have essentials, the “nice-to-have” extras, and strategies to keep costs down while keeping guests happy.
The Must-Have Essentials Every Airbnb Should Provide
While Airbnb doesn’t have strict rules on supplies, guests expect certain essentials to be available. These are non-negotiable and should be restocked between each stay:
🛁 Bathroom Supplies
- Toilet paper (at least 2–3 rolls per stay per guest)
- Hand soap
- Shampoo and conditioner (mini bottles or dispensers)
- Body wash or soap
- Clean bath towels, hand towels, face towels.
🍽️ Kitchen Basics
- Dishwashing liquid or tablets (for dishwashers)
- Sponge or dish brush
- Paper towels or kitchen cloths
- Salt, pepper, and cooking oil (small amounts)
- Coffee, tea, sugar, and milk (UHT milk or small sachets work well)
🛏️ General Household Items
- Trash bags (extras for longer stays)
- Basic cleaning supplies (disinfectant wipes, all-purpose cleaner)
- Laundry detergent (if laundry is included)
- Extra blankets and pillows
These essentials ensure guests have a comfortable and stress-free stay while preventing bad reviews due to missing basics. If your guests are staying longer, you should provide some extras.
The Optional Extras: Do You Really Need Them?
Some hosts go above and beyond by providing extra food, toiletries, or luxury items. While these can impress guests, they also add ongoing costs. Here are a few “nice-to-have” items that aren’t always necessary:
- Butter, jam, and condiments – A small supply (e.g., mini butter packets) is fine, but don’t stock full-size bottles. Guests rarely finish them, and they might expire and once it is open you can’t serve another guest.
- Bottled water – Some guests appreciate it, but in places with clean tap water, it’s not a must-have.
- Snacks and breakfast items – While appreciated, they aren’t expected unless you charge premium rates.
- Luxury toiletries – Fancy brands sound nice, but bulk, high-quality dispensers save costs while keeping guests happy.
Offering a few extras can create a premium experience but keep them minimal to avoid waste and unnecessary costs.
How to Keep Costs Down While Providing Essentials
1. Buy in Bulk 🛒
Stocking up on toilet paper, soap, and coffee from bulk stores saves money in the long run. Choose cost-effective but quality options to maintain a good guest experience.
2. Use Miniature or Dispensers ✨
Instead of single-use toiletries, wall-mounted dispensers for soap and shampoo reduce waste and last longer.
3. Limit the Quantity of Extras 📏
Providing one small bottle of milk, a few tea bags, and single-use condiments is enough. Large stockpiles lead to guests taking them home.
4. Restock Smartly with Airbnb Cleaning Services 🧹
Managing inventory can be time-consuming. A cleaning service like AirBroom can monitor and provide essential supplies, restock efficiently, and prevent excessive usage, helping hosts save time and money.
Why Airbnb Cleaning Services Help Manage Essentials Better
An Airbnb cleaning service does more than just cleaning—we also ensure that supplies are:
✅ Replenished only when necessary (avoiding overstocking)
✅ Kept secure so they aren’t taken in bulk
✅ Monitored for expiration dates (no wasted food or products)
✅ Organized to maintain a neat, welcoming appearance for guests
With AirBroom, hosts don’t need to stress about shopping for supplies or running out unexpectedly. We take care of everything, keeping guests happy while ensuring costs stay low.
Final Thoughts: The Balance Between Guest Comfort & Cost Efficiency
Providing essential Airbnb supplies is crucial for positive guest experiences and great reviews. However, smart supply management can help minimize expenses while ensuring guests get what they need.
🚀 Want a stress-free way to manage Airbnb essentials and cleaning? AirBroom’s professional Airbnb cleaning services keep your property spotless, fully stocked, and guest-ready—without breaking the bank.
Contact us today to learn more about our cleaning and supply management services!
