If you’ve ever stayed at an Airbnb with beautifully designed yet noticeably empty bathrooms, you know how disappointing it can be.
In any Airbnb, the bathroom is one of the most important rooms, so it should never be without essentials, including towels, toiletries, and common bathroom appliances.
Below is a list of Airbnb bathroom essentials that every Airbnb host should have, and some of the items may surprise you. That said, we promise every guest expects many of these items nowadays, so you can’t afford to leave any out.
Key Takeaways
Toilet paper, hand soap, bath towels, toiletries, a first aid kit, and a mirror with good lighting are all bathroom essentials for an Airbnb.
Additionally, guests will appreciate having a hair dryer, bath mat, trash can, plunger, hamper, and outlet light. Having feminine products is a must too.
Essential Airbnb Bathroom Supplies
Toilet Paper
Even the worst public bathrooms usually have toilet paper—that should indicate how essential it is.
And don’t put out the rough, thin toilet paper that tends to rip when you use it; your guests want the multi-ply, premium paper that reminds them of home. It’ll cost a little more but it’s worth it.
Of course, there should be a full roll on the holder when guests arrive, and you should have 3-4 extra rolls, either near the toilet or in a nearby cabinet.
Even something as simple as using decent-quality toilet paper can show guests that you want them to have a comfortable stay.
Hand Soap
Soap and toilet paper; every bathroom has both. And just like quality matters when talking about toilet paper, quality matters for hand soap also.
Use a hand soap that smells good, lathers well, and rinses off easily. Also, using the soap of a well-respected brand is sure to go over well with guests.
Before guests arrive, the soap dispenser must be clean and filled.
Lastly, it’s smart to have a backup soap container and dispenser in each bathroom, as guests might use all the soap in the first container or accidentally break the dispenser.
Towels
Hand towels, bath towels, washcloths—every Airbnb bathroom needs them. Imagine stepping out of the shower and seeing no towel waiting for you. That would leave a lasting impression on your guests, and not a good one.
Airbnb guests want fluffy, high-quality towels that are free of stains. Also, they want a lot of them.
If you have a towel rack, hang at least two bath towels, two hand towels, and two washcloths; have two stacks of three.
Don’t have a towel rack? Hang a set on the back of the bathroom door. The other sets can be in a linen chest or closet.
Also, you should have 2-3 more towel sets. If guests use all the towels available to them before the end of their stay, they can wash and dry the towels they use, either on-site or at a local laundromat.
Shampoo, Conditioner, and Body Wash
Either in the shower or on a nearby sink, there should be bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. You don’t have to spend top dollar on these products, as most of the products bought in bulk work just fine.
However, if your Airbnb is specifically catering to a certain kind of guest, being selective here may pay off. For example, if your property is full of energy-efficient appliances and sustainable furniture, it’s smart to have shower products that are eco-friendly and chemical-free.
Little touches like this can make it clear that you care deeply about the guest experience.
Hand Lotion
Hand lotion is another bathroom must. Even though a lot of people don’t use it, the customers who do will expect it, so you can’t afford to have none ready for them.
Stick with a respected brand and use a lotion that’s scent-free. The dispenser should be clean and easy to use.
If you’re on the fence about including hand lotion, consider where your Airbnb is located and the season(s) that sees the most bookings. If it’s in an especially hot or cold climate, and guests come during the summer or winter, hand lotion should be in every bathroom.
Toothpaste
One small or medium-sized tube of toothpaste per bathroom. Of course, it should be brand new.
Crest and Colgate are two brands everybody knows, and the basic formulas will do.
And if you want to show you’re extra thoughtful, include brand-new toothbrushes. This way, if a guest forgets their toothbrush, you’ve got them covered.
Hair Dryer
A basic hair dryer should be in a vanity cabinet or drawer, and it should be clean and fully operational.
If you’ve found that the majority of your guests are women, have a curling iron.
Also, make sure all your bathroom electrical appliances have a manufacturer’s safety tag. This way guests are reminded not to plug in appliances when puddles of water are nearby.
First Aid Kit
A first aid kit is a safety essential, and most Airbnb owners have one in every bathroom. Band-aids, gauze, rubbing alcohol, antibacterial ointment—all should be available to guests.
It’s wise to check all the first-aid kits before guests arrive, as previous guests might have used some or all of the supplies.
If guests need first-aid supplies in a crisis, and they’re nowhere to be found, this could result in a bad review.
Mirror With Good Lighting
A mirror is an essential bathroom amenity, and many of the best Airbnbs have more than one mirror. Usually, there’s a vanity mirror and a full-length vertical mirror.
Make sure the mirror is 100% clean before guests arrive. If they see moisture spots, lots of dust, or bodily fluids, they’re immediately going to think the bathroom is unsanitary.
Many former Airbnb hosts advise against hanging mirrors on bathroom doors because guests are liable to accidentally break them, which would result in a dangerous, and potentially costly mess.
Bath Mat
Having an absorbent, clean, and soft bath mat is a must, of course. And if you want to make your bathroom extra welcoming, cozy, and memorable, use a bath mat with a happy message.
You can use a rubber bath mat, but these are prone to getting grimy and not that comfortable.
Lastly, if your Airbnb is a short-term rental, one mat is fine. But if guests usually stay longer than a week, having two mats is recommended.
Trash Can
A lined trash can is essential. It can be placed anywhere and doesn’t have to be big. Many Airbnb hosts have their bathroom trash cans under the vanity or next to the toilet.
Failing to change the bathroom trash before guests arrive is a big no-no. And if the barrel doesn’t have a lining, it’ll have to be cleaned often.
Outlet Light
Include an outlet light to ensure guests can see clearly when they use the bathroom at night.
Again, having a cute light is sure to make a positive impression on guests. For example, if your Airbnb is by the ocean, a shell or mermaid outlet light is perfect.
Also, the light shouldn’t be overly bright. One with a low, deep glow should work just fine.
Plunger
Accidents happen. And when they happen in a bathroom, usually a plunger is needed. Therefore, you can’t afford to have plunger-less bathrooms. Think about it: it could be the thing that prevents thousands of dollars in water damage.
A simple plunger made of rubber or plastic will work. Also, it should have its mat. This way less toilet water gets on your floor.
It may seem over-the-top, but having instructions for how to use the plunger is a good idea. Again, you aim to prevent costly water damage.
Cleaning Supplies
Give your guests deep cleaning supplies so they can clean up any messes they make in the bathroom. Disinfecting wipes, a mop, bucket, toilet cleaner—any of these products could be required during the stay.
And if these products are readily available in the bathroom, you’ll save your guests from having to hunt for them.
Hamper
Ensure guests don’t pile up their used bathroom towels on the floor, including a hamper that’s visible and large enough to hold all the towels you have.
If it’s a wicker or bamboo hamper, it’ll add to the bathroom’s aesthetic appeal.
Air Freshener
Finally, consider having an aerosol air freshener in the bathroom. It shouldn’t be too overpowering, of course. You could also use a plug-in air freshener, but the cans are more cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
It doesn’t matter if your Airbnb is a small one-bedroom or a multi-room mansion: the bathroom(s) needs towels, toiletries, hand soap, toilet paper, and all the other bathroom essentials discussed above.
A welcoming bathroom that’s well-stocked and clean will impress your guests and encourage them to give your Airbnb a positive rating and review.