Title: Managing Makeup Stains on Towels: Lessons from an Airbnb Experience

Story:
Recently, we began offering weekend stays in our home on Airbnb. Our guests were wonderful, but we encountered an stain-related challenge: several towels—both hand and bath towels—sustained noticeable makeup marks. The stains included multiple large foundation spots and bright lipstick impressions, suggesting the towels were used to remove makeup rather than just drying hands or faces. Despite lengthy soaking and scrubbing, some faint traces remain. Bleaching may help, but replacement towels could be necessary.

We didn’t address the issue with the guests at the time because there wasn’t an explicit request not to remove makeup with white towels, and we viewed it as a learning experience. This raised a few questions: How common is it for guests to use towels for makeup removal? Is this something to expect if makeup wipes or designated makeup towels aren’t provided? Should hosts consider offering makeup wipes or colored towels to prevent discoloration? Would it be appropriate to reimburse or charge guests for extra cleaning or towel replacement?

Guest feedback and reflections:
– It seems makeup residue on towels is more common than anticipated.
– Hosts who prefer white towels for a clean, hospital-like look might need additional protections or alternatives.
– Solutions that balance aesthetics with practicality can include providing makeup wipes, adding black or darker towels, and clearly communicating expectations at checkout or booking.

Practical takeaways:
– Consider offering makeup wipes and/or dedicated makeup-removal towels to guests.
– Use colored towels (e.g., charcoal, navy) to better conceal makeup stains.
– Communicate clearly about towel usage and housekeeping expectations during booking or in a welcome guide.
– Decide in advance whether to cover potential stain-related costs or to require a small cleaning fee to offset maintenance.

Next steps:
– We plan to provide makeup wipes and black makeup towels for future guests.
– We’ll mention these amenities in the listing and booking notes so guests are aware of the setup before arrival.
– We will avoid direct confrontations with guests after their stay and rely on transparent policy and proactive amenities to minimize future issues.

Bottom line:
Towel stain from makeup removal is a common challenge in short-term rentals. By offering targeted amenities, selecting practical towel colors, and communicating expectations up front, hosts can preserve their preferred aesthetic while reducing maintenance friction for both guests and the property.