With short-term rentals, a company needs to be ready to quickly prepare a room for the next guest. This means that some types of sheets are naturally better suited to making sure this process is easy for staff and that guests can always be guaranteed the type of clean, comfortable experience they deserve. When you choose the right type of linens, it can simplify the process for all involved and leave guests happier with their stay.
The Best Sheets for Short-Term Rentals
Some of the best types of sheets to consider for short-term rentals include the following:
1. Linen Sheets
Linen is a highly durable material made from flax seeds. You can expect linen sheets to last for years, likely outlasting any of the other options on this list. While linen can begin its life somewhat firm, it softens with washing, meaning its softness effectively becomes a non-issue after a certain point. If used for short-term rentals, your linen sheets are going to quickly see the necessary washes to achieve a desirable level of softness.
Linen is also antibacterial, hypoallergenic, easy to clean, and can be sustainably sourced. While there are cheaper options, like cotton, linen is definitely a strong contender when it comes to the best short-term rental sheet material.
2. Cotton Sheets
Cotton is the often discussed standard when it comes to fabric choice for sheets. It’s a renewable material that can be sustainably sourced and is the go-to sheet material in the industry for its mix of durability, affordability, and softness.
If cost is a concern and alternative options are out of budget, cotton can typically serve the needs of a rental business perfectly well. Cotton sheets may be the “standard” option in the eyes of most customers, but it’s also what most people use at home and are perfectly comfortable with. It’s frequently viewed as a choice with which you can’t go wrong.
3. Bamboo Sheets
Bamboo sheets are popular among those with sensitive skin, as the material is often noted for being soft and hypoallergenic. Despite this softness, bamboo is durable and easy to wash. It’s an excellent material for holding colors, helping to prevent fading.
Like the other materials discussed thus far, bamboo is renewable. It's possible to sustainably source bamboo sheets if your company aims for eco-friendly practices. One final benefit is that bamboo repels bugs and dust mites, so it can be a good option for short-term rentals where frequent turnover may occur.
4. Microfiber Sheets
Microfiber is a highly breathable synthetic fabric that is typically easy on the skin and a good option for those who might suffer from seasonal allergies. In many ways, it is comparable to cotton, although the texture of microfiber is different to the texture of cotton. Microfiber is sometimes said to feel silky, which some customers might prefer over the more standard feel of cotton sheets.
In terms of synthetic fabrics, microfiber is often the preferred choice of businesses and their guests over the other common alternative, polyester. Microfiber is slightly more expensive than polyester, but both of these synthetic materials are affordable.
Microfiber material isn’t renewable. It won’t be a great option for businesses focused on sustainability, as the chemical processes involved to make it involve the use of petroleum.
5. Polyester Sheets
Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is often considered to be especially easy to maintain. It is also highly affordable, making replacement fairly painless when needed. Despite its cost, polyester is still a strong material and should be able to handle daily use and repeated washes without issue.
While polyester often isn’t a client favorite, it is inexpensive and much of its bad reputation likely comes from low-qualitypolyester sheets. Quality polyester sheets are available, still affordable, and unlikely to cause any issue for the majority of customers. Like microfiber, polyester is non-renewable, as it is usually made from petroleum.
Other Important Considerations
A great deal goes into providing guests with the best rental experience possible when it comes to sheets. Especially important is going to be delivering a sense of cleanliness, which is one reason there is a focus on how easy certain types of materials are to launder. Color can feed into this.
White and black are two colors many companies use for their sheets, as they make it easy to spot issues. The moment there is even a hint of staining or other mess, the sheets can be promptly replaced.
Sheet type and sizing are perhaps more obvious details that must also be considered. Sheets need to fit the bed they’re intended for. Some sheet types, specifically quilts and duvets, may not even be necessary depending on the typical temperatures at a given property.
Customization in Sheet Choices
Maybe unsurprisingly, there isn’t a single sheet material that stands out as the only legitimate option for a business offering short-term rentals. Instead, it depends on your specific priorities.
Cotton is an easy choice, offering what most people consider essential at an excellent price, but microfiber is hypoallergenic. Bamboo and linen can sometimes be pricier, but some people also consider them more luxurious. Even polyester, although not many people’s favorite, can be extremely affordable and is available in basically any color or pattern.
Alsco Uniforms Linen Services
Whatever the scale of your business, Alsco Uniforms can equip you with the exact linens you need in your short-term rentals. Click here to learn more about our linen rental services or explore our site to see what else we can offer. We also encourage you to contact our team directly to ask any questions you may have or discuss the specifics of your needs. We’re ready to help you today.