If/ when I become a host, you’re on my list. Gotta try… 
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Me too! Love a clean and freshly ironed sheet 
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"I completely agree! Sitters often go above and beyond to leave the home in perfect condition, especially with tasks like washing sheets and making beds. If it’s more of a personal preference for you, framing it as such could definitely make them feel more comfortable not doing those extra tasks. They want to respect your wishes, so just a simple explanation might make all the difference!
I agree there’s really o need for an explanation. It should just be clear that it is a request.
I have always washed, dried and carefully folded linen. At the beginning, when an HO said you don’t have to, I said but I think it’s just fair to leave no trace. After reading the forum, I realized some owners actually prefer to do the washing themselves. So now I always ask what their preference is. Is “you don’t have to” a literal expression or just a way of saying “I don’t want you to”. So far the answer has been: you don’t have to but I would appreciate it if you could.
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With my last sit, they didn’t want the guest linens washed, so I folded everything and left a neat stack. They wanted the washer and dryer free to wash more pressing stuff, like travel clothing and holiday linens.
I covered the guest bed with a waxed cotton cover — their cats dislike the texture. The hosts used that to help keep the cats off the guest bed. While I was sitting, they had me use that when I went out.
That was a new one for me — interesting how households vary so much.
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I too feel compelled to wash the bedding and remake the bed but I understand that in many cases, the homeowner wants to ensure clean bedding by doing it themselves.
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My current sit ends Saturday and my host texted today:
“Please don’t feel like you need to clean much of anything. I will take care of washing sheets and towels and the cleaners will come soon after I return.”
They handed off the home to me professionally cleaned and it’s very tidy. They focused on their cats, one of whom is extra skittish. And both kitties took to me right off.
The host has already invited me back, though I can’t make it, because of a conflicting sit.
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I’m a combined member and because I am picky about how bedding is left as a host (I have a system). I am also picky about this as a sitter and will ALWAYS ask explicitly. Washing sheets is not always practical, especially if you need to be out early to catch a flight or the host is coming home early. A lot of homeowners do things a certain way.
When I ASK I am usually told that washing sheets is NOT necessary. Often instructions may be to strip the bed and leave sheets in the washing machine. But sometimes hosts don’t want that as the pets will then be all over the bare bed. There is generally a reason for a particular request so it’s best to discuss.
As a host, I’ve observed that while MOST of the sitters have followed my simple written instructions: strip bed, place all linens AND blankets AND used towels in a pile by the foot of the bed – some sitters haven’t read this. If I come home to a “made” bed I have no idea what to do. Were the linens washed? Or did the sitter just leave in a rush? What about blankets which I normally throw in the machine as well? Do I track down the sitter to ask? Or do I just strip the bed again and wash everything? Plus the sitter is using my nice “guest sheets” which I don’t want to mess up! Recently I updated my guide to move the “Exit instructions” closer to the beginning so they won’t be missed. I also added a photo showing the pile of laundry in front of the bare bed. I hope that works!
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Hi @CathyCat, I think you make a great point! Explaining the reasons behind requests like not laundering the sheets can really help sitters understand and feel more comfortable. Whether it’s to save water, preserve special fabrics, or align with a specific laundry routine, knowing the rationale makes it easier to follow the request. I also appreciate when hosts share their methods, as it can be helpful for sitters who want to respect their wishes. Transparency really does make a big difference!
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I totally get that! Sitters often go the extra mile to make things perfect, like washing sheets and making beds. If it’s just a personal preference for you, it might help to gently let them know. They want to respect your wishes, so just a little explanation can make them feel more at ease and help avoid any unnecessary tasks!
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When I wash linens and reset the bed, I always let the host know specifically for that reason, to avoid them guessing. I include it in my departure message, which also tells them when I last watered the plants if they didn’t specify.
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"Effective communication is crucial in these situations, and it’s clear you took extra steps to ensure your instructions were conveyed. While sitters may sometimes believe they are helping by making their own decisions, it’s important for them to follow the specific guidance provided by the owner. Involving your neighbour as a backup was a thoughtful approach to ensure the message got through. Hopefully, this highlights the importance of attentiveness and clarity moving forward.