The Best Sheets for Airbnb (2023): Cotton, Microfiber and More (2023)

So What are the Best Sheets for Airbnb?

• Our Top Pick: Threadmill Wrinkle-Resistant Sheets

Other Good Choices for Hosts:

• Bamboo Hotel Quality Bed Sheets
• Organic Cotton Sheets
• Sonoro Kate Bed Sheets
• DAPU Pure Linen Sheets

We’ll go into more detail below regarding why these are the best bed sheets for Airbnb. Please note that not every bed sheet listed is the right choice for your Airbnb listing – take time to assess your guest’s needs before purchasing your Airbnb bed sheets.

Things to Consider When Buying Bedding for Airbnb Rental Properties

Consider Your Price Point – Luxury or Value?

When deciding how much to spend on the best bed sheets for your Airbnb, you’ll want to take into consideration what type of vacation rental you have. Vacation rentals have a wide range of price points, from budget to luxury accommodations. You may want to match the sheets to the type of rental you have.

Don’t buy the cheapest sheets out there because they most likely won’t be durable. You will need to purchase a couple of sets of sheets per bed and will need to replace them more frequently than your own home bed sheets so cost matters. Somewhere in the middle is probably the way to go. Whatever you pick, just make sure you pick comfortable sheets for your guests and you will ensure a great night’s sleep.

Material

There are several types of materials to choose from. Cotton is the most common; however, you will need to choose cotton sheets with a thread count of at least 200. 100% Egyptian cotton is more luxurious and a popular choice among Airbnb hosts.

Silk and linen bed sheets are considered the most luxurious and are great for the hair and skin. They have a lustrous sheen and smooth, soft texture.

Bamboo sheets are similar in feel to Egyptian cotton and they have antibacterial and deodorizing properties. They also wick moisture away from the body.

Microfiber sheets are a popular choice for Airbnb properties. They are thinner and made out of synthetic materials, but they are less prone to wrinkling and shrinking in comparison to sheets made with natural materials. They are incredibly soft, lightweight, and can also wick moisture away from the body.

We have had the best success with microfiber sheets in our Airbnb because they are more durable and easier to clean than other types of sheets and our guests seem to like them more because they are breathable.

Weave

Percale and sateen are two types of weave, or how the fabric threads are woven. Percale sheets are cool, crisp, and breathable due to their tight flat weave, which is ideal for warmer, summer nights. Sateen weave is even tighter and provides a satiny feel, which is better for colder nights.

What Does Thread Count Mean for Airbnb Guests?

A higher thread count is important to Airbnb guests, so much so that we advertise our sheet quality in our description of our rental. We find that a high thread count is the ultimate way to ensure that our sheets are of the highest quality. Here are a few facts:

• Thread count refers to the number of threads interwoven in a square inch.
• It’s generally a good idea to buy sheets that are over 200, but the quality of the material matters just as much. Make sure you feel the sheet before you buy it.
• Lower-quality sheets quickly wear out and require more replacement. I’ve learned over time that cheap sheets tend to rip or tear at the seams.
• Mentioning the quality of your sheets in your Airbnb listing can also encourage tentative or first-time visitors to view your rental as a comfortable place to stay.

Color

The color of Airbnb bed sheets seems to be a controversial topic on Airbnb forums. Most hosts use white sheets and towels because white conveys cleanliness and crispness. Think about what color sheets hotels use. Whites also tend to be easier to clean as most hosts use bleach or OxyClean to maintain the fresh look of the sheets.

However, other Airbnb hosts like to use colored sheets and towels. This is because they believe white sheets are too hotel-like and they want the house to feel like a home away from home. However, colored sheets can get discolored blotches from commonly used acne and other facial products.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and match the overall design and theme of your Airbnb, which is discussed in the below section on style of Airbnb sheets.

Is the Bedding Easy to Replace?

Another reason to buy white sheets (or at least solid colors) for your Airbnb is that they will be easier and cheaper to replace. You don’t want to buy a sheet set that has a specific pattern and then a few years down the road, you find out it’s discontinued. Again, always buy 2-3 sets per bed. That way you always have a set washed and stocked.

Drying Time

Drying time of your Airbnb sheets is an important factor to consider. If you don’t mind replacing sheets more frequently and don’t have the time or room to line-dry your sheets, choose sheets that can be dried quickly in the dryer since you have to replace the sheets every time a guest checks out. Always check the manufacturer’s care instructions.

Look at Reviews

My number one advice for picking out the best Airbnb bed sheets is to read the reviews! Like the one you are reading here. Those 1200-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets may sound impressive, but the inexpensive microfiber sheets may have more five-star reviews. And don’t forget to check Airbnb host forums like this one to get a wider perspective.

Get Input From Your Vacation Rental Cleaners

If you are still unsure about what sheets are the best for your Airbnb, ask your Airbnb cleaner! They probably clean several vacation rentals and will offer good advice. My Airbnb cleaner recommended to me that I use all white sheets because it was easier for them to clean all together with the white towels and they could get stains out easier.

How Do You Wash and Maintain Airbnb Sheets?

This question depends quite a bit on the type of fabric used. We’ll be answering it based on your average cotton sheet. Dyes and other factors may affect the washability of your sheets so please use the manufacturer’s care instructions if they conflict with mine. Below are general instructions:

• Most sheets should be washed in hot water and dried on low heat.
• You can extend the life of your sheets if you line-dry them. If you have room and it doesn’t block your rental’s view, dry sheets on a clothesline. I find that the wind often shakes out the wrinkles.
• Use a mild, scent-free detergent to protect your guests with allergies or sensitivities. Learn from my experience…the bedding I thought was beautifully scented sent one guest packing!
• Learn how to treat stains. Airbnb stains on sheets can be difficult to manage. I use this handy stain removal chart published by Martha Stewart. Guests sometimes bring things into bed that you wish they wouldn’t, such as food, drinks, and dogs! Be prepared to deal with messes.
• Organize your linen closet or storage space. I like to fold all my sheets and pillowcases around each other like a taco and place them in the bottom drawer of the dresser in the rental, but other people prefer a linen closet. Whatever you do, keep your sheets neat, clean, and out of the way.

Size and Fit

You may find that even though you get queen-size sheets for your queen-size bed, they don’t exactly fit well on your Airbnb bed. They may be too big and bunch up when your guests move or they may be too small and you can’t get them on the mattress or they are a pain to change.

Make sure to measure the depth and height of your mattress to find the perfect fit. Or you can go with two flat sheets as discussed in the below section.

Fitted Sheets & Flat/ Top Sheets

Something I didn’t really pay attention to until I became an Airbnb host was the fact that many hotels and rental properties use two layers of flat sheets and tuck the excess sheet under the bed. They are easier to remove and replace and you don’t have to worry about whether it fits the mattress.

However, one fitted sheet and one flat sheet or top sheet seem to be the preference of Airbnb hosts. This is how the majority of sheet sets are sold.

How Do You Choose the Best Sheet Style for an Airbnb?

Décor can be very important for your Airbnb vacation rental. Depending on the purpose of your Airbnb, your sheet choice may add to your décor or seem out of step with the rest of the rental. Here are a few questions that may help you determine the style of sheet or material it should be made out of:

• Do you rent to guests in town for sporting events? See if you can find sheets with the local team’s logo printed on it. This could be a fun touch for a die-hard fan.
• Do you have a special feature on your vacation rental property that you’d like to reflect? If you’re renting a room in a Victorian house surrounded by flower beds, floral sheets with lace-edged pillowcases would be an excellent choice or you could choose sheets with embroidered edges.
• Are you near a body of water? A nautical-themed room could be easily achieved by using solid red, white, and blue sheets on all the Airbnb beds or choosing navy-striped sheets.
• Whatever your décor is, try to accentuate it with your sheet selection. If you’re unsure, you think your décor may change, or you just want a clean and elegant look – you can always choose hotel-style white sheets.

Our Top Pick- Threadmill Sheets

These Sheets are what we use in our rentals. At a 600-thread count, they wear well and last a very long time. They have a deep pocket for thicker mattresses but also work well with thinner varieties. They come in both solid and striped versions with a sateen finish.

Wrinkle Resistance

Threadmill’s wrinkle resistance was excellent and the sheets didn’t require ironing if pulled right out of the dryer and put directly on the bed. Definitely the best cotton sheets for Airbnb on the market.

Sheet Color Options

If we do need to match them, they are an industry standard and can be easily found and matched. We like the blue sheets but, with white sheets, you don’t need to worry about fading. These sheets can be too warm in southern climates.

Threadmill Unboxing

Deep Pockets

If you have thicker mattresses like we do, the Threadmill sheets are a good option due to their max pocket depth of 16″.

Sustainability

We like that the Threadmill uses 100% wind and solar power to produce its sheets. They are also completely free of harmful chemicals.

Superhost Tip: We like to keep at least two sheet sets available for each bed so that the Airbnb cleaner can quickly make the bed while the dirty sheets are being washed and dried. Then the laundered set is ready for the cleaner after the following guest.

Other Sheet Alternatives for Hosts

Hotel Sheets Direct 100% Bamboo Bed Sheets

These 100% Bamboo Sheets are an excellent alternative to cotton and are made from eco-friendly material. These sheets for Airbnb are a 1,600 thread count and are made from rayon derived completely from bamboo – a renewable resource.

Hypoallergenic

These bamboo sheets are also hypoallergenic making them a top choice for those with allergies. They also stay cool, which is needed if you have a foam mattress in your Airbnb.

Tear and Fade-Resistant

We like that these sheets have extra tear and fade-resistant qualities due to the use of bamboo. When used in our rentals, we found that the bamboo sheets held up well to multiple washes and did retain most of their color. We also didn’t see much pilling as the sheets got older.

Organic Cotton Sheets for Airbnb

Another great option is organic cotton sheets. They are on the expensive side, but Airbnb hosts could use this as an extra-luxurious amenity that they offer in their Airbnb, and promoted in their listing. These luxury sheets offer GOTS Certified 100% organic cotton from India. They are lustrous on one side and slightly matte on the other. These are really durable and high-quality!

Sonoro Kate Bed Microfiber Sheet Set

These 1800 thread count sheets are the best microfiber sheets for Airbnb hosts. They are super-soft, hypoallergenic, fade-resistant, stain-resistant, and wrinkle-resistant.

These Egyptian cotton sheets are cool to sleep on and don’t lose their softness after multiple washing/drying cycles. The fitted sheet is deep and will wrap around most mattresses without needing clips.

The microfiber sheets are also delivered in high-end luxurious packaging. Some reviewers did say that the sheets were a little thinner than they expected, but they were great for our purposes. These definitely make the list of best Airbnb sheets!

Check out our in-depth review of Sonoro Kate Sheets here…

DAPU Pure Linen Sheets Set

DAPU carries a reasonably priced linen sheet set. Linen is made from flax and has a rougher texture than cotton sheets, but many people absolutely love them.

These sheets have OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification and are hypoallergenic. The weave is wider and therefore the sheets breathe more while still insulating the body.

They tend to wrinkle and should be washed several times before use. The more they’re washed, the softer they’ll feel.

Keep in mind that whatever you choose, be sure the sheets are of the best quality that you can afford. Clean, crisp, luxurious sheets can make a normal bed feel like a spa-like vacation to your guests. The more tired they are on arrival, the more they’ll appreciate the attention you give their sleeping arrangements.

Related Questions: