22 Jan Allergies and Airbnbs: 7 Tips for an Allergy-Free Airbnb

Every top Airbnb host knows the importance of creating a warm and welcoming environment. But it’s easy to forget that allergies can ruin an otherwise perfectly good stay–and could potentially result in a less positive review. 

Over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies every year. An allergy-free Airbnb listing can attract a larger audience and lead to more bookings for you. Check out these tips toward an allergy-free Airbnb. 

Ask Your Guests About Allergies Before They Arrive

Ask your guest if they have any allergies prior to their arrival. In addition to providing a high-quality customer service touchpoint for them, you’ll also be able to prevent any issues during their stay by removing them beforehand. 

Do make sure your listing is accurate. If pets and/or smoking are allowed in your rental, make it very clear to your potential guests. Add these details in the description of your listing and include it in your booking message. Don’t try to minimize or hide this information.

Reduce Dust Attractors

Books, plants, silk flowers and ornamental items can add lovely decorative touches to your rental and increase a homey feeling.  However, these can collect a lot of dust in a short amount of time. 

To minimize the risk of provoking allergy attacks, reduce the number of items that require detailed dusting. You’ll save some time on cleaning and will remove potential allergens for guests with sensitivities. 

Set Your Airbnb to Pet-Free and Smoke-Free

Pet hair and the smell of secondhand smoke gives the impression your rental isn’t clean. These things could trigger allergies as well. While there may be pet owners or smokers who choose not to stay with you, you’ll likely attract more guests in the long run. 

Avoid Scented and Perfumed Items

Scented candles and oil diffusers can trigger people’s allergies, despite how good they smell to others. As long as your Airbnb is thoroughly cleaned and aired out after each stay, you won’t need to fill it with synthetic scents.

Free toiletries are great amenities to provide for your guests, but they’re also a potential trigger for guests’ allergies. Be sure to provide fragrance-free toiletry options for shampoo, conditioner, bar soap, and body wash. Your guests with sensitivities will appreciate it.

Regularly Clean Your Carpets and Curtains

Make sure your cleaning routine includes curtains and carpets. Curtains are an easy place for dust, pollen, and odors to accumulate. Schedule your curtains and carpet for a deep clean at least once a month. This will help to ensure they’re thoroughly free of any trapped odors or dust. 

Clearly Label Food Ingredients

Make sure you clearly label all foodstuffs, leaving the original nutrition labels in place whenever possible. Food allergies can quickly turn serious, so it’s best to play it safe and avoid offering things such as tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish. If you do have such things in stock, try to keep them in a separate, closed container that is clearly labeled.

You should also keep an eye out for common food allergies such as dairy, soy, and wheat. If you offer foods with these ingredients, make it clear to your guests that they contain potential allergens. 

Invest in a High-Quality Vacuum Cleaner

A high-quality vacuum can be a powerful tool in reducing indoor allergens such as dust, dander, and pollen. Regularly vacuuming can help to minimize these risks, but remember to regularly clean the vacuum filter too. Better yet, consider investing in a hypoallergenic vacuum cleaner. 

Creating an allergy-free Airbnb will go a long way in gaining more bookings and positive reviews. Allergies are the last thing a guest wants to worry about during their stay. By following these 7 tips, you’ll create a warm and welcoming environment for them – without the irritation of allergy flare ups.

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