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Should You Provide Supplies Like Dish Soap and Laundry Detergent?
Guidelines for which household supplies owners should provide for vacation rental guests
Vacation rental owners ask us time and time again about providing the following household supplies for guests:
- Household cleaning supplies
- Laundry detergent, fabric softener and dryer sheets
- Dishwashing liquid and dishwasher detergent
There are no across-the-board standards regarding these items for vacation rentals. However, a quick rule of thumb is to go ahead and provide any items that you buy in bulk and expect to last through multiple guests' stays. This includes items such as dishwashing liquid, dryer sheets, and coffee filters. For items that run out quickly, consider leaving enough for your guests' first day or two, and let them know that after that, they're on their own.
 Cleaning Supplies
If your guests want to clean during their vacation, who are you to stop them? Providing the proper cleaning supplies for your guests is a great way to keep your property looking its best while making your housekeeper's job easier. After all, guests are more likely to clean up spills and stains if they have the proper supplies on hand to do so. If you buy generic versions of basic cleaning supplies like window cleaner, carpet cleaner, bleach/disinfectant, and an all-purpose spray, you can stock up on a year's worth of supplies for under $100, and your home will be cleaner because of it.
 Laundry Detergent
Your guests could run through a bottle (or box) of laundry detergent in a hurry. If you try to provide detergent for every guest, your housekeeper (and your pocketbook) won't be too happy. One exception: If you ask your guests to throw in a load of sheets or towels before they leave, provide at least a small box of laundry detergent. If you leave a big box, don't be too upset if your renters use it all. 
Dish Soap and Automatic Dishwasher Detergent
Consider stocking up on big bottles of dish soap and dishwasher detergent at your local bulk or discount store like Costco or Sam's Club. These items last a long time and will be much appreciated by your renters.
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What extras do you provide to your renters?
"We provide a few basics but we only supply enough so that they don't have to go to the store unless they need to or if they are being wasteful. For example, we leave a roll of paper towels, a couple rolls of toilet paper, about eight coffee filters, etc." -John D., Wisconsin Dells, WI
"We leave a roll of paper towels, a couple rolls of toilet paper in each bathroom, napkins and a can of coffe." -Carlos, Alexandria, VA (HomeAway #222071)
"I may go a little overboard but I supply a starter basket full of the travel size bottles of shampoo, conditioner and hand lotion, dishwasher gel tabs, toilet paper, kleenex, a couple of packets of hot chocolate, apple cider mix, small trinkets as gifts, and if they're bringing children or pets, a couple of yummies for them." -Shari, Maggie Valley, NC (HomeAway #207565)
"We have purchased large quanities of small shampoo/conditioner/bar soaps through a hotel supply website - very economical and we were able to choose products with a starfish/sand design - perfect for our island villa! We also provide paper towels, dish soap, liquid hand soap and a few rolls of toilet paper. Each guest is welcomed with a bag of gourmet coffee, and a 'welcome' poem. Easy, cost-effective, and personal at the same time!" -Denise, St. Croix (HomeAway #154214, VRBO #116703, VacationRentals.com #31913)
"I leave flowers and a bottle of wine with a printed note telling them to enjoy their stay. I feel the personal touch and the little surprise makes the guests feel special and shows we really care. I do not have weekend rentals so all of my guests are staying for a week or more." -Mary, Pacific Grove, CA (HomeAway #178833)
"I supply my guests with enough toilet paper, paper towels, dish detergent and dish washing detergent, shampoo, cream rinse, hand cream, etc. In the kitchen I provide a self serve continental breakfast with as much coffee and tea as they desire to last for the time they are there. I have had great comments because of this." -Maria, Niagara on the Lake, Ontario (HomeAway, VRBO, VacationRentals.com)
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