I'm an Airbnb host, AMA.

[Anonymous]

I'm one of the PPs who was grossed out by the comforter. I DO find it gross in hotels too -but lots of the better hotels don't use comforters anymore, they use duvets, and the duvet covers are washed like the sheets. I use duvets in my own house so maybe I'm just particularly puzzled by comforters anyway - they seem pointless and unhygienic. I think the point is that rather than having a comforter that you rarely wash (which you must see is gross, as you recognize it gets dirty because people put their suitcases on it, etc, but you think is OK because people don't have to have it touch their skin unless they want to) just use a duvet.

I have only stayed in a few Airbnbs and they've all been in Europe but now I'm hoping that hosts will put in the description whether they have a comforter or laundered duvet covers - I would certainly choose accordingly.

[Anonymous]

I haven't posted on this thread before. I have used AirBNB in multiple cities. I know a lot of people who supplement their income nicely using AirBNB, and in general, I'm pro-AirBNB.

I truly don't care about the comforter issue. I am not licking the comforters. I am not getting naked on top of the comforters. In my house, we use duvets, and I was them for guests, but I don't wash the underlying comforter. That's the point of the duvet. Do you guys expect your friends to provide you freshly washed comforters and blankets? Do you feel similarly about pillows inside pillow cases?

I feel like you are all being rather hysterical. Literally no one is using AirBNB because they think it's more sanitary. Treat it the same way you'd treat a hotel, sanitary issues-wise, and leave it at that.

[Anonymous]

Forget the comforter issue. What about basic safety and security? Fire, intruders, etc. Hotels are highly regulated for a reason. Too many opportunities for something to go wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the PPs who was grossed out by the comforter. I DO find it gross in hotels too -but lots of the better hotels don't use comforters anymore, they use duvets, and the duvet covers are washed like the sheets. I use duvets in my own house so maybe I'm just particularly puzzled by comforters anyway - they seem pointless and unhygienic. I think the point is that rather than having a comforter that you rarely wash (which you must see is gross, as you recognize it gets dirty because people put their suitcases on it, etc, but you think is OK because people don't have to have it touch their skin unless they want to) just use a duvet.

I have only stayed in a few Airbnbs and they've all been in Europe but now I'm hoping that hosts will put in the description whether they have a comforter or laundered duvet covers - I would certainly choose accordingly.

You sound super nutty and completely oblivious to the fact that most Americans use the terms duvet and comforter interchangeably. I've used a duvet for 25 years but have ALWAYS called it a comforter.

Here's Meriam-Websters definition in case you don't believe me:

Definition of comforter
1a capitalized : holy spirit
b : one that gives comfort
2a : a long narrow usually knitted neck scarf
b : a thick bed covering made of two layers of cloth containing a filling (as down)

[Anonymous]

Definition of duvet
: comforter 2b

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the PPs who was grossed out by the comforter. I DO find it gross in hotels too -but lots of the better hotels don't use comforters anymore, they use duvets, and the duvet covers are washed like the sheets. I use duvets in my own house so maybe I'm just particularly puzzled by comforters anyway - they seem pointless and unhygienic. I think the point is that rather than having a comforter that you rarely wash (which you must see is gross, as you recognize it gets dirty because people put their suitcases on it, etc, but you think is OK because people don't have to have it touch their skin unless they want to) just use a duvet.

I have only stayed in a few Airbnbs and they've all been in Europe but now I'm hoping that hosts will put in the description whether they have a comforter or laundered duvet covers - I would certainly choose accordingly.

You sound super nutty and completely oblivious to the fact that most Americans use the terms duvet and comforter interchangeably. I've used a duvet for 25 years but have ALWAYS called it a comforter.

Here's Meriam-Websters definition in case you don't believe me:

Definition of comforter
1a capitalized : holy spirit
b : one that gives comfort
2a : a long narrow usually knitted neck scarf
b : a thick bed covering made of two layers of cloth containing a filling (as down)

Do they? Maybe you're right (I'm not American) but from what I've seen, they are basically the same thing, except that a duvet has a cover that is removable and washable, but a comforter does not, so you have to wash the whole thing. Your definition doesn't really grapple with that point. Using my definition (which I got from google, see e.g. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/battle-of-the-bedding-duvet-vs-comforter-238233), I'm saying I don't see why anyone would use a comforter (i.e. something that does not have a removable washable cover). Even if you did it in your own home (though still, why would you?) I would have thought the hygienic choice for an Airbnb is a duvet.

[Anonymous]

I can easily wash my light weight comforter in my home washing machine, but my feather duvet and duvet cover that I use when it's very cold require dry cleaning. Lots of different types of both things, hard to make generalities.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm one of the PPs who was grossed out by the comforter. I DO find it gross in hotels too -but lots of the better hotels don't use comforters anymore, they use duvets, and the duvet covers are washed like the sheets. I use duvets in my own house so maybe I'm just particularly puzzled by comforters anyway - they seem pointless and unhygienic. I think the point is that rather than having a comforter that you rarely wash (which you must see is gross, as you recognize it gets dirty because people put their suitcases on it, etc, but you think is OK because people don't have to have it touch their skin unless they want to) just use a duvet.

I have only stayed in a few Airbnbs and they've all been in Europe but now I'm hoping that hosts will put in the description whether they have a comforter or laundered duvet covers - I would certainly choose accordingly.

You sound super nutty and completely oblivious to the fact that most Americans use the terms duvet and comforter interchangeably. I've used a duvet for 25 years but have ALWAYS called it a comforter.

Here's Meriam-Websters definition in case you don't believe me:

Definition of comforter
1a capitalized : holy spirit
b : one that gives comfort
2a : a long narrow usually knitted neck scarf
b : a thick bed covering made of two layers of cloth containing a filling (as down)

.....No, we don't.

[Anonymous]

I think it's safe to say this thread did not turn out the way OP imagined it would.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I think it's safe to say this thread did not turn out the way OP imagined it would.

Got that right. I really was just hoping to correct a lot of misunderstandings about Airbnb. Instead... we get a debate over duvets vs. comforters. Sigh.

If you aren't paranoid that everyone is out to get you through either hidden cameras or "sploogy" linens, I do encourage you to try out Airbnb. We are good people just trying to share our beautiful corners of the world at an affordable rate. Most of us go out of our way to make your stay comfortable and memorable. We know our cities, so we can point you to restaurants and experiences you won't find on Tripadvisor. Most of my guests mention in our reviews how our recommendations enhanced their vacations.

We also have fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, locks and a commitment to cleanliness. Believe me, nothing kills an Airbnb's business like a 1-star review on cleanliness.

Seriously, there is a whole world out there and Airbnb makes it affordable to see it. Try it.

-- OP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's safe to say this thread did not turn out the way OP imagined it would.

Got that right. I really was just hoping to correct a lot of misunderstandings about Airbnb. Instead... we get a debate over duvets vs. comforters. Sigh.

If you aren't paranoid that everyone is out to get you through either hidden cameras or "sploogy" linens, I do encourage you to try out Airbnb. We are good people just trying to share our beautiful corners of the world at an affordable rate. Most of us go out of our way to make your stay comfortable and memorable. We know our cities, so we can point you to restaurants and experiences you won't find on Tripadvisor. Most of my guests mention in our reviews how our recommendations enhanced their vacations.

We also have fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, locks and a commitment to cleanliness. Believe me, nothing kills an Airbnb's business like a 1-star review on cleanliness.

Seriously, there is a whole world out there and Airbnb makes it affordable to see it. Try it.

-- OP

OP, when you refuse to wash your comforter, you have to realize, surely, that many find this unhygienic and are grossed out by it. You also need to work on moderating your snark in responses- this is a customer based industry, after all.

Sadly, I think you made a choice to represent a company on here when you are simply not up to the task. You need to take responsibility instead of getting angry at your potential customer base

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I think it's safe to say this thread did not turn out the way OP imagined it would.

Got that right. I really was just hoping to correct a lot of misunderstandings about Airbnb. Instead... we get a debate over duvets vs. comforters. Sigh.

If you aren't paranoid that everyone is out to get you through either hidden cameras or "sploogy" linens, I do encourage you to try out Airbnb. We are good people just trying to share our beautiful corners of the world at an affordable rate. Most of us go out of our way to make your stay comfortable and memorable. We know our cities, so we can point you to restaurants and experiences you won't find on Tripadvisor. Most of my guests mention in our reviews how our recommendations enhanced their vacations.

We also have fire extinguishers, smoke alarms, locks and a commitment to cleanliness. Believe me, nothing kills an Airbnb's business like a 1-star review on cleanliness.

Seriously, there is a whole world out there and Airbnb makes it affordable to see it. Try it.

-- OP

OP, when you refuse to wash your comforter, you have to realize, surely, that many find this unhygienic and are grossed out by it. You also need to work on moderating your snark in responses- this is a customer based industry, after all.

Sadly, I think you made a choice to represent a company on here when you are simply not up to the task. You need to take responsibility instead of getting angry at your potential customer base

NP here, and I hope you realize how ridiculous you sound.

[Anonymous]

I was really enjoying this thread before it got derailed. OP, best of luck to you in the future. I think you sound like a great host (and I go into both hotels and AirBnBs knowing full well that the top layer of a bed is seldom washed!)

[Anonymous]

+1000. I cannot believe how crazy and germphobic people on DCUM are. How do you folks get through the day? You might want to worry about things that can actually make you sick rather than freaking out that it is theoretically possible that someone else's skin touched something that your skin may now touch. Good grief!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:+1000. I cannot believe how crazy and germphobic people on DCUM are. How do you folks get through the day? You might want to worry about things that can actually make you sick rather than freaking out that it is theoretically possible that someone else's skin touched something that your skin may now touch. Good grief!

Seriously. OP REFUSES TO WASH THE COMFORTER!!! CALL THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT!!!