The Host’s Guide to Turnover Logistics: The Real Cost of Linens
As a short-term rental owner in the Charleston area, you know that the "Lowcountry look" depends on crisp, white, high-end linens. But between the salt air, beach sand, and high humidity, managing laundry can quickly become a full-time job that stalls your growth.
If you’re still trying to run your laundry through a residential stackable unit between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM, you aren't just washing sheets—you’re gambling with your check-in times.
How much does linen service actually cost?
The Short Answer: Linen services in the Charleston area generally cost between $15 and $30 per bed for a full turnover, or a total of $50 to $125 per visit for a standard home.
Depending on the provider, you’ll usually see two pricing styles:
By the Pound: Typically $1.50–$3.00/lb. This is great for large houses with heavy towel usage.
All-Inclusive Rentals: A flat fee per bed. This is the "gold standard" because it includes the high-end linens themselves, meaning you never have to shop for sheets again.
While it may seem like an extra line item on your expense sheet, outsourcing linens typically saves you 2–3 hours of laundry time per turnover. Most importantly, it prevents "Laundry Lag"—that dreaded moment when your cleaner is done with the house but still waiting 45 minutes for the dryer to finish the pillowcases while the guest is idling in the driveway.
The "Hidden" Math of On-Site Laundry
Many hosts think washing at the property is the "budget-friendly" route because the machines are already there. But when you look closer at the numbers, the "free" DIY method starts to get expensive:
The Labor Trap: If your cleaner is waiting on a residential dryer (which takes twice as long as a commercial one), you are paying for their "sit time."
The Wear and Tear: Residential machines aren't built for 15+ loads a week. Between the increased water bills and the inevitable $400 repair bill when the heating element burns out, the "savings" vanish quickly.
The Sanitization Gap: Home machines rarely reach the 145°F+ temperatures required to truly sanitize linens and strip away oils or sunscreens. Over time, this leads to "graying" sheets that guests will mention in a 4-star review.
Linen Rentals vs. Owning Your Own: Which Saves You More?
If you choose a Linen Rental Program, you're moving into the "Elite" tier of hosting. You no longer have to worry about guests ruining towels with makeup or bronzer. If a piece is stained, the service simply swaps it out at no cost to you.
On the other hand, if you own your linens, you need at least three full sets per bed to stay ahead of the rotation. When you factor in the upfront cost of buying high-quality cotton and the time spent tracking inventory, the "rental" model often pays for itself within the first season.
In a competitive market like Charleston, a 3:00 PM check-in is a promise. Outsourcing your linens isn't just about clean sheets; it's about buying back your time and guaranteeing a flawless first impression. When your property is ready on time, every time, your reviews (and your nightly rates) will reflect it.