According to an article published by Apartment Therapy, the routine of preparing and resetting a guest room can vary greatly — and sometimes the most practical solution is the one that seems counterintuitive.
+ 15 things that can damage your plumbing if you throw them down the drain
In the author’s case, not washing the sheets immediately after guests leave has become one of the most efficient habits for keeping the house organized and welcoming.
I’m lucky to have a nearly exclusive guest room at home. Technically, it’s my husband’s office, but it’s also where our guests sleep — a cozy space with a double bed.
Since we often host friends and family, I’ve refined my routine to an almost scientific level. Over time, I realized that not washing the sheets right after guests leave makes my life much easier. It may sound strange — or even a little gross — but it has become one of my favorite tricks.
Here’s why.
A tidy room helps me relax after hosting someone
I love having visitors, but it’s undeniable that your routine changes — even in a positive way. When everyone leaves, my priority is reorganizing the shared spaces. Meanwhile, I just want the guest room to look neat, even if the sheets haven’t been washed yet.
A neatly made bed, even with used sheets, makes the room feel calmer, cleaner and more organized. I prefer that immediate sensation over seeing a pile of bedding waiting to be washed.
Our dogs love the guest bed
We have two Rhodesian Ridgebacks who adore my husband — and his office. As a result, they’re always lying on the guest bed.
With fur, a characteristic dog smell and that typical “dog mess,” I know the sheets need to be washed before any visitor arrives, no matter when they were last used.
My routine is strict:
- I wash and deodorize blankets regularly
- I use an air purifier and diffuser
- I vacuum frequently
Even so, to ensure real freshness, I always wash the sheets right before guests arrive — and I keep the dogs off the bed.
I never wonder whether the sheets are clean
This habit only works because I’m consistent.
Since I don’t wash them immediately after guests leave, I know that for the next visit, washing or swapping them for a clean set is mandatory.
In other words: there is never any doubt about freshness.
And my guests always find a bed with freshly washed bedding.
A freshly made bed feels more welcoming
Part of hospitality, for me, lies in the care taken when making the bed. Besides washing, I like to leave everything looking immaculate:
- I spray water on the top third of the sheets
- I smooth them with my hands to remove wrinkles (I skip the iron)
- I fluff the comforter as soon as it comes out of the dryer
This gives the bed that inviting “boutique hotel” look — fresh and cozy.
In the end, not washing immediately saves me time and energy when the house empties — and ensures that every new guest is greeted with bedding that is freshly washed, soft and perfectly arranged. For us, it’s the best of both worlds: organization now and warmth later.
Source: Apartment Therapy. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
