If you’re an Airbnb host, you’ve almost certainly dealt with Airbnb makeup stains on your towels at some point. It’s one of those universal hosting headaches that nobody warns you about when you start out. Foundation, mascara, and bronzer can turn even the fluffiest white towels into stained disasters overnight.
In my early hosting days, I spent way too much time (and bleach!) trying to rescue towels that had been wiped with makeup. Even though I always provided makeup remover wipes, many guests still reached for the nearest towel instead. Easy for them… not so easy for me.
2026 Update for Airbnb Hosts
Updated for 2026: With the growth of luxury short-term rentals and boutique-style hosting, many hosts are now paying much closer attention to linen presentation. White spa-style towels remain one of the most common features in high-end Airbnb listings, which makes protecting them even more important.
Simple visual reminders and thoughtful guest amenities are now considered best practice in professional Airbnb design, helping hosts reduce laundry damage while maintaining a polished guest experience.
Eventually, I discovered a small trick that changed everything—and it’s now something I recommend to every host I mentor.
I designed a simple, decorative little sign that gently reminds guests to avoid using the towels for makeup removal. Framed and styled, it looks cute, feels polite, and best of all—it works.
After losing countless towels, this one small addition saved me time, money, and frustration. Add a sign, pair it with a chic frame, and say goodbye to makeup stains. Your towels will thank you, and so will your budget!
Why Airbnb Makeup Stains Happen So Often
Most guests aren’t intentionally careless. The truth is, Airbnb makeup stains usually happen out of habit.
People are used to removing makeup with whatever towel is closest in their own home. When they stay in a vacation rental, they simply do the same thing without thinking.
The problem is that products like:
- Liquid foundation
- Waterproof mascara
- Self-tanner
- Tinted sunscreen
Will permanently stain white towels if they’re not treated immediately.
For hosts who pride themselves on beautiful linens and luxury presentation, this can become an expensive (and annoying) cycle.
Freebie: Grab my free Room-by-room Vacation Rental Essential Checklist for free here!
No Stains on Our Luxury Towels… Please?
One of the things guests consistently compliment in my listings is the quality of the linens and towels.
My thick, lush, white Turkish bath towels have been stained by guests many times. They’ve been sprayed, bleached, soaked and washed. Despite all of this, they have held up beautifully for more than two years, only getting softer each wash. Since putting up the sign they thankfully are not getting stained anymore! They also have hand towels to match that are wonderful quality. I highly recommend these towels to Airbnb Hosts, they are the best!
Use Makeup Wipes…Please!
There’s a fine line between sounding rude and offering a polite reminder.
Most guests genuinely don’t realize they’re causing damage when they wipe makeup on white towels.
The trick is to make the alternative easy.
Here’s what works well:
• Provide individual makeup remover wipes
• Place them clearly beside the sink
• Add a gentle sign reminding guests to use them
I’ve chosen Neutrogena singles for my guests’ make removal needs. because they’re recognizable and gentle on the skin. I’ve tried placing the bigger bulk version of wipes in the bathroom, but guests would often leave with the whole thing. With this option, you can ration out a couple of wipes per day.
A bulk 3 pack from Amazon cost about 25 cents each—a tiny price compared to replacing luxury towels.
For more ideas for guest communication check out my tips here! Airbnb Guest Messaging: The Complete Guide (With Free Scripts!)
Airbnb Makeup Stains Removal 101
When it comes to those inevitable Airbnb makeup stains, speed is everything!
Airbnb Makeup Stains Removal 101
Even with prevention, stains will still happen occasionally.
Here’s the fastest way to remove Airbnb makeup stains from towels.
Treat the stain immediately
Spray the area with a stain remover like:
- Spray ’n Wash
- OxiClean Max Force
Let it sit for at least one hour, or overnight if possible.
Pre-soak the towels
Fill your washing machine with cold water and add:
- laundry detergent
- one cup of bleach
Let the towels soak for about an hour.
Wash and inspect
Run a full wash cycle. Afterward, inspect the towels carefully.
If you still see yellow or brown marks, set those towels aside until you have enough for a dedicated stain load.
Go stronger if necessary
For stubborn stains:
- increase bleach
- soak overnight
- wash again
The Best Way to Prevent Airbnb Makeup Stains
The easiest solution is always prevention.
To stop Airbnb makeup stains entirely:
- Provide makeup remover wipes
- Add a polite reminder sign
- Keep wipes visible near the sink
- Protect high-quality white towels
This tiny system costs just a few dollars but can save hosts hundreds of dollars in linens over time.
It’s also a smart move to provide a few black washcloths with Makeup written on them some women prefer this route.
Want More Airbnb Hosting Tips?
If you’re setting up a new listing—or want to streamline the one you already have—my Ultimate Airbnb Superhost Bundle includes the exact templates I use in my own properties. Over 11K hosts love and trust this system to simplify guest communication and hosting.
Inside you’ll find:
• Printable bathroom signs (including the makeup towel reminder)
• Guest welcome book templates
• WiFi and checkout signs
• Cleaning checklists
• Messaging templates
• Superhost strategy tips
Everything is editable in Canva so you can customize it to your space.
👉 You can explore the full bundle here:
Airbnb Superhost Bundle and Hosting System
Thousands of hosts use these templates to make their listings look polished, professional, and guest-friendly.
FAQ: Airbnb Makeup Stains
How do Airbnb hosts prevent makeup stains on towels?
Most hosts prevent Airbnb makeup stains by providing makeup remover wipes and placing a small reminder sign in the bathroom asking guests not to use white towels for makeup removal.
What removes makeup stains from towels?
Foundation and mascara stains can usually be removed with stain remover sprays such as OxiClean or Spray ’n Wash, followed by a bleach soak and normal wash cycle.
Should Airbnb hosts provide makeup wipes?
Yes. Providing makeup wipes is one of the easiest ways to prevent Airbnb towel stains. Guests are far more likely to use them when they’re placed visibly beside the sink.
Are white towels a bad idea for Airbnb?
Not at all. White towels actually signal cleanliness and luxury. The key is simply adding small preventive measures to avoid makeup stains.
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