Airbnb Supplies: The Complete Checklist for Hosts (+ Where to Buy)

This Airbnb supplies checklist covers everything you need to stock a short term rental, room by room. You'll also learn how much to keep on hand, where to buy Airbnb supplies in bulk, and how to restock without running out mid-season.

Key Takeaways

• Airbnb's official "Essentials" are toilet paper, hand and body soap, a towel and pillow per guest, and bedding for every guest bed. Everything else on this list is what turns those basics into 5-star reviews.
• Plan for at least 2 bath towels per guest and 3 sets of linens per bed, so one set is on the bed, one is in the wash, and one is spare.
• Buy consumables like paper towels, trash bags, and Airbnb toiletries in bulk, and set up recurring orders so you never run out.
• Safety supplies aren't optional. Stock a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher, and test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms regularly.
• Track supplies at every turnover, not once a month. A quick restock check on your cleaning checklist saves a lot of last-minute store runs.

What Are Airbnb Supplies?

Airbnb supplies are the items a host stocks so guests can enjoy a comfortable stay: linens and towels, Airbnb toiletries, kitchen basics, cleaning supplies, and safety equipment. They include consumables you replace after every stay, like toilet paper and soap, and durable items you buy once, like cookware, a coffee maker, and a hair dryer.

Supplies and amenities overlap, but they're not quite the same thing. Amenities are the features guests filter for when they book, like Wi-Fi or a hot tub. Supplies are what keeps those amenities working, stay after stay. If you want the amenities side, our guide to Airbnb must-haves covers the essential amenities guests care about most.

A simple rule: think of your vacation rental property as commercial accommodation. Airbnb guests compare your space to a hotel, so buy hotel-quality basics, then add a few touches that fit your guests and your location.

The Airbnb essentials checklist (Airbnb's minimum)

Airbnb strongly encourages every host to provide these basic items, which it calls Essentials:

• Toilet paper
• Hand and body soap
• At least one towel per guest
• At least one pillow per guest
• Bedding for every guest bed

If you select the Essentials amenity on your listing and don't actually provide these, Airbnb says you may face penalties, including removal from the platform. Airbnb also suggests offering more for larger groups and longer stays, and messaging guests to ask what they need.

These Airbnb essentials are the floor, not the ceiling. They cover basic guest expectations. Going the extra mile is what earns 5-star reviews and more bookings.

Airbnb Supplies Checklist by Room

Here's the complete Airbnb supplies list, organized the way you'll actually shop for it. Use it as your Airbnb amenities checklist when you set up a new listing, and as a restock list after that.

Bathroom supplies and Airbnb toiletries

A well-stocked bathroom signals attention to cleanliness, and it's the first place guests check.

• Bath towels, hand towels, and washcloths
• Bath mat
• Toilet paper (plus a few spare rolls)
• Hand soap
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Body wash or bar soap
• Body lotion
• Hair dryer
• Towel hooks or a towel rail
• Toilet brush and plunger
• Small trash can with liners
• Cotton swabs and cotton pads
• Tissues

Hosting tip: Keep a small basket of "forgot it" items, like a disposable toothbrush, travel toothpaste, disposable razors, and shaving cream. They aren't must-haves, but guests usually realize they forgot them after the stores have closed. Our list of Airbnb bathroom essentials goes deeper on this room.

Quality toiletries go a long way. Many hosts are moving from tiny single-use bottles to refillable wall dispensers with a good brand of shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. Guests get a more premium feel, and you cut down on plastic waste and restocking time.

Bedroom supplies

A comfortable bed is the one thing guests never forgive you for getting wrong. Comfortable mattresses and quality linens contribute more to guest satisfaction than almost any other purchase.

• A quality mattress and mattress protector
• Bed linen (3 sets per bed)
• Pillows (two for each guest is ideal) with pillow protectors
• Duvet or comforter, plus an extra blanket in every bedroom closet
• Blackout curtains for restful sleep
• Bedside table and lamp
• Hangers and a luggage rack
• Phone chargers or a charging station in each bedroom
• Small trash can
• Notepad and pen

Kitchen supplies

A well stocked kitchen is one of the best upgrades you can make for the guest experience. Kitchen is one of the top amenities guests search for on Airbnb, alongside Wi-Fi, free parking, and air conditioning, according to Airbnb's own 2025 search data. Assume guests will cook at least once, so a functional kitchen matters.

• Pots, pans, and a baking sheet
• Plates, bowls, cups, and wine glasses
• Silverware and cooking utensils
• Sharp knives and a cutting board
• Coffee maker and kettle
• Toaster and microwave
• Food storage containers
• Oven mitts and dish towels
• Dish soap, sponges, and dishwasher detergent
• Paper towels and trash bags
• Salt, pepper, cooking oil, and sugar
• Coasters and ice trays

Set up a coffee station. A well stocked coffee station with coffee, tea, sugar, and creamer is one of the cheapest ways to earn a mention in your 5-star reviews. Our pick of the best coffee makers for Airbnb can help you choose. For the full list of cookware, see our Airbnb kitchen essentials guide.

Living room and workspace supplies

The living room is where guests unwind, so make the space feel lived-in, not staged.

• Comfortable seating and a coffee table
• Smart TV with streaming apps
• Climate control, like a smart thermostat, fans, or a space heater
• Reliable Wi-Fi, with the network name and password on a sign in a couple of spots
• Power strips and extra outlets with USB ports
• Board games, books, and a deck of cards
• Throw blankets and pillows
• Your welcome book or a digital guidebook

Fast Wi-Fi consistently ranks among the top guest priorities, so it's worth paying for a better plan. Pair it with a simple house guide that covers Wi-Fi details, appliance instructions, and your house rules. That one document saves you a lot of guest messages.

Cleaning supplies

Cleanliness is non-negotiable for guest satisfaction, so you need two sets of cleaning supplies: one for your cleaning team, and a small kit for guests.

For your cleaning team:

• Multi-surface cleaner and disinfectant
• Glass cleaner and floor cleaner
• Bleach and laundry detergent
• Laundry stain remover
• Microfiber cloths and paper towels
• Mop, broom, dustpan, and vacuum
• Toilet brush and scrub brush
• Disposable gloves
• Garbage bags

For guests:

• Disinfectant wipes or spray
• Paper towels
• Extra hand soap
• Hand sanitizer
• A small dustpan and brush

Guests expect cleaning supplies on hand for spills and accidents. Just remember that leaving supplies out isn't the same as asking guests to clean. Under Airbnb's new house rules policy for bookings from November 20, 2026, you can't ask guests to wash dishes, strip beds, or take trash off-site. Our guide to Airbnb checkout instructions covers what you can still ask.

Airbnb also recommends using only disinfectants registered with agencies like the U.S. EPA, and never mixing cleaners like bleach and ammonia. Restock anything low or expiring right after each clean, so you're ready for the next guest.

Safety supplies

Safety supplies are non-negotiable. Safety equipment protects guests and reduces your legal liability as a host. Airbnb strongly urges hosts to install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, especially in spaces with fuel burning appliances. Where available, Airbnb hosts can even request a free combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarm.

• Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms (test them regularly)
• Fire extinguisher
• First aid kit
• A smart lock or keypad for keyless entry
• Flashlight, plus spare batteries for your smart lock
• Emergency contact list with local emergency numbers
• Anti-slip bath mats
• Childproofing items like outlet covers and stair gates, if you host families

A basic first aid kit often costs around $15, and it gives guests real peace of mind. Keep your first aid supplies and fire extinguisher clearly marked and easy to reach, and post emergency numbers in an accessible location, like the fridge or inside your welcome book. Local short term rental rules often require some of these items in every vacation rental property, so check your city's regulations before guests arrive.

Outdoor amenities and extras

• Outdoor seating and lighting
• BBQ grill tools and a grill brush
• Pool or hot tub towels
• Pool or hot tub chemicals and test strips (for your team only)
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• An umbrella or two

How Much to Stock: Par Levels for Airbnb Supplies

Knowing what to buy is half the job. The other half is knowing how much. Most Airbnb hosts and vacation rental managers work with "par levels," the minimum amount of each item to keep on hand at all times.

Here's a starting point per guest and per stay:

Adjust these for each listing, and for longer stays and larger groups. A family of six staying a week will go through a lot more of everything than a couple staying two nights.

Airbnb Supplies Checklist by Guest Type

The general list works for every property, but your guests tend to fall into a few groups. Tweak your supplies to match. Your guest communication and reviews are the best guide here: if guests keep asking for the same item, it's your cue to go shopping. Our guide to the types of vacation rental guests can help you figure out who you're hosting.

Business travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads

Business travelers care about convenience and a good place to work. Add a quiet workspace with a desk, an ergonomic chair, good lighting, and extra outlets. Spare smartphone chargers and a power strip by the bed make a big difference for digital nomads and remote workers. A coffee maker is a must for this group, and for pretty much every guest type.

Leisure travelers

Leisure travelers want your place to feel like a home away from home, and the small details matter most. Upgraded toiletries, a comfortable bed with high-quality linens, and a stocked kitchen are simple ways to help them relax.

"All bed linens are not created equal. Something that surprised me was that some bed linens, despite the price being on par, or close to, are not going to work. [For] most properties, I have a linen company who wash and lend me the sheets and towels. They are then responsible for ensuring the quality and pressing, and so everything always looks good."

Elaine Watt, Holiday Let Success

Couples

Couples on a romantic getaway want to feel like they've escaped everyday life. Nice extras include:

• A welcome basket with a few snacks and a welcome letter
• Candles (LED ones are the safer pick)
• Cozy bedding and extra throw blankets
• Bubble bath
• A bottle of local wine

Even a small welcome basket with local snacks can leave a lasting first impression.

Guests with pets

If you're pet-friendly, guests will appreciate a few pet supplies: water and food bowls, a pet bed, washable furniture covers, poop bags for the yard, and extra cleaning supplies for muddy paws and accidents.

Families with children

Families need to feel safe and comfortable. Invest in childproofing, extra guest linens, and:

• A crib or travel cot and a high chair
• Stair gates and outlet covers
• Night lights
• Age-appropriate toys and books
• Plastic plates and cups

Guests with accessibility needs

If your space is step-free, small upgrades like grab bars in the bathroom, a shower chair, and a handheld showerhead can open your listing up to more guests. Only add accessibility features to your listing if you actually have them.

Where to Buy Airbnb Supplies

Where you buy Airbnb supplies matters almost as much as what you buy. Most vacation rental hosts use a mix of bulk stores, online shops, and hospitality suppliers.

Wholesale and warehouse stores

Costco and Sam's Club are popular with Airbnb hosts for bulk toilet paper, paper towels, trash bags, coffee, and laundry detergent. If you manage several listings, a business membership can make bulk buying even easier.

Online retailers

Amazon, Walmart, and Target are the go-to options for most Airbnb host supplies. They're great for bulk toiletries, linens, and small appliances, and you can filter by reviews and price. Many vacation rental hosts use recurring orders, like Amazon's Subscribe & Save, to automate restocking. The one catch: you can't check expiration dates before you buy, so keep an eye on toiletries and coffee.

Hospitality and hotel suppliers

Hotel and hospitality suppliers sell commercial-grade towels, linens, and toiletries that are made to survive frequent washing. They're worth a look once your short term rental business grows to a few properties, or if your towels keep fraying after a season.

Local stores

Keep a local store in mind for the emergencies guests run into, like running out of coffee on a Sunday morning. Some hosts also buy local coffee, snacks, or soap to give their welcome basket a sense of place.

Bulk buying tips:

• Buy small, non-perishable items in bulk to save money, and store them in a locked owner's closet or laundry room.
• Stick to one brand and color of towels and sheets, so mixing and replacing sets is easy.
• Choose white linens. They can be bleached and look hotel-fresh.
• Set up subscriptions if you manage multiple Airbnb listings, then adjust your monthly order as you learn your usage.

How to Budget for and Track Your Airbnb Supplies

Supplies are an ongoing cost of running an Airbnb rental, so build them into your pricing from day one. If you use dynamic pricing, set your minimum nightly rate high enough to cover per-stay supply costs and still make money. Treat consumables like soap and toiletries as a per-stay cost, and durable items like linens, towels, and cookware as a replacement cost you'll repeat every year or two.

Then, track everything. Running out of supplies is one of the easiest ways to lose 5-star reviews, and cleaning staff shortages make it even harder to fix problems on the fly. A few habits help:

• Add a restock check to your Airbnb cleaning checklist, so your team counts supplies at every turnover.
• Keep a simple inventory sheet in your owner's closet and update it after each clean.
• Reorder when you hit your par level, not when you run out.
• Review your guest communication for repeat requests from Airbnb guests. They tell you what to add.

This is where software helps. With iGMS cleaning management, cleaning tasks are created automatically after every booking, cleaners get instant notifications, and smart checklists (with simple inventory management) make sure nothing gets missed. It works the same whether you're a solo host or one of the property managers running twenty listings. Combine that with smart locks for keyless entry and self check-in, and turnovers run without you being there.

Protecting Your Airbnb Supplies Investment

You want to give every guest a great guest experience, but you also want to protect what you've spent on your rental. A few ways to do that:

• Screen guests. Check guest reviews and profiles before you accept a booking. Our guide to common Airbnb problems covers more ways to protect your property.
• Set clear house rules. Spell out how to use expensive items like the hot tub or grill on your listing and in your Airbnb house rules.
• Know what AirCover covers. AirCover for Hosts includes up to $3 million in host damage protection for your home and its contents, including your Airbnb furniture. It doesn't cover normal wear and tear, and you need to file a reimbursement request within 14 days of the guest's checkout.
• Get proper insurance. AirCover isn't a replacement for vacation rental insurance. If you're unsure what your policy covers, ask your insurance agent.

FAQs About Airbnb Supplies

What supplies do I need for an Airbnb?

At a minimum, you need Airbnb's Essentials: toilet paper, hand and body soap, one towel and one pillow per guest, and bedding for every bed. Beyond that, most hosts stock toiletries, kitchen basics, cleaning supplies, and safety equipment like a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Where can I buy Airbnb supplies?

Most hosts buy Airbnb supplies from Costco, Sam's Club, Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Hospitality suppliers are a good option for commercial-grade linens and toiletries. Bulk stores and recurring online orders save the most money and time.

Where can I buy bulk toiletries for my Airbnb?

Amazon, Costco, and hotel supply stores all sell bulk Airbnb toiletries, from mini bottles to large refill containers. Refillable dispensers with a good brand are often cheaper over time and feel more premium to guests.

How many towels should I provide per Airbnb guest?

Airbnb asks for at least one towel per guest, but plan on at least 2 bath towels per guest, plus a hand towel and washcloth. Keep a spare set for every bedroom so your cleaners always have a clean set ready.

How often should I restock my Airbnb supplies?

Check consumables like toilet paper, soap, coffee, and trash bags at every turnover, and reorder whenever you drop below your par level. Replace linens and towels as soon as they look worn or stained, usually every year or two.

The Final Item on Your Airbnb Host Checklist

Stocking your short term rental with the right Airbnb supplies is how you turn a nice space into a 5-star stay. The hard part isn't the first shopping trip. It's keeping everything stocked, cleaned, and ready between every booking, across every listing.

That's where iGMS comes in. Automated cleaning tasks, smart checklists, and instant notifications keep your team on top of every turnover, while automated guest messaging and a unified inbox handle the rest. Cross the final item off your Airbnb host checklist and let your vacation rental software do the heavy lifting.