Top Items You’ll Need for Opening an AirBnB

Feb 26

I’ve been hosting on AirBnB (as a Superhost!) since 2017, and I’ve learned a whole lot of things along the way. People are weird. They steal things. They’re messy. 80% of the time, our guests are just fine. I love when we have families visit because groups with kids, especially young kids, are the cleanest. Shocking, right?! We are located in Winterport, Maine. There’s not much to do in town, but our cabin is a popular AirBnb location because we are close to Bangor during concert season, and we are an easy drive to Acadia National Park.

If you’re thinking about opening an AirBnb, use my link for a referral! Then, stock up on these essentials.

Cleaning & Maintenance Essentials

Disposable Gloves (Nitrile) – For hygienic cleaning and handling messes.
Industrial Ozone Generator – Eliminates stubborn odors like must, smoke, and cooking smells.
Disinfecting Wipes & Multi-Surface Spray – Quick and effective for wiping down surfaces.
Vacuum Cleaner – This kind is my favorite because it works on carpets and wood floors. The “duoclean” brush roll gets all the bits of sand/dirt that get tracked in.
Microfiber Cloths – Lint-free cleaning for glass, countertops, and appliances.
Magic Erasers – Great for removing scuff marks and stains.
Plunger & Drain Cleaner – Because plumbing issues happen.
Tool Kit (Basic Set) – For quick fixes like tightening screws or adjusting furniture. You’ll want this to stay inside the house, because you’ll usually need to fix something when you forgot to bring your normal toolbox.

Guest Comfort & Convenience

Gray Towels and Gray Wash Cloths – Think you want white because they bleach easily? Think again. I bought all white and quickly moved to all gray. Makeup doesn’t bleach out, and those are the most common stains we get.
Mattress Protectors – THIS IS NECESSARY. Trust me. I use this kind on all 14 of my beds. It’s thin, doesn’t sound like plastic, and washes well.
Blackout Curtains – Improves sleep quality, especially in bright areas. If you want to have curtains that are prettier, you can get a double rod like this and put the blackouts on the underside and the decorative ones on top.
White Noise Machine – Drowns out street noise or neighbors. Or snoring housemates. It’s not necessary, but it’s nice to have. I keep a stash of earplugs in the nightstand drawers, too.

Bathroom Must-Haves

Shampoo, Conditioner, & Body Wash Dispensers – Refillable and eco-friendly.
Toilet Paper (Bulk Pack) – Leave so much extra. I don’t know how people use so much, but they do. Make sure to use 1-ply if you’re on a septic system like we are.
Air Freshener and Poo-Pourri Spray – Keeps things fresh.
Hair Dryer – A must for many guests. They expect you’ll have this.
First Aid Kit – Band-aids, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes for minor issues.

Kitchen Staples

Coffee Maker (Single Serve & Drip Combo) – Covers all guest preferences.
Coffee, Tea, & Sugar Packets – A small hospitality touch.
Non-Stick Cookware & Utensils – Durable and easy to clean (and cheap enough to replace when things break).
Cutting Board & Sharp Knives – A necessity for guests who cook.
Basic Pantry Items (Salt, Pepper, Oil, Sugar) – Makes cooking easier for guests.
Dish Soap & Sponge (or Dishwasher Pods) – So guests can clean up easily.
Trash Bags & Recycling Bags – Always have extras available.

Tech & Security

Smart Lock or Keypad Entry – No lost keys, easy self-check-in.
Wi-Fi Router (High-Speed) – Essential for business and leisure travelers.
USB Charging Stations & Extra Cables – A thoughtful touch for guests. But they may steal it. So…
Fire Extinguisher & Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Detector – Safety must-haves.
Security Camera (Exterior Only) – For monitoring property access.