So I have a question for you.
The night before my in-laws left, my mother in-law was mentioning all the things she needed to do before they headed to the airport the next day; pack, check in for their flight, print out boarding passes, pack their bags, strip the sheets…
Wait, what?
Strip the sheets?
“You mean the bed sheets?” I asked.
Why would you take the sheets off the beds?
And that started a discussion.
And yada yada yada…. She said she has always stripped the sheets when she has stayed in someone’s home. And I said that in all the years I have been a guest, I have never removed my bed sheets when I left {I always just make the bed}.
The conversation/debate lasted 10 minutes. 🙂
And as we were talking, I remembered when I went in to tidy up the guest room back in May when Mrs. HB was here, she did the same thing. I found her bed sheets on the floor when I walked into the room.
So now I’m wondering if I’m the weird one. Maybe I’ve been doing it wrong all these years. Maybe I’ve been a horrible guest and made more work for my host and didn’t even know it.
But still, taking the sheets off of someone else’s bed seems a little strange to me.
So I thought I’d get your opinion about the whole thing.
As a guest, before leaving someone’s home you’ve stayed at, do you strip the sheets, re-make the bed, or just leave the room and not give it a second thought?
Curious minds want need to know.
~Mavis
Patti M. says
My Canadian family would always strip the beds before they left. I thought it was a kind gesture to save the host a small job. I started doing that too if I stayed in someone’s home. If I know my guest have a tight schedule I mention that they should just leave the bed as is. My crazy sister goes one step further and washes and dries the sheets. That might be a little overboard : )
BB Fisher says
My daughter does the same thing as your sister, and then makes the bed again with the freshly laundered sheets. She also washes all of the towels in the bathroom. :o) She must love her mama, huh?
Jeanie says
I used to regularly do this when we visited my parents. I didn’t want my Mom to have to do it. Especially when we usually took up three beds with kids and such.
CINDY BRICK says
I invariably strip the sheets…unless I’m staying in a total stranger’s house. (Quilt teachers do this on occasion.) Never thought about it being weird, I agree that it’s a kind gesture so the host/hostess doesn’t have to.
Otherwise, would you want to sleep on sheets that strangers already slept on? Umm…
Vicki in Birmingham says
Exactly! I don’t want to sleep on someone else’s sheets and I expect they wouldn’t want to sleep on mine either! I always stripped mine and put on a fresh set, then made the bed before I left.
I only make the bed at my sister’s house (without changing the bed linens) when I am the only one who sleeps in my bed there.
I expected it was just a Southern hospitality kind of thing. Even still, I think it is a good idea.
Natasha Galbreath says
I’d hate a guest to strip the bed. I cant always immediately do a load of sheets, and I don’t want a pile of sheets sitting on the floor with an unmade bed for a day or two before I can do that load of laundry.
And I don’t have a laundry room, I have a closet with a sliding door. So nowhere to put those dirty sheets anyways.
Make the bed is more polite in my opinion. Assuming I have time to immediately do the laundry youve piled up in the room is not nearly as polite.
Patti Vanderbloemen says
I always strip the sheets when I am a guest in someone’s home…
Nan says
Ditto except my sister’s where I’ll be the next guest again.
Lynda says
I always strip the sheets. Why remake the bed when the sheets are dirty and need to be washed for the next guest??!
Meg C. says
I prefer to strip the sheets after finishing an overnight stay with family or friends. I strip the sheets & then neatly fold them & set them on the end of the bed; this way the host/hostess doesn’t walk in & see a messy pile. If I’m staying someplace without a washer/dryer, I bring the sheets home to wash/dry & promptly return them. With all that said, we do know several people who are very uncomfortable with the idea of their guests stripping the sheets so when we stay with them we simply make the bed instead of stripping the sheets.
Mel says
I apparently haven’t stayed at enough houses (or hosted enough guests) to actually have an idea on this, but I really thought this post was about stripping the sheets in terms of soaking them periodically to get detergent/water residue out. We have horrible hard water, so I have to periodically “strip” our sheets by soaking them so that they wash properly. I’m actually about due to do that soon…ugh.
Alice says
The sheets will hopefully get washed anyway so it doesn’t matter if the guest or the host removes the sheets! In hotels, one doesn’t strip the sheets and Airbnb might ask you to strip the bed and some not. Being guests in a person’s home is a personal choice. My kids don’t strip the beds when they are here and that’s fine because it gives me a day or two to get to washing the sheets and the bedroom doesn’t look a total mess.
Lillian says
Yes
I always have done this
jj says
i have never stripped the sheets in someone elses home. Seems weird to me.
Momma bear says
I have never stripped the sheets as a guest but to be fair I have not stayed in house of friends or family in a long time. We stay in hotels. If I did I would ask before I did because I feel it is forcing whoever I stay with to do something they may or may not want done.
Cindi says
Yes, I do this. Saves the host having to unmake the bed to wash the sheets.
Lissa says
I usually strip the sheets. I love it when guests do it!
Barbara says
I have always stripped the bed. I pile the sheets and pillowcases and fold any comforters or quilts.
MB says
That’s what I’ve always done as well. I never do it in a hotel but always in someone’s home. Making the bed is not my favorite chore so I like to help my hosts get halfway there. I usually roll all of the sheets up so the part I’ve slept on is inside, so my hosts don’t have to touch the used side (not that the sheets are ever actually “dirty” but I might be a bit of a germaphobe:)) At my parents’ house I wash all of the sheets and towels as they are pushing 80 and arthritic.
Rhonda says
I ask guests to leave the bed unmade, that way I remember to change the sheets before the next guest. The spare bedroom is the daytime hang out for our cat. I don’t like her laying on the mattress pad and sometimes it takes me a few days before I change the sheets.
Toni Harper says
I always strip the sheets and ask the host where to leave them (bedroom, laundry area, etc..).
Christie says
Yep, same thing here.
Julie says
Ditto
Laura says
Me too.
Terena says
Yes, I do too.
Susan says
Absolutely. My kids put the sheets and towels down the laundry chute.
Kim says
I strip them, take them to laundry room and even asked my niece (who was busy with preschoolers) if she would like me to start the washer. She said yes. I wouldn’t start the washer without permission from my hostess.
Lynda McCrimmon says
I have never stripped the sheets but I do make the bed.
Mark says
I just make the bed. I’ve never stripped the sheets and have never had my family strip the sheets when they’ve stayed with me.
Kathy says
I always strip the sheets (and my adult kids do the same when they visit). We just stayed at an Airbnb, and the check-out instructions requested that we strip all sheets and leave them on the bed.
Tip:
At my sister’s beach house, guests always ask what they can do before leaving. She asks them to strip the bed and put the clean sheets (in each bedroom closet) on. That way, she only has to wash the dirty sheets and return them to the closet for next time.
Marie says
Genius!
Molly says
This is exactly what my family does.
Cindy says
I always just make the bed. Seems weird to me to strip the bed.
Rachel says
I agree, I’ll make the bed but it’s not that much extra work for the host to strip the bed after I leave. That being said, I’ll discuss this with the friend that I’ve stayed with before I depart in morning to see what they prefer. Never has my friend asked me to strip the bed.
P. S. I live in the UK, although I grew up in the US. My answer would be the same regardless….
Ashley Bananas says
I have never heard of this until now. I would most likely make the bed before leaving and leave it at that.
Ramona says
In my house I prefer guests not to strip the sheets. If they want to make the bed that is fine. That way the room doesn’t look messy or pet hair doesn’t get on mattress if it had been stripped. I usually wash sheets that day or the next. When I stay as a guest I ask if they want me to strip the sheets or just make the bed.
Dianne says
I do the same. I ask. Then if they want the bed stripped, I carry the sheets to the laundry room. In my own home, I prefer they leave the bed alone or make it. I had a niece that stripped 3 beds and started the laundry – I really was not in the mood after they left to make the beds!
Anne Sullivan says
I always strip the sheets and put the bedspread on the bed. The room then looks neat until the hostess has a chance to put fresh linens on the bed. I also put the bed linens and bath towels we used in the laundry room if possible.
Marcia says
I always strip the sheets when a guest in someone’s home. Guests in my home have always done the same.
Marianne says
Always have stripped the sheets when staying with a close relative. Sometimes ask ahead of time just because of laundry timing, or a relative I haven’t stayed with for awhile. We stayed at a friend’s vacation house, there I stripped, washed and replaced sheets before we left. If there isn’t enough time I inform the owner where in the process I had to leave things (stripped, washed, still in the dryer, etc)
Elle says
I like to put freshly laundered sheets on the bed for guests so I prefer they leave them or as you do, make the bed. I don’t think sheets that have been in the linen closet for 6 months are fresh.
When I’m a guest, I ask what they want though. I’ve never stayed anywhere that my host leaves the sheets on the bed though.
Tricia says
I pretty much always strip the sheets. I think it was my older sister who taught me that it was a considerate gesture. If it’s someone I really don’t know, I ask them which they prefer. If it’s a close family member and I am leaving late enough in the day, I wash and dry the sheets and remake the bed. Most guests I have had in my home strip the beds also (I’m always a little surprised when they don’t). My closest friend always washes and remakes the bed.
MICHELLE WRIGHT says
Strip the sheets and if a great guest, take them to the laundry room for your hosts!
Diana says
I always strip the sheets and put the sheets and the towels in the laundry room. Then I put the bed cover on and arrange the pillows. Most of my friends don’t leave sheets on the bed all of the time. They make the bed with fresh sheets when a guest is due to arrive.
Tricia says
I always strip the bed and take all used sheets and towels to the laundry room.
Marie says
This is an experience with a hotel on the Pismo coast of California which is quite pricey. We loved our room but the queen bed I occupied had the stench of a dirty dog smell on the duvet. I couldn’t stand it. I removed it and it was somewhat better so I don’t object to removing sheets after a guest night out but you would think the industry would change out a cover when a pet used the room.
Jennifer says
Always done it since my Mama always did it. If I know my host’s house well enough, I put the clothes in the washing machine as I’m packing up. If I’m lucky, I can get them in the dryer before we leave. Such a little thing on my part, but a little way to help out.
Becky Miller says
I was raised by a southern mom and I was taught to always strip the bed. I strip the sheets and pillow cases off, fold the blankets, and take the sheets and used towels/wash clothes to the washing machine area 🙂
Deb says
I’m with you here. Also raised “Southern” and in addition will try to empty any wastebaskets if I’ve used them. Sometimes I have to ask where the new liners are. 🙂 We also (always) strip the beds/used towels, etc. anytime we stay in a hotel or rent a cabin. We put the linens in the bathroom (the tub if there is one available) or on the floor. Just a small gesture for some busy folks. We empty all the trash and pick up too.
Lindsey says
We own a cabin that we rent out through Airbnb. Some guests make the beds, some leave the beds unmade, and then others strip the bedding. I love it when they strip the bedding. It saves me a few extra minutes with a task that I am not fond of doing. So, since then, I will strip the bedding as well.
Bonnie Schmidt says
I always strip the bed sheets. It is helpful to your hostess as you know that she has to do it! I am a southerner and have a second home. All of my guests always strip the sheets. Some even put them in the washing machine for me. Not even a question where I come from!
Linda says
Strip the sheets.
Lori SA says
I strip beds before leaving and if possible, like at my moms, I’ll wash/dry/remake the bed before I go. I host (or did) a lot of people and I find it most helpful if the person leaves the bed unmade or stripped. That way I notice it needs doing, and especially if there is a pile of sheets, I will get the job done right away. Otherwise I have a tendency to not notice/forget if the bed linen is cleaned.
Kristen says
My default is the take off the sheets and gather my dirty towels. However, I’ve learned to ask, as some hosts are appalled at my efforts.
I personally think it is helpful to take one thing off their plate. If it’s my family, I even make the bed again with a new set of sheets. We’re all in this together and we all want to be helpful!
A says
I’m on Team Mavis for this one. I have never stripped the sheets. I don’t want it to seem like an obligation to my host to immediately wash the sheets. I just make the bed before I leave.
Linda Sand says
I never heard of this. I’m surprised by all the people who do it. I would not like to have company do that chore. It would make me feel as if I’d not been a good hostess to expect them to do such menial task. To me, it indicates they think I would not give the next person clean sheets if they didn’t remind me to do so.
Cynthia says
I typically ask the host which they prefer and I’m happy to accommodate.
Melissa says
I do the same!
Mary Victoria Legates says
Me too, I ask?
Richelle says
Yup, the same
Tanya says
I ask too.
Lea says
Me too – and I ask about towels too.
I’ve never asked if I should start the washer though
Lea
Delores says
If I can, I will make the bed with clean sheets. But if not, then I will just strip the sheets. I heard at some time in my life that it is the correct etiquette kind of thing to do.
debbie in alaska says
Depends on how well I know the host … if they are close friends, I always strip the sheets – making the bed makes more work for my friends who need to strip the bed anyway. If I don’t know the hosts as well, I don’t strip the bed — I just tidy up the bed. I don’t know why I think stripping the bed is a more intimate thing to do — but for some reason I do. lol
Leslie says
I usually ask the hostess first, suggesting I will strip the sheets, etc.
If you make the bed it seems like you expect someone else to sleep before clean sheets put on.
I think usually they like having the sheets removed.
As for Air BnBs… the last one I stayed at asked that the sheets and towels be put on top of the washer. If there were no instructions, I’d probably just leave an unmade bed considering I’m paying for the dang cleaning service.
Teri says
I make the bed. Stripping the sheets seems weird — what do you do with the blankets and bedspread and pillowcases?
Susie says
I fold the blanket & bedspread & place them on the bed. The pillowcases go with the sheets. If you meant pillows, I just put them up at the top of the bed (usual place) sans cases.
Gail says
I’m on strip the sheets team. I find it rude if the guests don’t ot strip them and gather the towels. I don’t care if they leave them in the bedroom or laundry room but does save the host time from doing it. The least the guests can do it for staying at someone else’s home.
Glenda says
I either leave the bed unmade or strip the sheets. I would not want to sleep on sheets that another person I don’t know has slept in the bed so I always wash the sheets when guests leave and I thought everyone else did, so why make the bed?
Heidi P says
I’m a stripper. I’ve always thought it was a polite gesture.
Diana says
Yes I always strip the sheets after visiting someone else’s home – and leave them in a neat pile on the bed. Our grown children do the same thing and have taught this to their children. Maybe it’s more of a Southern tradition but sounds like folks from across America do this.❤️
Karen says
It seems weird to me to make a bed that needs to be washed. I usually strip it and fold the blankets.
Gail says
When we have guests, I like to change the sheets when they leave so it’s ready for the next guest. So I prefer that they not make up the bed on sheets I’m going to remove anyway. I always remove the sheets when I’m a guest and then pull the comforter up to look neat.
denise g says
same here
Gloria says
I’ve done both, but now lean toward just making the bed so the host can wash when they want and not have a messy room. As a hostess myself, I really don’t care either way. Stripping beds isn’t a big deal. I want my guests as relaxed as possible and to feel loved and wanted and appreciated. No work required!
denise g says
I always strip my sheets, unless I am coming right back in a few days. And as long as no one else is coming to visit my host. Or, if they specifically tell me not to.
Erika says
My dad worked in the hospitality industry for years, and always instructed us to leave the bed unmade in our last day at the hotel, simply because the housekeepers had a tumor limit they were allowed to clean each room. Stripping the bed eliminated a few minutes from their work.
As adults now, having stayed at B&B, we followed the same policy. For Rentals, on the other hand, we always tried to follow the owners’ printed instructions.
I would imagine as an houseguest, you would want to check with the host. It always seemed a little offputting to me that someone would have to strip my used sheets, so my preference is to do it myself
PSUCHIC06 says
Such an interesting question!
I have stayed at a rental home, where the request was to wash the sheets, & dry them, but leave them in the dryer …next vacation group got to make the beds…but also knew they were clean.
Aty.parents 2nd home, I launder everything (clothes & sheets), but I love the smell of mountain fresh water , and then dried outside haha.
In the big scheme, being a good guest is paramount…sheets come in 2nd…a host wants a lovely time, laundry will always be waiting lol.
Erika says
Sorry… just keepers had a time limit.
Chris M says
I always ask my host … and, if asked, I always have the guest strip the beds and bring their linens and towels to the laundry room. The guest room is downstairs and it’s helpful! I always do the laundry and remake the bed though … because, for one thing, I “need” to iron the pillowcases!
Kay Bowles says
I always strip the bed and fold the blankets. Then put the spread back on in case the hostess doesn’t want to put sheets back on right away.
Elizabeth Todd says
I always strip the bed and leave the sheets and any used towels in the dirty clothes hamper. If I know the person well (ie: if they are family) I wash the sheets and towels and replace them in the bathroom and on the bed before leaving. I would never leave dirty sheets on a bed unless I was staying in a hotel. Even then, I leave a generous tip for housekeeping.
Heather says
We strip the sheets and leave them neatly piled on the bed. I hate the idea of the next person sleeping in the sheets we slept in. If we have to leave early I usually ask the host what they would like us to do. When we slept at my parents house I would remake the bed with clean sheets before I left.
Joan says
I usually strip the bed and fold the blankets.
Cecile says
I strip the sheets and pillow cases, neatly fold the bedspread or comforter and leave it on the end of the bed. I don’t put the bedding on the floor though, I leave it on the bed; save their back and knees with having to bend over to pick them up! When my daughter comes home she asks if I want the bed stripped. If it’s just her and she’s only been here two days I tell her no then just strip the pillow cases after she leaves and tidy the bed up! She and her husband are the only ones that use that bed, everyone else lives in town.
Michelle S. says
I was always raised to strip the sheets off the bed when l leave someone’s home as a guest. I also was taught to take all the soiled towels/washcloths l have used and place those in a neat pile in the bathroom before l leave.
I hope that helps!
Amanda Tirado says
I usually strip the sheets unless I am explicitly told not to. In one Air B&B I stayed at, the host asked that we simply make the bed and she will strip the sheets later. When folks come to visit me, I don’t mind either way. I leave it up to them to decide, unless they ask me and then I simply tell them to leave them because I am doing laundry later.
Dianna says
I always strip the sheets and in the case of close friends house, I even pop them into the washer. I don’t expect anyone to do when they come to my house.
Beth says
I strip the sheets unless my hostess says “just leave them”.
Bobbi says
Definitely strip the sheets….even at family’s house. Yep
Brenda says
Always strip the bed even at both my daughter’s homes.
Holly says
I appreciate it if my guests strip the beds. Some people strip the sheets and put the spread back on the bed with the pillows in place. Then the bed looks made. Some actually take the sheets to the laundry room and some ask if I have another set so they can make the bed up. I think it is a anything goes situation. Whatever anyone is used to and if you are friend or family.
Patti says
I always strip the bed and bring the dirty sheets and towels to the laundry room. I ask for clean sheets to remake the bed. I like to leave the room ready for the next guest so my host doesn’t have too much work.
My great niece and nephew know the preferences at my house, and jokingly say, “Oh no, Aunt Patti’s dreaded hospital corners”. But they know how and good naturedly remake my beds when they stay over with clean sheets and Hospital corners. I have 4 guest rooms, so I especially appreciate when a large group remakes their beds so I don’t have so miuch work to do when they leave. It’s easier to welcome guests when you get older if they are willing to help a little bit.
LindaT says
I strip them and take to laundry room. At my daughter’s I wash them and put them back on the bed when dry.
Jenny Smith says
I strip the sheets. Then take the sheets, used towels to the laundry room. I fold the comforter and place it with the pillows on the bed. Seems like the considerate thing to do.
Arbie Goodfellow says
Hahaha
I have always striped the sheets and pillowcases and then add my used towels to the pile .
I also fold the comforter or blanket…I try to make things neat.
Tina says
I always ask my hosts what they prefer. If they say you don’t have to do anything,I always strip the sheets. The only exception is if I know I’ll be the next guest I’ll make the bed instead. 🙂
Hanna says
My sister-in-law, always strips the sheets and goes so far as to wash them. I always ask what they want me to do with the sheets but I’ve never washed them before, until I went to visit my son this year. I thought it would be fun to have them all washed dried and bed made back up. He was surprised and grateful but concerned that I was doing too much.
Rosaleen Sull says
If there is time before I leave, I’ve been known to launder the sheets and remake the bed. If not, usually I ask the host’s preference.
E Cullen says
I’m usually staying with family or close friends so I ask if they’d like me to strip the bed or make it. Sometimes I’ll be the next guest so I just make the bed. It’s one less thing for the host/hostess to do when guests leave. I might feel differently if I was a guest with someone I don’t know well.
Sue in SoCal says
Wow you got a bunch of comments on this one. Here’s another. I ask. I always appreciate my guests asking me. Sometimes I’m not ready to face laundry right away and I don’t want the room looking torn apart. Sometimes my guest is going to be coming again soon. Sometimes I say sure and thank you.
Tiffany says
I ask and do whatever the host would like.
Kari says
I always ask if they’d like me to make it or strip it. Everyone has their own preference.
Deb says
I have always stripped the bed and then folded the blankets and bedspread. I certainly would never make a. Bed with sheets that have been slept on. All of my family and friends do this also.
Carolyn Phillips says
Definitely strip the bed and fold the comforter/blanket. I also gather the towels from the bathroom and pile them up for my hostess.
Fran H says
Yep. Strip the bed. Not doing so in my mind implies that the hosts are such grubs that they’d just remake the bed and reuse slept in sheets.
Cindy says
I always strip the sheets, no matter where I stay. They need to be washed for the next guest, so why make the bed? In hotels I leave all the sheets & used towels in a pile in the bathroom. In Airbnb’s I leave them in the laundry room if I have access to it, in the bathroom if not. In friends’ or family’s homes I ask if I can start the laundry.
claudia says
Always strip the bed before I leave……and if I know them well enough, I wash and remake the bed too.
Lori K says
Yes, always. I learned it from my guests! I don’t know when it became a thing but “everyone” does it so I do too. Funny thing one time my in-laws stripped the bed and put it on the floor then my cleaning people came a little later that day and put them back in before I could wash them!
Kathy says
I ask if they want me to strip the sheets or make the bed. If I strip the bed and have clean sheets, I remake the bed.
J says
Definitely ASK!
Pj Truman says
I make the bed at someone else’s house. The only house I strip sheets at as a guest are my Mom’s house, when I wash them and put them back on the bed and make it.
Mrs. M. says
You’re a hooker. I’m a stripper. Haha!
I do strip the bed. I’ve also washed, dried, and replaced the sheets (and towels) when time has allowed.
However, I have stayed at a friend’s that when asked, she wanted the sheets left on the bed. I felt I was causing her more work later, but I honored her request.
We stayed at a vrbo that asked us to strip the beds and start a load of towels before leaving. I think it’s because the towels take longer to dry.
Cheryl says
I always strip the sheets & pillowcase(s) and toss the spread or duvet back over the bed.
Believe it or not, in the exam room at the doctor’s, I fold back and crumble the paper sheet on the examining table after I slide off…especially at the gyno’s! 🙂
Peggy Lineberry says
I always strip bed after guests leave to make it fresh for next guests so am happy if guests do it for me. I also strip bed and put sheets and pillow cases folded on end of bed.
Monique says
I always ask the host where I can put the sheets once I strip the bed.
That gives them the opportunity to say exactly what they’d like!
If I might be the next guest again and there is no need to change them I’ll just make the bed up-
Or I can bring them to the laundry room!
Stacey says
I strip the bed, and if I can, I at least start washing them. Of course, the only other home I’ve been staying in is my daughter’s and I know she appreciates that. Years ago when we visited some friends, I asked what they preferred. I think the big point is to do something other than just leaving an unmade bed that looks messy.
sue says
I always strip the sheets and ask if they want them carried to the laundry room. I would expect the same from anyone staying with me. If you just make the bed-then I have to unmake it, strip the sheets, carry them to wash etc… I think it is just the courteous thing to do.
Tiffany Nash says
I worked as a maid for many years. It was always nice when people would strip their sheets. Now, when we stay at hotels I also take all the used towels and put them into a pile on the bathroom floor as well to save the maids work. Putting trash in the trash can is also very appreciated, including used soap. One more thing that is nice to do is to dump any leftover drinks down the commode before putting them into the trash so it isn’t wet and messy.
Kara says
I usually ask the homeowner what they prefer. If I have guests, I tell them to just leave it as is and I’ll take care of it. Sometimes I don’t have time to do laundry right away and I hate seeing it piling up in my laundry room.
Terri S. says
I have never stripped the sheets off the bed when I’ve been a guest. None of my guests have ever stripped the sheets. I will make the bed before leaving and, most of the time, that’s what my guests do too.
Cherri says
If it is a first time staying with them, I will ask. If I am a “frequent flier”, I just automatically take them off and collect towels also and deposit them in the wash room. In some cases, if time permits I will go ahead and throw them in the washer. Just one easy task to show my appreciation for all they have done for me by opening up their home to me.
I appreciate it when guests do it at my home also.
Christy says
I ask if the hostess what she wants. Extended family always says strip the bed.
Jess says
I usually strip the sheets if I’m staying at a friend or families house. I’ll ask if they want them put in the laundry room. If it’s a hotel, I just leave the bed unmade.
If someone stays at my house, I tell them I’ll get to it, since I’m retired I have the time to do the beds at my leisure.
Natasha Galbreath says
I’d hate a guest to strip the bed. I cant always immediately do a load of sheets, and I don’t want a pile of sheets sitting on the floor with an unmade bed for a day or two before I can do that load of laundry.
And I don’t have a laundry room, I have a closet with a sliding door. So nowhere to put those dirty sheets anyways.
Make the bed is more polite in my opinion. Assuming I have time to immediately do the laundry youve piled up in the room is not nearly as polite.
Katie says
I was taught it was proper to strip the sheets and I always start the wash if possible. If I stay with someone I don’t know super well, I ask first because I once had somebody tell me to not do it as they always left the sheets on and washed them fresh before the next guest came. In that case, I just make the bed. Personally, this seems like a decent thought, but I prefer to not leave dirty sheets on a guest bed for a long time like that. I saw somebody mention their Canadian relatives did this, but I was born and raised USA and everyone in my family strips the sheets, just in case you’re curious about nationalities
Jo Koehn says
I have done this at times but my sister was really irritated when I did it at her house. She said she wanted to decide when to wash the sheets and it was a pain to be forced into it. I actually agree with her and have now begun to ask before stripping the bed. It seems to be the kindest, most respectful was to address the issue. I do love seeing all the different points of view on this!
Katie says
I ask what they prefer. But in the event that I don’t, I at least tidy the bed – meaning I’ll pull the blankets up, make sure the pillows are on the bed or at least grouped together neatly on the floor if they were taken off to sleep. I do that to let the host know that I did put in a little effort to clean up for them before leaving.
Amy Drorbaugh says
I have never stripped the sheets anywhere I’ve stayed and I’ve never had any of my guests do it, either. It would make me very uncomfortable for my guests to do any cleaning, they’re guests!
LDA says
My sister and I both make the bed but bring dirty towels & washcloths to the laundry room.
Deborah Moore says
I always do this & load the washer too.
Marybeth says
I strip the bed and wash them if there is time.
Brenda Schilke says
I always strip the sheets. No sense in making the bed when I know they are going to want to wash the sheets before another guest comes. And then I ask if they want me to wash them or just leave them on the bed.
Ashley J Lay says
This! I always strip the sheets if I’m staying with someone (not a hotel). It saves the host handling my dirty sheets and saves them a step.
Why make the bed so that they have to unmake it AND strip it before putting on clean linens and remaking the bed?? Seems like a wasted effort on your part and the host. I like another posters comment that it would imply that the hosts are “grubs” who would just leave the dirty sheets on the bed!
I strip the bed, wrap up the dirty linens, put the pillows at the head of the mattress and neatly fold the blankets & bedspread. If it’s family or close friends, I start the washer and remake the bed, too.