How many towels do you need for 6 guests?
Short answer
For 6 guests with laundry done on site, plan on 18 bath towels, 12 hand towels, 18 washcloths and 6 bath mats: one set in use, one in the wash and one spare. With off-site laundry or a linen service, plan on 24 bath towels, 16 hand towels and 24 washcloths.
These counts assume one bath towel and one washcloth per guest, two hand towels per bathroom, and 2 bathrooms for 6 guests. Towels are counted in cycles: the set guests are using, the set in the laundry at the same time, and a spare for stains or a late wash.
| Item | On-site laundry (3 cycles) | Off-site or linen service (4 cycles) |
|---|---|---|
| Bath towels | 18 | 24 |
| Hand towels | 12 | 16 |
| Washcloths | 18 | 24 |
| Bath mats | 6 | 8 |
Adjust for your rental
What changes the count
- On-site laundry means the cleaner washes during the turnover, so only one set is away at a time. Off-site laundry or a linen service keeps a set away for days, which adds a cycle.
- Towels are counted per guest, not per bed. Use your listing's maximum guest count, not your average.
- Back-to-back stays with a long laundry turnaround may need one more cycle. Change the cycle count in the calculator to see the difference.
Frequently asked questions
How many bath towels per guest should a rental have?
Plan one bath towel per guest in each cycle. With three cycles (in use, in the wash, spare) that is three bath towels per guest; with off-site laundry it is usually four.
Do hand towels depend on guests or bathrooms?
On bathrooms. Two hand towels per bathroom in each cycle covers most stays, so 2 bathrooms need 12 hand towels with on-site laundry.
Should I count beach or pool towels here?
No. Keep beach and pool towels as a separate line in your supply list so they don't mix with bath towels or change these counts.
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