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Original poster

Houseguests - make or strip the bed when leaving?

177 replies

MrsPoliportsGoose · 12/02/2024 09:33

Just that really. I have had houseguests to stay in the past who do one or the other.

Stripping the bed obviously makes my life easier, but I've been told by some that this is rude and suspicious (why?).

I'm a houseguest this week and am unsure what the etiquette is, and for various reasons don't feel comfortable asking the host!

So should I strip or make?

OP posts:
lemming40 · 14/02/2024 20:11

Just ask whoever you're staying with what they would prefer

NannaKaren · 14/02/2024 20:47

If I’m a guest I’ll always ask the host and strip the bed on departure if requested ! 😊

rainbowbee · 14/02/2024 20:55

I'd just ask the host. They might not be doing laundry for a few days and prefer the room to look neat. When I stay with my parents, my mother asks me to strip the bed as it's easier for her (70) so that's a factor too.

mandlerparr · 14/02/2024 21:13

I agree with when in doubt, make the bed. Anyone that gets mad at that is a psycho. Making the bed shows that you did think of your host.

madderthanahatter · 14/02/2024 21:19

Either make the bed or fold duvet back. I've only been a houseguest for one night so I wouldn't assume they'd necessarily even change the sheets as soon as I'd left. I'd hate a guest to strip bedsheets.

BIossomtoes · 14/02/2024 21:21

madderthanahatter · 14/02/2024 21:19

Either make the bed or fold duvet back. I've only been a houseguest for one night so I wouldn't assume they'd necessarily even change the sheets as soon as I'd left. I'd hate a guest to strip bedsheets.

You think they’d put someone else in your sheets? I’d be mortified if someone thought that about me.

Teajenny7 · 14/02/2024 21:50

Personally. I would prefer guests not to strip the bed. My SIL always does but if I have had visitors I fall behind on everyday washing and would prefer to strip bed and clean room when I have time. I always put fresh bedding on for each visitor.

Lindyloomillion1 · 14/02/2024 22:05

Ask!

Wallywobbles · 14/02/2024 22:09

I ask what they want me to do.

Ilovemyshed · 14/02/2024 23:10

MrsPoliportsGoose · 12/02/2024 09:33

Just that really. I have had houseguests to stay in the past who do one or the other.

Stripping the bed obviously makes my life easier, but I've been told by some that this is rude and suspicious (why?).

I'm a houseguest this week and am unsure what the etiquette is, and for various reasons don't feel comfortable asking the host!

So should I strip or make?

Ask the host what they prefer.

FleurdeSel · 14/02/2024 23:46

I absolutely do not want guests to strip their bed. I always change bed lined, I don't always do it the same day.

I don't strip the beds in hotels. I really don't want to see anything. Ignorance is bliss.

PigglyWigglyOhYeah · 15/02/2024 06:54

Made. I like to wash bedding when I am ready to do so. Guests always have clean bedding, but if we've been entertaining I need time lying on the sofa, eating leftover trifle, to recover rather than immediately doing the laundry.

Ricinpeas · 15/02/2024 07:20

Don't the servants do it?
😀😀

EBearhug · 15/02/2024 08:43

One just can't get the staff these days, athey will insist on employment rights and days off.

ohdearwhatcan · 15/02/2024 08:45

Why is it so difficult to ask the host?

people are different and have different preferences. just ask them!

NeedWineNow · 15/02/2024 09:55

I don't strip the bed if staying elsewhere but do fold the duvet back, plump the pillows and make sure all is neat and tidy. I do ask hosts where they would like damp towels left rather than just leave them in the bathroom or bedroom.

we rarely have overnight guests but would be happy if they did then the same. Our guests stay in a blowup bed in our small back bedroom so that all gets dealt with the day they leave or the following day as I can't easily get to my wardrobe if the bed is still up.

Notreallyhappy · 15/02/2024 13:16

Make.not strip.... I had guests a few weeks ago, the partner stripped the bed, dumped in a heap on the bed and put the damp towels on there too.. I didn't want to do washing that day🤨

canyouseemyhousefromhere · 15/02/2024 17:35

I'd just ask the hosts. 🤷‍♀️

hottchocolate · 15/02/2024 17:49

I have never stripped the bed in someone else's house and no one has done it in mine.

I think it better to ask. I would always wash sheets after someone has stayed but it may be that someone doesn't have time to do them that day and would prefer to leave the bed "made" until they are ready to wash the sheets?

Original poster
MrsPoliportsGoose · 15/02/2024 17:56

'Ask the Host' is turning into 'Cancel the Cheque'

Readers, I made the bed.

OP posts:
fishfingersandtoes · 15/02/2024 17:57

I make it. Also prefer guests to do this. I'll wash them when I can be arsed.

senua · 15/02/2024 19:00

MrsPoliportsGoose · 15/02/2024 17:56

'Ask the Host' is turning into 'Cancel the Cheque'

Readers, I made the bed.

I think that that was the correct choice. If in doubt and you can't ask the host then leave it as found.

Toohardtofindaproperusername · 15/02/2024 20:24

I don't stay anywhere I'm.not comfortable enough to ask or know what helps, and comfortable enough to sometimes not do what is best for them but what works for me. Only in a give and take equal relationships type way. If it was more formal I probably would turn the bed down and ask, but not strip the bed...but rarely do I stay anywhere where rhat is the relationship ifkwim.

echt · 15/02/2024 21:01

I've never asked a guest to strip a bed, though ask if I am a guest. No-one's ever said yes. I leave it neat, and turned down to air.

The very idea of re-using sheets makes me boak and the one time it happened to me it was horrible. Someone else's smell on the sheets all night. Bleurghhh.

RainbowNinja77 · 15/02/2024 21:53

I honestly don’t think it matters, but I make if I’m staying in someone’s house with them and strip of I’ve used a space without the person present.