What Every Guest Expects – Especially Under the Kitchen Sink

Stocked and Ready: Essential Products Every Short-Term Rental Host Should Provide

Creating a five-star guest experience goes far beyond stylish decor or a well-written welcome guide, it’s also about having the right essentials available when your guests need them. A well-stocked home shows thoughtfulness, preparedness, and a commitment to guest comfort, and it can directly influence the kinds of reviews you receive. From kitchen necessities to general home upkeep supplies, here’s a comprehensive list of what every host should have on hand.

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Under the Kitchen Sink: A Hidden Hub of Practicality

While it may not be the most glamorous space, what’s under your kitchen sink can make or break a guest’s impression when it comes to cleanliness and convenience. Stock this cabinet with essentials that help guests manage daily chores or unexpected messes:

• All-purpose cleaner spray – A plant-based cleaner that’s safe and effective sends a message that you care about sustainability and guest health.
• Hand soap – While it doesn’t belong under the kitchen sink, this Soap and Lotion Dispenser Set with Tray will instantly upgrade your space, and is available in several colors to match your decor. Place one in each bathroom.
• Dish soap – Don’t forget to buy this matching Dish and Hand Soap Dispenser Set with Tray for the kitchen. Create a cohesive interior when paired with the soap and lotion dispenser for the bathrooms. I love a re-fillable dispenser since it reduces the number of new plastic containers I need to buy, which equals less waste going into the landfill.
  • My favorite hand soap is this Biodegradable Gel. “Sea Minerals” is a nice fresh scent that works in both bathrooms and kitchens.
  • For dish soap, I purchase this Biodegradable Gel Dish Soap Refill, with a fragrance called “Sea Salt and Lime,” that matches the all-purpose spray recommended above.
• New sponge for each guest – Nothing says “clean and sanitary” like a fresh sponge. Bonus: consider leaving it in a small tray or with a tag that says “Fresh for You.”
  • I love these Biodegradable and Compostable Natural Sponges, plus they have a nice aesthetic. Or, you can purchase the widely-recognizable Heavy Duty Dish Sponges. Either way, cut them in half and double your supply!
• Dish washing brush – A necessary compliment to the classic sponge. Works great on glassware.
• Dishwasher detergent tablets – Simple and pre-portioned for easy use.
  • Consider limiting the number of these that are made available to guests (same if you use laundry detergent pods! We have found they sometimes tend to “walk away.”)
• Bug spray – A necessary evil, especially in warm climates or outdoor-centric destinations. This Botanical Insecticide For Indoor And Outdoor Use is plant-based.
• Fire extinguisher – Not just a nice-to-have — this is a safety essential. Some STR platforms may require this be available.
• Recyclable item bin – Encourages eco-conscious guests to sort their waste, especially in areas with mandatory recycling.
• Extra trash bags – Guests appreciate not having to hunt them down when taking out the garbage.

Consider the access of these items to kids. I recommend a plant-based cleaner in general, and if you do need to use bleach or harsher chemicals, store them out of reach or keep exclusively in the cleaning caddy in a locked closet.

General Essentials Every Guest Expects

Beyond the kitchen, there are a few universal must-haves that will help guests feel cared for and supported during their stay:

• Extra toilet paper – Always leave more than you think they’ll need.
• Paper towels – One full roll on the counter and at least one backup is ideal.
• First aid kit – Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, and more. Place it in a clearly labeled cabinet or drawer. We keep ours in the bathroom.
• Laundry detergent – If you offer a washer and dryer, guests should never have to buy their own soap.
• Stain treatment spray – Accidents happen. Providing this empowers guests to clean up quickly and prevent permanent damage.
  • Great to have available for guest use, and also handy for turnovers when mystery stains appear on sheets and towels.
• Full size broom and dustpan – Useful for tidying up crumbs or outdoor debris guests might track in.
• Vacuum – A lightweight, easy-to-use vacuum goes a long way in keeping floors guest-ready. A few things to consider when choosing the best vacuum for your property:
  • the size of your property. Ours is about 800 square feet, so a cordless, battery-operated stick vacuum makes sense – we know it won’t lose it’s charge before we’re done.
  • do you allow pets? A more powerful option with a cord may be best.
  • are you going to allow guests to access and use the vacuum, or is it for turnover use only? Don’t buy an overly expensive vacuum and expect guests not to break it. Or just be ready to replace when necessary.
  • what type(s) of flooring do you have?
  • and if you love reading about vacuums, visit our other blog post: A Guide to Choosing the Best Vacuum for Your Airbnb or VRBO for even more tips and recommendations!
• Swiffer with wet pads or similar mopping option – Offers a convenient solution for quick floor cleanups. This 2-in-1 Dry + Wet Floor Mopping and Sweeping Kit is a great option for getting started, then just buy the wet and dry refills as needed.
• Cleaning rags – A mix of large and small reusable cloths ensures guests can handle spills, clean countertops, or tackle any surprise messes.
  • Once bath towels and wash cloths become too stained, we put them in the cleaning closet for guest use on messes and pets. Otherwise, soiled linens make a great donation to your local humane society!

Why It All Matters

When your guests encounter an issue such as a spill, a smudge, a surprise mess, having the right products at their fingertips makes their stay smoother and your property more respected. More importantly, it shows that you’ve thought ahead. Thoughtful details like these reduce unnecessary messages during the stay (“Where’s the trash bags?”), increase guest satisfaction, and help avoid complaints about cleanliness or preparedness.

In short: the better stocked your rental, the better the experience, and the better the review.