Should You Leave Condiments in the Fridge? A Guest and Host Perspective
When it comes to stocking a short-term rental kitchen, one of the most debated topics between hosts and guests is this: should condiments be left in the fridge? From ketchup packets to open jars of mayo, the line between helpful and unappetizing can get blurry. In this blog post, we’re diving into both sides of the condiment conundrum, offering perspectives from hosts and guests, and providing recommendations on what pantry basics every rental should include – plus a thoughtful tip about food leftovers and your cleaning team.
The Host’s Take: Convenience vs. Cleanliness
As a host, you want your guests to feel welcome and cared for. A fridge stocked with a few essentials can go a long way, especially when guests arrive late or aren’t familiar with the local grocery store situation. But open food items, especially condiments, can create uncertainty.
Pros of Leaving Condiments:
- Convenience: Guests don’t need to buy a whole bottle of mustard for one sandwich.
- Saves waste: Unused, unexpired items get a second life.
- Thoughtful touch: Some hosts include mini jars or packets as part of a welcome snack basket.
Cons of Leaving Condiments:
- Perceived unsanitary: Even if sealed properly, guests may feel uneasy about shared food.
- Inconsistency: One host’s “still good” is another guest’s “gross and questionable.”
- Liability: While rare, there’s a small risk of spoilage or allergic reactions.
Host Tip: If you choose to leave condiments, opt for new or sealed individual packets over open bottles. Think mustard, mayo, soy sauce, or salad dressing packets, like what you’d find at a takeout counter. You know when you go to McDonalds and they give you like 96 ketchup packets? Store those extras neatly in a container in the refrigerator.
The Guest’s View: Thanks… I Think?
From the guest perspective, finding a fridge with half-used condiments can feel…confusing. Is it a nice gesture? A leftover from the last guest? Are these clean and safe to use?
Guests Appreciate:
- Clear labeling: “These condiments are provided for your use if you choose!”
- Unopened items: Packets of jam, honey, butter, or soy sauce in a clean container.
- Some basics: Olive oil, salt, pepper, and maybe vinegar. We stock apple cider and red wine vinegars, vegetable and extra virgin olive oils, plus a cooking pan spray.
Guests Dislike:
- Sticky bottles: If a ketchup bottle has dried sauce on the cap, it sends the wrong message.
- Fridge clutter: Half-used items crowd the fridge and create doubt about cleanliness.
- No pantry staples: Being left with an empty spice rack and no cooking oil can be frustrating, especially in a “full kitchen” listing.
Guest Wish: “I don’t need a gourmet pantry, but give me the basics, and I’ll be a happy camper.”
What About Leftover Food? Let the Cleaners Take It
Here’s a win-win that many hosts overlook: offer your cleaners the option to take home any unopened or still-safe food items.
Why This Works:
- It prevents waste.
- You show appreciation for your cleaning team.
- It avoids uncomfortable guest experiences with ambiguous leftovers.
This includes not only condiments, but bottles of soda, chips, fruit, and pantry goods left behind by guests. A simple message like “Cleaners are welcome to take any leftover food items home” can be added to your cleaning checklist or hosting notes.
A quick example guide: what KP_BNB actually does:
- Unopened carton of milk: cleaners take it or discard (don’t leave for guest use)
- Opened large bottle of ketchup: clean up the bottle and leave in fridge
- 8 eggs left in a 12 egg carton: cleaners take it or discard (don’t leave for guest use)
- Unopened stick of butter: cleaners take it or discard (don’t leave for guest use)
- Opened box of individually packaged granola bars: put in pantry for guests
- Opened large container of orange juice: discard
- Unopened cans or bottles of beverages: leave for guests if non-alcoholic, or let cleaners take
- Fruit: cleaners take it or discard (don’t leave for guest use)
- Unopened individual packets of oatmeal: put in pantry for guests
- Opened multi-serving container of oatmeal: discard
- Opened soy sauce: clean up the bottle and leave in fridge
Essential Pantry & Kitchen Staples Every Guest Should Have
Even if you don’t provide condiments, there are a few basic items that every short-term rental should include:
Pantry Essentials:
- Salt & pepper (ideally in grinders or sealed containers)
- Olive oil or neutral cooking oil
- Sugar (and a sugar substitute, if possible)
- Coffee & tea
- Sweetener packets (sugar, stevia, or monk fruit)
Cooking Basics:
- A few basic spices: garlic powder, paprika, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray or a small bottle of oil
- Foil, plastic wrap, or reusable containers
- Coffee filters (if applicable)
- Paper towels and a new sponge
- Clean dish soap & hand soap
- Trash bags (extras under the sink)
These little details make a big impression—and can even help earn those five-star reviews.
Final Verdict: Keep It Clean, Clear, and Considerate
Whether or not you leave condiments is up to you, and remember: clarity and cleanliness are key. If it’s open and questionable, toss it or let your cleaner take it home. If it’s new and sealed, label it for use. Most importantly, stock your kitchen with the essentials every guest expects, so they feel like they’re in a well-prepared home, and not someone else’s leftovers.
What do you do as a host? And when you are a guest, how do you feel about the pantry and refrigerator items you find (or don’t find!)?
