Renting vs buying linen for your Airbnb: what does it really cost?
Last updated: 28 October 2026
Every host runs the same numbers at some point: is it cheaper to own sheets and towels, or to rent them? Here are the figures for one double bed, using typical Athens prices.
If you buy
To never run out of clean linen, you need at least three sets per bed: one on the bed, one in the wash and one spare.
- A hotel-quality double set (sheets, pillowcases, towels, bath mat) costs about €60–90.
- Three sets means about €180–270 up front.
- White linen lasts roughly 100–200 washes before it greys or wears out. A makeup or bleach stain retires it much sooner.
The cost of each turnover if you wash
- At home: electricity, water and detergent for washing and drying, about €1–2 per set.
- At a self-service laundromat: about €4–8 per set to wash and dry.
- At a professional laundry: about €2–3 per kilo, so €7–10 for a 3.5 kg set, plus transport.
- Time: 1.5 to 2 hours per set to wash, dry, iron and fold at home.
The cost of renting
With Sundry Linen you pay €13 per set, including delivery, collection of the used set and professional washing and pressing. Nothing to buy or store, and stains from normal use are never charged.
Comparison for 8 turnovers a month
| Option | Up-front cost | Cost per month | Your time per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buy + wash at home | €180–270 | ~€15 | 12–16 hours |
| Buy + self-service laundromat | €180–270 | ~€50 | 6–8 hours |
| Buy + professional laundry | €180–270 | ~€70 + transport | 2–3 hours |
| Rent (Sundry Linen) | €0 | €104 | 0 hours |
Prices are typical for Athens and vary with linen quality, energy use and distance. The monthly cost of buying includes linen wear.
When renting makes sense
- You pay a cleaner by the hour. At €8–10 an hour, washing and ironing one set at home already costs €12–20.
- You don’t live near the property, so every turnover means a trip.
- Your check-outs and check-ins are only a few hours apart.
- You have no room for spare sets or a balcony for drying.
- You want consistently bright, pressed linen in your photos and reviews.
When it doesn’t
If you live in the same building, have a washer-dryer, space and time, and make the beds yourself, washing at home costs less money. You pay for it with your time.