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Airbnb hosts face an essential decision when choosing how to present toiletries: single-use bottles or refillable dispensers. While this choice may seem simple, it carries lasting impacts on guest experience, operational ease, and environmental footprint.

According to Hotel Management Magazine, mid-sized hotels can use over 20,000 individual plastic bottles every month, a figure that demonstrates how even smaller vacation rentals contribute to packaging waste. The decision goes beyond sustainability alone—it influences how guests perceive your property and the flow of your daily operations.

While bulk dispensers are often praised for reducing plastic, hosts have found that refilling and maintaining them can take more housekeeping time than anticipated. Others prefer single-use bottles for the sense of luxury and familiarity they offer.

In this guide, we’ll look closely at the benefits and considerations of each system, examine guest preferences, and help you select toiletries that align with your brand, budget, and values.

Types of Toiletries: Dispensers vs Single-Use Bottles

Airbnb hosts have three main options when stocking bathrooms. Each comes with tradeoffs worth considering.

Wall-Mounted Dispensers: Pros and Cons

Wall-mounted dispensers have become a popular choice among hosts. Each chamber holds about 350ml (12 oz) of product and helps cut down plastic waste compared to individual bottles. The numbers speak for themselves - Marriott International has shifted to bulk dispensers, removing over 500 million small bottles annually.

Pros:

• Significantly reduce plastic waste by replacing hundreds of small bottles per year
• Create a clean, streamlined look that feels modern and professional
• Often lock securely to discourage tampering and improve inventory control
• Support bulk refill systems, lowering long-term product costs

Cons:

• Adhesive or screw mounting requires careful installation and may fail in humid bathrooms
• Guests sometimes question shared dispensers’ hygiene, particularly in shared spaces
• Refilling and cleaning can take more housekeeping time than swapping bottles

Large Pump Bottles: A Middle Ground

Stand-alone pump bottles offer a balanced solution, reusable and easier to manage than wall units. Pump bottles commonly hold 10–12 oz and can be refilled between stays.

Advantages:

• Refillable design cuts down waste without requiring wall installation
• Clear and slightly transparent bottles like Zogics amber pump bottles make it easy to see when refills are needed
• Pump tops feel more hygienic than screw caps, reducing direct contact
• No wall preparation required—more flexible placement

Disadvantages:

• Visible fill levels may feel less premium to some guests if not neatly presented
• Bottles can be moved or misplaced more easily than fixed dispensers

Pro tip: Keep a spare set of bottles pre-filled for easy swapping and refilling during busy times.

Small Bottles: Luxury or Waste?

Small bottles create a polished, upscale feel that many guests recognize from hotels. Sets like the Beekman 1802 Pure Amenity Kit are designed for short-term rentals and present beautifully. Still, the environmental costs are significant. One property using 67,000 single-use bottles annually will spend about $20,000 per year while creating substantial waste.

Pros:

• Create a polished, upscale feel that many guests associate with boutique hotels
• Easy to replace quickly between stays, saving housekeeping time
• Individual packaging feels hygienic and personal
• Wide range of brands and fragrances to match your property’s style

Cons:

• Significant environmental impact: thousands of bottles are discarded annually
• Higher long-term cost compared to bulk systems
• More packaging waste to dispose of and restock

Best Bulk Toiletries for Airbnb: Top Picks

When you want to elevate the guest experience and reduce single-use waste, these thoughtfully designed dispensers bring together clean lines, premium materials, and easy maintenance.

1. Kure Stainless Steel 3-Chamber Refillable Dispenser
   Crafted with a focus on modern simplicity, the Kure 3-Chamber Dispenser features brushed stainless steel pumps and clear refillable bottles for effortless inventory checks. Each chamber is labeled for shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, helping guests find what they need at a glance. The secure wall-mounted design is easy to install and maintain, blending practicality with a refined look that feels at home in contemporary spaces.
   Shop Kure →
2. SOLera Refillable Dispensers
   The SOLera Dispensers are available in both oval and round styles and can be configured as single, double, or triple units, offering versatility to suit any bathroom layout. They also accommodate branded labels from many well-known bath and body collections, making them an excellent choice for hosts who want to showcase premium products in a cohesive, elevated presentation.
   Shop Popular SOLera Dispensers →
3. EcoWell True Wall-Mounted Shower Bracket
   For hosts who prefer a classic bottle look, the EcoWell Wall-Mounted Bracket offers a versatile, low-profile solution. Designed to hold 16 oz Terra Pure Bottles, this bracket system keeps your amenities tidy and easily accessible. A hidden locking mechanism discourages tampering while maintaining a clean, uncluttered look on your shower wall.
   Shop EcoWell →
4. Amenie Bath and Body Collections
   We offer two luxury yet affordable collections of bath and body products. For a touch of calm, reach for our Lavender Mint scent. For a bright citrus touch to your bathroom spaces, our Sicilian Tangerine is your go-to choice. We offer both scents in bulk gallons with matching dispensers.
   Try our Amenie Bath & Body Collections →

Guest Perception and Brand Impact

"Toiletry kits can make a guest's stay memorable by making them feel welcomed and valued."
— Kimirica Hunter, Luxury Hospitality Expert

Toiletries do more than meet basic needs—they create emotional touchpoints that define your property’s identity. A well-thought-out selection of bathroom amenities can revolutionize a regular stay into an experience that guests love to talk about.

How Amenities Influence Reviews and Ratings

Hosts who offer complete premium sets consistently report higher ratings. According to Airbnb’s Community Resources, guests frequently mention toiletries in reviews when they exceed expectations.

Simple additions—makeup wipes, cotton balls—help prevent towel stains and show attentiveness.

Matching Toiletries to Your Property’s Style

The right presentation reinforces your brand story. Display products in woven baskets or ceramic trays (Upper Key). Aligning scents, packaging, and product labels creates a cohesive, memorable experience. Looking for a custom-branded collection? We help craft the perfect experience for your guests with our Bespoke Collection.

Practical Considerations for Hosts

Your decision will impact your operations, storage, and profitability.

Cost Per Use

Dispensers typically lower costs per use. For example, switching from single-use bottles costing $0.30 each to bulk refills at $0.18 per ounce can reduce annual spend by up to 70%.

Refill and Supply Chain Considerations

Consider:

• Storage for gallon containers
• Ease of pouring refills, we recommend adding a gallon pump for easy refilling
• Year-round availability of your chosen products

Housekeeping Efficiency

Single-use bottles are faster to replace, while dispensers require cleaning and scheduled checks during long stays. A visual refill checklist (will need link with cleaning checklist from other blog post) helps maintain consistency.

Scent and Ingredient Considerations

Choose light, neutral scents—citrus or mild lavender—to avoid overwhelming guests. Steer clear of heavy musks or strong perfumes.

Avoid harsh additives like SLS, parabens, and synthetic dyes, which can irritate sensitive skin.

Eco-Friendly and Hypoallergenic Options

More travelers are seeking sustainable options. Look for:

• Biodegradable formulas
• Recyclable packaging
• Refillable dispensers
• Solid toiletries (bar shampoo) with minimal waste

Comparison Table

Note: The cost figures in this table are illustrative estimates based on a 200-room property operating year-round. For smaller rentals, you can adjust these numbers proportionally based on the number of bathrooms and occupancy.

Choosing the Best Toiletries

Choosing between single-use bottles and dispensers is a decision that touches every part of your hosting experience—from guest satisfaction to operational costs and your property’s environmental impact.

Single-use bottles are simple and familiar but generate significant waste. Dispensers require planning but can reduce plastic by up to 94% and lower long-term costs.

Whichever path you choose, investing in high-quality, thoughtfully presented amenities builds trust, improves reviews, and strengthens your brand.