The Complete Guide to Long-Term Airbnb Stays with a Three-Year-Old

· 5 min read
personal parenting

We’re currently doing some construction on our house, which means we’ve been living in an Airbnb for a few months with our three-year-old. If you’ve never had this experience, let me paint you a picture: imagine your most anxiety-inducing “this isn’t our stuff” nightmare, then add a tiny human whose primary hobbies include finding markers and testing the limits of gravity with beverages.

This guide is less about finding the perfect long-term rental (get one with a washer/dryer, the end) and more about the cleaning knowledge I’ve accumulated through a series of increasingly panicked Google searches.

The Mascara Incident (And How to Fix It)

I don’t want to talk about how mascara ended up ground into the carpet. I will say that “playing makeup” is a phrase that now triggers a mild stress response in me.

Here’s what actually works: grab some eye makeup remover (the good stuff you use for waterproof mascara) and apply it to a white microfiber cloth. The key is applying it to the cloth first, not directly to the carpet, because you don’t want that stuff seeping down into the carpet backing. Dab gently at the stain, working from the outside edges toward the center. The mascara should start transferring to your cloth.

If you don’t have makeup remover handy, dish soap mixed with warm water (about a tablespoon to a cup) works surprisingly well since dish soap cuts through the oils in mascara. Rubbing alcohol is another option, but again, apply it to a towel and use the towel on the carpet. Never pour cleaning solutions directly onto carpet unless you want to explain water damage to your host.

Also, always use a white cloth. Using a colored towel risks transferring dye onto the carpet, and then you’ve got two problems instead of one.

Marker on the Wood Countertop

Toddlers and markers have a magnetic attraction that scientists have yet to explain. Permanent marker on a wood countertop feels like a disaster, but it’s actually one of the easier fixes.

Grab some regular white toothpaste (not gel, it doesn’t work) and a damp cloth. Apply the toothpaste directly to the marker stain and rub gently for a few minutes. The mild abrasive in the toothpaste lifts the marker without damaging most wood finishes.

If toothpaste doesn’t cut it, rubbing alcohol is your next option. Apply it to a cloth and rub until the marker transfers off. You might want to dilute it with water first and test on an inconspicuous spot if you’re dealing with an antique or delicate finish.

After any heavy-duty cleaning on wood counters, hit it with some mineral oil to restore moisture. We bought a small bottle that now lives under the sink for these occasions.

Crayon Murals on the Walls

My daughter has developed strong opinions about the neutral gray walls in this rental. She expressed these opinions and her art through crayon.

The good news is that crayon comes off painted walls pretty easily. A Magic Eraser (dampened, not soaking wet) works wonders if you’re gentle. Press too hard and you might take some paint with it, especially on flat paint finishes. Light pressure and patience are key.

For a gentler approach, dish soap and water with a microfiber cloth works well. Add a few drops of grease-fighting dish soap to your damp cloth and scrub in small circles. It takes longer but carries less risk of paint damage.

WD-40 is the nuclear option if other methods fail. Spray, wait a few minutes, wipe. It cuts through crayon like nothing else, but test it first on a hidden spot because it can affect some paint finishes.

Paint Marker on the Brickwork

Okay, this one probably requires some explanation but… look, things happen.

Paint marker on brick is trickier than regular marker on smooth surfaces because brick is porous. A graffiti remover product like Goo Gone Graffiti Remover is specifically designed for this and is safe for brick and concrete. Apply according to the directions, scrub with a stiff brush, and rinse.

For small areas, equal parts white vinegar and water with a lot of elbow grease can work, but be prepared for a workout.

Pen on the Leather Couch

Time is critical here. Leather is porous and absorbs ink the longer it sits. Act fast.

Rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab is the standard approach. Dab (don’t rub) at the ink until it lifts onto the cotton. The key word is “dab.” Rubbing spreads the ink around and drives it deeper into the leather.

I’ve learned a lot about dabbing recently, really when in doubt on any kind of textile or cloth just dab I guess.

If rubbing alcohol feels too aggressive, soap and water works for fresh stains. Mix warm water with a drop or two of mild dish soap or saddle soap, apply with a soft cloth, and work from the outside of the stain inward.

White vinegar diluted 1:1 with water is a gentler alternative that can break down ink without being as harsh as alcohol.

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