Due to the tight cleaning schedule and constant turnover of guests, some areas that are touched by dozens of people rarely receive proper cleaning.
A freshly cleaned hotel room may seem perfectly clean, but this feeling is often deceptive. Due to the tight cleaning schedule and constant turnover of guests, some areas that are touched by dozens of people rarely receive proper cleaning. Far & Wide explains which 11 items in a hotel room are the dirtiest and why you should avoid touching them with your hands.
When checking into a hotel room, it seems perfectly clean. But you should be disappointed—it's not. Some items are overlooked during cleaning and are not clean at all. This increases the risk of picking up unwanted germs. Knowing what to avoid touching and why can help you feel more comfortable and safe during your stay.
Decorative Bed Items
Hotels add decorative pillows and throws purely for style, not comfort. They are washed significantly less often than the main bedding. Many guests handle them, and they often end up on the floor or chairs.
Tip. It’s better to push them aside and leave them there for the duration of your stay.
Remote Control
The remote control is one of the dirtiest items in the room, as it is constantly used by guests (during meals, sneezing, or relaxing), but it is often ignored during cleaning.
Tip. Use a disposable plastic bag or disinfecting wipe to make channel switching less risky.
Carpets
Carpets absorb bacteria and dust from shoes and luggage, and according to staff, they are among the most difficult surfaces to thoroughly clean between guests. Since a regular vacuum cleaner is not always sufficient, walking barefoot can lead to contact with debris.
Tip. Always wear socks or slippers.
Light Switches and Lamps
They are touched almost immediately upon entering the room, even before anyone thinks about washing their hands. However, if they don’t look noticeably dirty, they are often ignored during cleaning, allowing bacteria to accumulate quickly.
Tip. A quick wipe with a disinfecting wipe after check-in.
Hotel Phone
Many guests touch the phone in the room, but the receiver, buttons, and microphone rarely receive thorough attention. Cleaning focuses on beds and bathrooms, so small items are left out of their routine.
Tip. A quick wipe before making a call, or just use your mobile phone.
Curtains and Blinds
Guests usually pull back the curtains without thinking, but these fabric panels rarely make it to the laundry. Over time, they collect a lot of dust, especially near vents.
Tip. If sunlight is not necessary, it’s better to avoid contact altogether. People with allergies may experience symptoms shortly after check-in.
Coffee Maker and Kettle
Coffee makers often have food residue (from used pods) or water that stagnates in the reservoir from previous guests. Hotel staff rarely disassemble these machines, so what’s inside stays there. Sediment accumulates.
Tip. Sealed drinks from the fridge or lobby are generally safer.
Glassware
Glass near the sink may look clean, but it is not always washed with soap or run through a dishwasher. Some staff may simply rinse or wipe this glass during quick servicing.
Tip. If the glass is not sealed in plastic, it’s safer to use your own bottle or a disposable cup.
Ice Bucket
Although the ice bucket usually has a liner, it is often used by guests not only for cooling ice but for various other purposes. Liners help, but do not guarantee cleanliness if the bucket has not been thoroughly washed with soap.
Tip. It’s safer to use ice straight from the machine, pouring it directly into a cup.
Jacuzzi Tubs
Jacuzzi-style tubs look relaxing, but hotels find it extremely difficult to clean them thoroughly. The internal pipes can harbor old soap, oils, and bacteria even after the water is drained.
Tip. If the hotel does not clearly state that these tubs are thoroughly cleaned after each guest, it’s better not to use them.
General Advice for a Comfortable Stay
While most of these items won’t cause illness, a few extra precautions can significantly reduce the risk of picking up unwanted germs. So pack a supply of disinfecting wipes for your trip and be cautious in your room.
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