Ever wonder what’s really hiding in your hotel room? Brace yourself for some eye-opening revelations about the sneaky germs lurking in unexpected places. From remote controls to coffee makers, we’re about to uncover the top 10 dirtiest items you’ll encounter during your next stay.
Remote controls are bacteria hotspots
That innocent-looking TV remote is actually a germ magnet. Studies have found it can harbor everything from E. coli to COVID-19 viruses. Why? It’s simple – everyone touches it, but it rarely gets a thorough cleaning.
Hotel staff often give remotes a quick wipe at best, leaving behind a cocktail of germs from previous guests. Imagine all those fingers channel surfing, snacking, and who knows what else – it’s no wonder remotes are bacterial breeding grounds.
To protect yourself, consider bringing disinfectant wipes or slipping the remote into a clear plastic bag before use. It might look a bit odd, but your health will thank you. Remember, a little caution goes a long way in keeping those hotel room nasties at bay.
Bathroom counters hide more than meets the eye
You might think the toilet is the germiest spot in your hotel bathroom, but you’d be wrong. The bathroom counter often takes the crown for bacterial contamination. In fact, one study found an average of 1,288,817 CFU (colony-forming units) per square inch on hotel bathroom counters.
Why so dirty? Housekeeping staff sometimes use the same cloth to clean the counter as they do the toilet, spreading germs instead of eliminating them. Plus, guests often place toiletries, makeup bags, and even cell phones on these surfaces, adding to the microbial mix.
To stay safe, avoid placing personal items directly on the counter. Use those disposable bathroom cups to hold your toothbrush, and consider packing a small travel-sized disinfectant spray for a quick counter clean before use.
Bedspreads and comforters aren’t washed as often as you’d hope
That cozy comforter might not be as fresh as it looks. Unlike sheets and pillowcases, bedspreads and comforters are often not washed between guests. Some hotels only clean these items every few months, if that.
These blankets can accumulate a buildup of dead skin cells, body oils, and even bodily fluids from previous occupants. What’s more, they can harbor dust mites, allergens, and potentially harmful bacteria or viruses.
To play it safe, remove the bedspread as soon as you enter the room and store it in the closet. If you get chilly, request an extra sheet or blanket from housekeeping – these are more likely to be freshly laundered. Better yet, pack a lightweight travel blanket for peace of mind.
Light switches and lamp knobs are overlooked germ collectors
When’s the last time you thought about cleaning a light switch? Exactly. These high-touch surfaces are often neglected during routine cleaning, making them secret havens for germs. Every guest who enters the room likely flips that switch, leaving behind whatever microbes they brought with them.
Bedside lamp switches are particularly problematic. They’re touched right before sleep and first thing in the morning, often without any hand washing in between. This creates a perfect storm for germ transfer and potential illness.
Consider using a tissue or your elbow to turn lights on and off. If you’re really concerned, give switches and knobs a quick wipe with a disinfectant cloth. It might seem excessive, but when it comes to hotel room cleanliness, a little extra caution never hurts.
Hotel room phones are relics of bacteria
In the age of cell phones, hotel room landlines might seem obsolete. But they’re still hotbeds for harmful microorganisms. These devices can harbor everything from MRSA to E. coli, thanks to their infrequent use and even less frequent cleaning.
Think about it – when guests do use the room phone, it’s often held close to their mouth and face. This proximity makes it easy for respiratory droplets to land on the surface. And since these phones aren’t personal items, they’re rarely sanitized between uses.
If you must use the hotel phone, consider putting it on speaker mode to avoid direct contact. Better yet, stick to your cell phone for calls and use the room’s phone only in emergencies – after giving it a good wipe-down, of course.
In-room coffee makers can brew more than just coffee
That complimentary coffee maker might seem like a nice perk, but it could be serving up more than just your morning joe. These appliances are often neglected in cleaning routines, making them prime real estate for mold and bacteria growth.
The warm, moist environment inside coffee makers is perfect for microorganisms to thrive. What’s more, the water reservoirs and filters can accumulate mineral deposits and grime over time if not properly maintained. And let’s be honest, how many guests actually clean the machine after use?
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, consider bringing your own travel mug and heading to the hotel lobby for your caffeine fix. If you must use the in-room machine, run it through a cycle with just water first to flush out any lurking nasties.
Bathroom glasses might not be as clean as they look
Those gleaming glasses in your hotel bathroom might not be as sparkling clean as they appear. Some housekeeping staff have been caught simply rinsing glasses under the tap or, worse, wiping them with the same cloth used to clean other surfaces.
Even if the glasses are cleaned properly, their location in the bathroom exposes them to airborne bacteria every time the toilet is flushed. This phenomenon, known as “toilet plume,” can spread microscopic droplets containing fecal matter and other germs up to six feet away.
To stay safe, avoid using bathroom glasses altogether. Instead, opt for sealed, disposable cups if provided, or bring your own reusable water bottle. If you must use the glasses, give them a thorough wash with hot water and soap before your first use.
Ice buckets could be harboring a nasty surprise
That innocent-looking ice bucket might be hiding a dirty secret. These containers are often overlooked during cleaning and can become breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses, including the notorious norovirus.
The problem isn’t just lack of cleaning – it’s also misuse. Some guests have been known to use ice buckets for unsavory purposes, like as makeshift vomit receptacles when ill. And while we’d like to think these incidents are always followed by thorough sanitization, that’s not always the case.
If you need to use the ice bucket, look for a plastic liner and use it. No liner? Line the bucket with a clean plastic bag or avoid using it altogether. Remember, when it comes to hotel room items, it’s better to err on the side of caution.
Carpets and drapes are magnets for dust and allergens
While not traditionally thought of as “dirty,” hotel room carpets and drapes can be secret havens for dust, allergens, and even pests. These soft surfaces are difficult to clean thoroughly and are often only given a surface-level vacuuming between guests.
Carpets can trap everything from dead skin cells to food crumbs, creating a buffet for dust mites and other microscopic critters. Drapes, being rarely washed, can accumulate years of dust and allergens. For allergy sufferers, these seemingly innocuous items can turn a relaxing stay into a congested nightmare.
To minimize exposure, avoid placing personal items directly on the carpet. If you’re particularly sensitive, consider booking rooms with hardwood floors instead of carpeting. As for drapes, it’s best to leave them alone – opening and closing them can release a cloud of accumulated dust into the air.
Air conditioning units can blow more than just cool air
That blast of cool air might feel refreshing, but it could be carrying unwanted passengers. Hotel room air conditioning units, especially those not regularly maintained, can become breeding grounds for mold and bacteria.
The moist environment inside AC units is perfect for microbial growth. When the unit runs, it can disperse these contaminants into the room air. In some cases, poorly maintained AC systems have been linked to outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease, a severe form of pneumonia.
While you can’t control the maintenance of hotel AC units, you can take precautions. If you notice a musty smell when the AC kicks on, inform the front desk immediately. Consider running the unit for a short while before settling into the room to allow any accumulated dust or contaminants to circulate out.
Now that you’re armed with this knowledge, don’t let it ruin your next hotel stay. A little awareness goes a long way in staying healthy while traveling. Remember, most hotels are working hard to maintain cleanliness, but it never hurts to take a few extra precautions. Pack some disinfectant wipes, wash your hands frequently, and enjoy your trip with peace of mind. After all, the best souvenir from any trip is the memories – not the germs!
