The Dirtiest Places in a Hotel Room

The Dirtiest Places in a Hotel Room is easier to approach with a clear overview and reliable steps. This guide organizes the essential information, highlights practical details, and explains what to check along the way.

Glassware

Even with strict cleaning procedures, you can never be sure that the glasses in the bathroom or minibar have been properly washed. Worse still, cleaning staff in some establishments will simply rinse the glasses in the bathroom and minibar with water if they don't appear to have been used. Ask for individually packaged disposable cups or bring your own, such as a collapsible cup that's easy to pack. This helps you be safe than sorry.

Bathroom Faucets and Pedestals

Bacteria often lurk on surfaces in hotel rooms that aren't cleaned properly, especially in the bathroom. The faucet. One of the most frequently touched spots? Bathroom faucets and toilet seats can sometimes be wiped with the same cloth used to wipe the toilet, transferring fecal bacteria to the faucet and seat. Not only can this lead to gastrointestinal infections, she notes, but it can also carry gastrointestinal and respiratory viruses that remain on the surface. Worse yet, the same cloth can be used from room to room. So it's a good idea to keep personal hygiene items, like toothbrushes or razors, in a kit you brought from home rather than leaving them on a bare countertop.

Remote Control

Some hotels claim that frequently touched surfaces like TV remotes are sanitized, but is that really the case? Many remotes are now often sealed in the wake of Covid to make them easier to clean, but you should wash your hands after using them. You can minimize your exposure to potential contaminants like E. Coli left behind by placing it in a thin plastic bag (like a Ziploc bag) to change channels and turn the TV on and off if your remote isn't covered.

Table

A desk is a frequently used, high-touch surface that may not be cleaned as often and is often a place where guests and housekeeping staff can leave dirty clothes. Fortunately, it doesn't take much effort to clean a desk surface. Give your workspace a good wipe down with a disinfectant wipe before putting down your laptop, papers, or eating.

Phone

There's one particularly nasty place that comes as no surprise: hotel room phones. They can harbor E. Coli and respiratory viruses from previous guests who spoke into or handled the phone. They're germ magnets because they're held so close to your face and mouth. Given the high risk of exposure to these scary viral elements, it's best to avoid using your phone in your hotel room altogether. Otherwise, put it on speakerphone.

Blankets and Pillows

The bed is arguably the most important item in any hotel room, so if it looks a little dirty, you should ask for fresh bedding before you check in. And if your bed has decorative pillows? According to experts, unwashed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases can harbor 'organisms that can cause sexually transmitted diseases.' To ensure you get clean pillowcases, always call housekeeping for cleaner ones. Remove them as soon as you arrive—they're rarely washed and can harbor bacteria and allergens.

Carpet

Even if housekeeping is diligent in vacuuming between guests, carpets may not be thoroughly cleaned after each use. Since they are rarely cleaned thoroughly, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria and germs. Health-conscious frequent travelers know to always wear socks or slippers in their hotel rooms and avoid sitting or lying on the carpet.

Final Thoughts

The most reliable way to handle the dirtiest places in a hotel room is to follow the process in order, verify each important setting, and test the result before moving on. Use the guidance above as a practical reference, then adjust the details for your device, software version, or specific goal.