What not to use in a hotel room

What not to use in a hotel room

What not to use in a hotel room

Why you should avoid using hotel bedspreads and comforters

Look, nobody thinks about it, right? You walk in, drop your bags, and that bedspread looks cozy enough. But here's the thing — most hotels don't wash those things between guests. Not even close. Dust mites love them. Bed bugs too. Bacteria? Oh yeah. Just pull that thing off and stick with the sheets. The ones that actually smell like bleach.

Is it safe to use the hotel coffee maker?

Ugh, the coffee maker. Honestly, I've heard stories. Mold. Old grounds. And worse — people using them for stuff that has nothing to do with coffee. Like, really gross stuff. So maybe skip it. Hit the lobby or find a café nearby. Your morning buzz isn't worth the ick factor.

Should you use the hotel glasses and cups?

Those little glasses by the sink? They look clean, I know. But housekeeping? They might just rinse 'em or wipe 'em with the same rag they used on the toilet. Yeah. Studies show those things are crawling with bacteria. Grab a disposable cup or bring your own travel mug. Seriously.

Are hotel remote controls really that dirty?

Oh absolutely. The TV remote is like the germ magnet of the hotel world. Everyone touches it. Nobody cleans it. You've got cold viruses, flu bugs, even E. coli hanging out on those buttons. Grab a disinfectant wipe and go to town before you start channel surfing.

What about the hotel ice bucket?

Ice buckets are... weird. People use them for all sorts of stuff — trash, spittoons, chilling beer. And they don't always get cleaned properly. If there's a plastic liner, use that. Otherwise, just skip it. Your soda will be fine without ice for one night.

Should you use the hotel hair dryer?

Hair dryers in hotels? They sit in drawers or on walls, collecting dust and who knows what. The air intake sucks up particles from the room. If you really need to use one, give it a wipe with a disinfectant wipe first. Better safe than sorry.

Is the hotel phone safe to use?

Hotel phones are basically public property. Everyone's hands have been all over them. And they rarely get disinfected. Just use your own phone. If you absolutely have to use theirs, wipe it down. It takes two seconds.

Data: The dirtiest items in a hotel room

Item Bacteria Level Risk Factor
TV Remote Control Very High Cold, flu, E. coli
Bedspread High Dust mites, bed bugs
Glassware High Bacteria, viruses
Telephone High Bacteria, viruses
Coffee Maker Medium Mold, bacteria
Ice Bucket Medium Bacteria, mold
Hair Dryer Medium Dust, bacteria

Checklist: What to avoid in a hotel room

  • Don't touch the bedspread unless you know it's been washed
  • Skip the coffee maker — trust me
  • Don't drink from hotel glasses unless you've washed them yourself
  • Wipe the remote with a disinfectant wipe
  • Ice bucket? Only if there's a liner
  • Hair dryer? Maybe just air dry
  • Hotel phone? Just use your cell
  • Those decorative pillows? Nope
  • Bathrobe not sealed in plastic? Leave it
  • Mini-bar? Check the prices first — ouch

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get sick from using a hotel remote control?

Yeah, you can. Those remotes carry viruses and bacteria. Just wipe it down before you use it. Simple.

Are hotel bedspreads washed between guests?

Nope, most hotels don't wash them between guests. Just take it off and use the sheets.

Is it safe to use the hotel coffee maker?

Probably not. They're often gross inside. Mold, old coffee, weird stuff. Get coffee from the lobby instead.

Should I use the hotel glasses?

Better not. They might just get rinsed or wiped with a dirty cloth. Use disposable cups or bring your own.

Can I use the hotel hair dryer?

You can, but it might be dusty or germy. Give it a wipe with a disinfectant wipe first.

"As a frequent traveler, I always avoid using the bedspread and the coffee maker in hotel rooms. I bring my own disinfectant wipes and use them on the remote control and phone. It is better to be safe than sorry." - Sarah M., Travel Blogger

Résumé court

  • Évitez les couvre-lits : Ils ne sont pas lavés entre les clients et peuvent contenir des acariens et des bactéries.
  • N'utilisez pas la cafetière : Elle est souvent mal nettoyée et peut contenir des moisissures.
  • Évitez les verres et tasses : Ils ne sont pas correctement désinfectés et peuvent être porteurs de germes.
  • Nettoyez la télécommande : C'est l'un des objets les plus sales de la chambre d'hôtel.