Don’t be fooled by the sparkling surfaces in your hotel room. A recent study found hotel rooms, on average, are dirtier than your own home, airplanes, and even schools. From bathroom counters overflowing with bacteria to remote controls harboring unseen nasties, this article exposes the 12 dirtiest spots in your hotel room.
Bathroom Counter
Hotel bathroom counters are the dirtiest spots in your room. Research shows that, on average, hotel bathroom counters have 1,288,817 colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch. Contaminated cleaning cloths and past guests’ habits can leave behind a nasty mix of bacteria, viruses (including COVID-19), and fungi. To outsmart these bathroom germs, avoid placing belongings on the counter and sanitize both the counter and your hands before and after using the bathroom.
Remote Control
Remote controls are one of the dirtiest items in any hotel room. Guests frequently touch these devices, accumulating a surprising number of bacteria over time. Research indicates that the average remote control contains approximately 1,211,687 colony-forming units (CFUs) per square inch. To minimize contact with these germy devices, use a plastic bag barrier, disinfectant wipes, or download a remote-control app.
Desk
Another high-touch surface in the room is the desk. Many people touch it, and germs stick to its hard surface for days. According to research, desk surfaces are contaminated with an estimated 614,907 bacteria colonies per square inch. If you keep your belongings on it, the germs are transferred to your belongings. If you plan to work or eat at the desk, you must wipe it down with a disinfectant first.
Phone
Hotel room phones, teeming with an average of 4,252 germs per square inch, can harbor cold and flu viruses, staph bacteria, and even E. coli. As you put it close to your face, there is a high risk of catching an infection from your hotel phone. To minimize contact with these unwanted guests, consider using the speakerphone function or wiping down the receiver and keypad with a disinfectant wipe before making a call.
Bathroom Glasses
Bathroom glasses in hotel rooms can be surprisingly dirty. There is no guarantee that they have been washed properly. Some cleaning staff merely rinse glasses with water. Others have been found cleaning glasses with toxic chemicals like window cleaners or wearing gloves used for other cleaning tasks. Thankfully, many hotels are now eliminating glasses and switching to disposable cups.
Light Switches
Like many high-touch surfaces in a hotel room, light switches can be crawling with germs. Studies have shown them to harbor an average of 217 bacteria per square inch, which is higher than the average toilet seat. Numerous people touch them throughout the day, making them prime culprits for cross-contamination. With every flick, you risk transferring bacteria or viruses to your hands.
Sofas And Chairs
Hotel sofas and chairs, while inviting for relaxation, can be some of the germiest spots in the room. Unlike hard surfaces that get disinfected regularly, these soft furnishings are difficult to clean thoroughly. Germs can linger on fabrics, potentially harboring various viruses and bacteria. Invisible stains from sweat, food, or even worse, can harbor germs. Unlike sheets, you can’t simply toss sofas and chairs in the washing machine. Consider bringing disinfectant wipes or a travel-sized fabric spray to give the furniture a quick spritz before settling in.
Toilet Flush Handle
Contrary to popular belief, the toilet seat in your hotel bathroom might not be the dirtiest spot. The frequently touched flush handle can harbor a surprising amount of bacteria. This makes it a prime suspect for spreading germs. A quick wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe before using the restroom can be a simple yet powerful defense against these unwelcome guests.
Shower Curtain
The shower curtain may be the dirtiest spot in your hotel bathroom. The warm, humid environment fosters the growth of bacteria, soap scum, and mildew, turning this seemingly harmless fixture into a potential health risk. Clocking in at 16,240,000 colony-forming units (CFU) per square inch, shower curtains easily surpass even the floor in terms of germ population. Ideally, hotels should also clean shower curtains regularly to prevent excessive buildup.
Carpets
Despite regular vacuuming, hotel carpets can be a hidden den of germs. Unlike sheets and towels that get swapped between guests, carpets often harbor leftover dirt, dust mites, and allergens tracked in from countless shoes. This unseen grime, along with lingering bacteria, can trigger allergies. The area right by the door is especially filthy, as it accumulates dirt from constant foot traffic. Consider bringing slippers or avoiding barefoot contact altogether to minimize exposure.
Coffee Makers
Despite looking clean, hotel coffee makers can be breeding grounds for mold and even respiratory viruses. A surprising amount of bacteria is present inside these machines, even after just a year of use. While COVID protocols may have reduced in-room coffee makers altogether, it’s best to avoid them if present. Opt for a grab-and-go coffee from the lobby (if available), or bring your portable brewing method for a cleaner cup.
Air Vents
While we’re concerned about the dirty surfaces in our hotel rooms, we rarely think about the air we breathe. Research suggests airborne transmission, especially in poorly ventilated spaces, can be a significant risk factor. Don’t hesitate to inquire about your hotel’s ventilation system, and consider bringing a portable air purifier for added peace of mind. Opening a window upon arrival also allows fresh air to circulate and potentially reduce airborne contaminants, including mold spores.