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When you check into a hotel, you expect a clean and comfortable space, but hidden germs often linger in unexpected places. While housekeeping freshens up the room, many areas are rarely deep-cleaned, accumulating bacteria, mold, and grime from previous guests. From remote controls to carpets, some spots are far dirtier than you'd think.
Click on to find out the dirtiest spots to watch out for.
The remote control is one of the most frequently touched objects in a hotel room, but is rarely disinfected properly.
Guests handle it after eating, coughing, or using the bathroom, making it a prime breeding ground for bacteria and viruses.
Light switches, especially those near the entryway and bedside, are touched by nearly every guest, but are often overlooked during housekeeping.
Because they're small, they don't always receive the same cleaning attention as larger surfaces. However, they can accumulate germs from multiple guests, potentially spreading bacteria and viruses.
Unlike sheets and pillowcases, which are changed between guests, bedspreads, and comforters are washed much less frequently.
Some hotels only launder them a few times a year, meaning they can harbor sweat, bacteria, and even bodily fluids from previous guests.
Since guests touch bathroom faucet handles before washing their hands, they can accumulate bacteria, viruses, and other germs.
Housekeeping may clean the sink and mirror, but sometimes miss wiping down faucet handles thoroughly. Tests have found that they often contain traces of fecal matter and other harmful bacteria.
The in-room phone may not seem like a major risk, but it's one of the least frequently sanitized objects in a hotel room.
Guests often handle the phone while eating or after touching their face, transferring bacteria onto the receiver.
These surfaces collect dust, spills, and bacteria from guests who place drinks, bags, and other items on them.
Wiping them down with a disinfectant wipe before use can help reduce germ exposure.
Hotel carpets see heavy foot traffic, absorbing dirt, bacteria, and allergens from countless shoes.
Vacuuming helps, but deep cleaning is rare, letting germs build up. Walking barefoot can expose you to bacteria, fungi, and even bedbugs.
Just like faucet handles, toilet flush handles are touched before handwashing, making them a germ hotspot.
Many guests don't realize how dirty they can be, so consider using a tissue or sanitizing wipe before touching the handle.
Curtains are seldom washed, despite absorbing dust, allergens, and even mold spores. They're frequently touched when guests open or close them, but are rarely disinfected between stays.
If you're sensitive to dust or mold, avoid touching the curtains or wash your hands afterward.
The mini fridge is often stocked and used by multiple guests, but the handle is rarely disinfected.
If you plan to store food in the fridge, consider wiping down the handle with a sanitizing wipe first.
Coffee makers and kettles in hotel rooms can harbor mold, bacteria, and residue due to infrequent cleaning. Many hotels only rinse them rather than properly sanitizing.
Run a cycle with hot water before use, rinse thoroughly, or bring disposable filters or a travel kettle for hygiene and peace of mind.
Door handles are high-contact surfaces that may not receive thorough cleaning. Since they're constantly touched by guests and staff, bacteria and viruses can linger.
Using a tissue or hand sanitizer after touching door handles can help reduce the risk of exposure.
Sofas and chairs in hotel rooms are rarely deep-cleaned, making them a hotspot for dust, bacteria, and stains. Previous guests may have left behind sweat, food crumbs, or worse.
Therefore, avoid sitting directly on upholstered surfaces, especially with bare skin.
Many guests use ice buckets without liners, allowing bacteria and mold to build up inside. Since they're rarely washed between stays, they can be a hidden source of germs.
If you plan to use the ice bucket, request a fresh liner from the front desk or wash the bucket with hot water and soap first.
Immediately inform the front desk and request a different room. If the issue persists, ask for housekeeping, escalate to management, or consider switching hotels.
Sources: (Reader's Digest) (HuffPost) (Forbes)
Uncovering commonly missed dirty spots in hotel rooms
Hotel rooms seem clean, but hidden germs and grime make it worse than you think
LIFESTYLE Accommodation
When you check into a hotel, you expect a clean and comfortable space, but hidden germs often linger in unexpected places. While housekeeping freshens up the room, many areas are rarely deep-cleaned, accumulating bacteria, mold, and grime from previous guests. From remote controls to carpets, some spots are far dirtier than you'd think.
Click on to find out the dirtiest spots to watch out for.