The Items And Places You Should Always Clean When You Enter A Hotel Room
Checking into a hotel should feel like a safe haven, a place we immediately relax into, but even the finest hotel suites have some less-than-savory corners. While housekeeping works hard, their tight schedules mean they often focus on cleaning high visibility areas rather than high touch ones, meaning that freshly-cleaned room is still harboring plenty of germs. Next time you check in somewhere, you might want to break out a cleaning wipe and give these 7 spots a quick clean.
The Remote Control
The remote control the most handled item in the room and rarely gets a deep scrub. Between the buttons and the plastic casing, it’s a haven for oils and bacteria from every previous guest. Don’t just wipe the surface when you clean it, get into the crevices. If you’re feeling extra cautious, you can even put it in a clear plastic baggie, so you’ll still be able to change channels without touching the surface.
Light Switches and Plates
We touch these the moment we walk in and right before we drift off to sleep. Because they're so small and common, meaning they can start to blend in as "part" of the wall, they’re often overlooked during a standard cleaning rotation. Give the main entryway switch, the bedside lamp toggles, and the bathroom plate a good wipe. It takes seconds but eliminates one of the most frequent points of contact. You don't want the last thing you touch before bed to be someone else's germs.
The Desk Phone
Even in the age of smartphones, the room phone remains a major touchpoint for ordering room service or otherwise calling the front desk. Think about how close people hold the receiver to their faces, and how many spots their hands actually touch. It's worth wiping down the entire unit, but pay special attention to the mouthpiece. Whether you need a wakeup call or to ask for more towels, you'll be able to do so without fearing getting sick.
Faucet Handles and Flushers
The bathroom might look sparkling, but before people wash their hands, they touch the handles. This makes them a high traffic area for some of the worst bacteria. Since these areas also tend to stay damp, they can also be more hospitable to certain types of germs. Use a fresh wipe for the sink knobs, the shower handle, and the toilet lever. This way, you'll actually be clean when you wash yourself up.
The Bedside Table
This is where you park your phone, your glasses, your glass of water, and any other nighttime necessities. It's also incredibly close to where you breathe all night. While the bed linens are likely fresh, the hard surface of the nightstand might only get a quick dust between guests. Give the tabletop a thorough wipe to remove any lingering residue from past occupants. It’s your landing zone for the time being, so it’s worth making sure it’s actually as clean as it looks next to your pillow.
The Coffee Station
Lots of people love a morning brew, so the handles on the coffee maker (and the ice bucket for that matter) are frequently handled. If there's a reusable tray, it’s likely seen better days too. Run the removable parts under hot water or give the buttons a good wipe. If you’re using the ice bucket, always use the plastic liner provided. Enjoy the amenities without fearing the effects.
Door Handles and Latches
As with any room, it all starts at the entrance. Every person who's entered that room has touched the door handle and the deadbolt. Don’t forget the closet handles and the mini fridge door too. These surfaces are easy to miss but carry everything from the hallway and beyond. A quick pass with a disinfectant cloth across all pulls and latches creates a much safer environment between you and the rest of the traveling public.
Travel is meant to be an adventure, not a stress test for your immune system. By wiping down these spots as soon as you enter a hotel room, you're creating a cleaner environment that lets you focus on your trip and just your trip. Once these surfaces are prepped, you can kick back and enjoy your stay with greater peace of mind!