You might want to think twice before diving onto that king size bed in your hotel room.
From bedbugs to unclean towels to tumblers with lipstick along the edge, the stories of unclean hotel rooms are shocking.
Last year, researchers took a look at just how unclean hotels really are. The germiest objects in the room? The remote control and the switches on bedside lamps. And when they tested for bacteria, the rooms were anywhere from two to ten times higher than the levels accepted in hospitals.
While many hotels certainly strive for perfection, there are more than a few cleanliness laggards. Or, they simply fall short of meeting their own standards, no matter how many stars your lavish hotel has earned. And since most people don’t travel with kits to test for bacteria and other germs, here are some tips for scoping out your hotel room and ensuring a clean room:
- Check reviews of the hotel before booking. If people say it’s dirty, look for alternative accommodations.
- Try staying at a hotel that features impervious mattress and pillow covers, which were originally designed for those suffering from allergies. These medical-grade plastic covers are the best protection against dust mites, bodily fluids, and more.
- Pack alcohol based wipes to clean door handles, switches, remote controls, faucets, etc. when you first get to your room. Use a washcloth and soap if you don’t have cleaning wipes.
- Don’t place your luggage on the bed or chairs. In case there are bed bugs or other pests, you don’t want to infect your belongings.
- Check for bugs on the mattress and headboard. A good trick to catch small pests is to look at each at eye level. If you see anything, leave the room and ask for a new one or to have someone come and clean.
- Check the bathroom for signs that it hasn’t been cleaned. Most hotels place new toiletries on a towel.
- Comforters and duvets that are clean come wrapped in two flat sheets. Otherwise, pull up the sheets or remove the top blanket.
- Wash all drinking cups with soap and water before using.
- Wear flip-flops when walking anywhere in your hotel room.
- Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly and often.
Photo from Blinkwave.com.
