When you check into a hotel, you might assume that all the amenities are safe and clean. But recent findings have uncovered a worrisome side of hotel upkeep. Items we usually take for granted as spotless can actually harbor hidden health risks for unsuspecting guests.
The unseen risk in hotel rooms
Hotels are famed for their comfort and convenience, often offering a range of complimentary items to make your stay more enjoyable. Yet, these everyday objects might be hiding perils. In particular, glasses in hotel rooms have come under fire. According to Jannessa Richards (a former hotel employee sharing her experience on TikTok), these glasses rarely get cleaned between reservations unless they actually look dirty.
Richards advises guests to steer clear of using these glasses because of the less-than-thorough cleaning methods. “I recommend not to use them at all,” she says, noting that a glass that looks clean isn’t necessarily washed or replaced – at best, it’s given a quick rinse with hot water, which hardly gets rid of bacteria.
Legal changes and cleaning hiccups
Things get even more complicated with an upcoming ban on single-use plastic packaging in France. Starting January 1, 2025, the AGEC law will make it illegal to use this type of packaging, including the wraps that protect hotel glasses. (This means hotels might have a harder time keeping track of whether glasses have been used or not.)
Without that plastic wrapping, cleaning staff often have to rely on what they can see. If a guest uses a glass and it dries before anyone can clean it, chances are it won’t be cleaned at all. This practice poses some serious sanitary concerns and points to some clear gaps in the current cleaning routines.
Health risks and cross-contamination worries
The cleanliness issues extend well beyond just the glasses. A study by the University of Houston discovered that over 80% of objects tested in hotels had bacteria that come from fecal matter. Items like TV remotes, toilet seats, shower floors, and room light switches turned out to be some of the dirtiest spots.
Also, cleaning tools such as mops and sponges can easily spread bacteria from bathrooms to other parts of the room. (This means that even if one area is cleaned, bacteria might still be lurking elsewhere.) These findings really drive home the need for better hygiene practices to keep everyone safer.
Tips for a safer stay
In light of these eye-opening discoveries, experts are handing out some down-to-earth advice for travelers. Katie Kirsch, who helped with the University of Houston study, recommends simple actions like washing your hands as soon as you step into your hotel room and wiping down frequently touched surfaces such as TV remotes and light switches.
Kirsch also suggests either washing the hotel glasses yourself or simply not using them at all. Following these basic steps can help cut down on your exposure to harmful bacteria and keep you safer while on the road.
The issue of unclean glasses in hotels shows that even seemingly spotless surfaces can hide unexpected risks. As more travelers become alert to these concerns, it’s up to both guests and hotel management to step up their hygiene routines and create a safer environment for everyone.