Imagine walking into a hotel room, ready to relax and enjoy your stay, but suddenly your eye is drawn to the most disgusting objects. And the worst ? They are not in the bathroom…
A bright welcome… but not so clean
Hotel rooms, especially the swankiest ones, always seem so welcoming with their soft cushions and high-quality linens. But behind this impeccable facade hides a dirtier reality. The most contaminated object is not in the bathroom. It’s actually the light switch, one of the first objects you touch when entering.
While the remote control previously held the prize for dirt, AAA inspectors recently discovered that the light switch now takes that inglorious title. During their inspections, they found that this small device contains a surprising number of germs.
The remote control: always a breeding ground for bacteria
However, let us keep in mind that the remote didn’t give up his crown without a fight. A 2012 joint study by the universities of Houston, Purdue and South Carolina found that these gadgets harbor an average of 67.6 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria per square centimeter. In comparison, hospitals recommend a maximum of 5 CFU.
Be careful with the coffee machine and the ice bucket
Coffee machines in hotel rooms may seem convenient, but they’re best avoided. According to testimonies of flight attendants on Enjoy your food, these devices could be used for quite unusual tasks, such as rinsing pantyhose. Worse still, some maintenance workers admit washing these devices with minimal effort, often just with lukewarm water and a little soap.
As for the ice buckets, that’s another sordid story. Former hotel workers have shared on TikTok that these buckets are sometimes used for far more disgusting purposes than just holding ice, including cleaning up vomit.
How to dodge germs during your stay
It’s unrealistic to expect a hotel room to be completely germ-free. But a few precautions can ensure a more hygienic stay:
- Disinfect high-touch surfaces like door handles, flush pulls and faucets.
- Ask for extra items like pairs of slippers and clean sheets.
- Wash non-disposable utensils thoroughly with real dishwashing liquid.
In general, most germs are harmless. While the idea of a faucet handle being as contaminated as a toilet seat is concerning, it is important to remember that not all bacteria is harmful. The main thing is to practice good hand hygiene.
