When you book a hotel room, you expect it to be clean and comfortable. However, you may not be aware of the hidden dangers that lurk in some of the items that you use every day. We will reveal some of the filthiest things you might encounter in your hotel room and how they can affect your health and well-being.

1. The Remote Control

One of the most commonly used items in a hotel room is the remote control. You use it to switch channels, adjust the volume, and access other features on the TV. However, you may not realize that the remote control is also one of the dirtiest items in a hotel room. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Houston, the remote control had an average of 67.6 colony-forming units (CFU) of bacteria per square inch, which is higher than the toilet seat or the bathroom sink. The study also found that some of the bacteria present on the remote control included E. coli, staphylococcus, and MRSA, which can cause various infections, diarrhea, and skin rashes. The reason why the remote control is so dirty is because it is frequently touched by different people and rarely cleaned by the hotel staff. To protect yourself from these harmful germs, you can either use a disinfectant wipe to sanitize the remote control before using it, or use a plastic bag to cover it and avoid direct contact.

2. The Bedspread

Another item that you may find inviting in your hotel room is the bedspread. It may look cozy and colorful, but it may also be hiding a lot of dirt and dust mites. Many hotels do not wash the bedspread after every guest, and some may only wash it once a month or even less. This means that the bedspread may have accumulated sweat, saliva, skin flakes, hair, and other bodily fluids from previous guests. These organic materials provide food for dust mites, which are tiny creatures that live in bedding and carpets. Dust mites can trigger allergic reactions and asthma attacks in some people, as they produce waste products that contain allergens. To avoid sleeping with these unwanted guests, you can either remove the bedspread completely and use your own blanket, or ask the hotel staff for a fresh one.

3. The Carpet

The carpet may seem harmless, but it can also harbor a lot of dirt, dust, and allergens. Carpets can trap soil, food crumbs, pet dander, mold spores, and other particles that can affect your indoor air quality and health. Carpets can also be infested with fleas, bed bugs, and other pests that can bite you and cause itching, swelling, and infections. Some of the signs of pest infestation include dark spots, blood stains, or shed skins on the carpet. To prevent these problems, you can either wear slippers or socks when walking on the carpet, or avoid walking barefoot at all. You can also check the carpet for signs of pests before unpacking your bags.

4. The Coffee Maker

The coffee maker may seem like a convenient amenity in your hotel room, but it may also be a source of contamination. Coffee makers are often neglected and not cleaned properly by the hotel staff, which can lead to the growth of bacteria, mold, and yeast in the water reservoir and the filter basket. These microorganisms can affect the taste and quality of your coffee, as well as cause stomach upset and infections. Some of the symptoms of drinking contaminated coffee include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. To avoid drinking contaminated coffee, you can either bring your own coffee maker or use bottled water to brew your coffee.

5. The Bathroom Sink

The bathroom sink may look clean and shiny, but it may also be teeming with germs. According to another study conducted by researchers from the University of Houston, the bathroom sink had an average of 1,288 CFU of bacteria per square inch, which is higher than any other item in the hotel room. The study also found that some of the bacteria present on the bathroom sink included E. coli, enterococcus, and pseudomonas aeruginosa, which can cause urinary tract infections, wound infections, and pneumonia. The reason why the bathroom sink is so dirty is because it is frequently used by different people and not disinfected by the hotel staff. To protect yourself from these harmful germs, you can either use a disinfectant spray or wipe to sanitize the sink before using it, or avoid touching it with your hands or mouth.

6. The Phone

The phone is another item that you may use frequently in your hotel room, but it may also be covered with germs. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Arizona, the phone had an average of 4,252 CFU of bacteria per square inch, which is higher than the toilet seat or the doorknob. The study also found that some of the bacteria present on the phone included E. coli, staphylococcus, and streptococcus, which can cause infections, sore throat, and earache. The reason why the phone is so dirty is because it is often touched by different people and rarely cleaned by the hotel staff. To protect yourself from these harmful germs, you can either use a disinfectant wipe to sanitize the phone before using it, or use a speakerphone or a headset to avoid direct contact.

7. The Pillow

The pillow is another item that you may find comfortable in your hotel room, but it may also be filled with dust mites and allergens. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Manchester, the average pillow contains up to 16 species of fungi, which can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems in some people. The study also found that some of the fungi present in the pillow included aspergillus, rhizopus, and penicillium, which can cause asthma, sinusitis, and lung infections. The reason why the pillow is so dirty is because it is often used by different people and not washed frequently by the hotel staff. To protect yourself from these harmful fungi, you can either bring your own pillow or use a pillowcase to cover it.

8. The Glassware

The glassware may seem like a nice touch in your hotel room, but it may also be contaminated with germs and chemicals. According to an investigation conducted by ABC News, some hotels do not wash the glassware after every guest, and some may even use dirty towels or spray cleaners to wipe them. The investigation also found that some of the glassware contained traces of soap residue, lipstick, and saliva, which can cause infections and diseases. To avoid drinking from contaminated glassware, you can either bring your own cups or use disposable ones.

As you can see, there are many things in your hotel room that may pose a threat to your health and well-being. However, you don’t have to let these things ruin your travel experience. By following some simple tips and precautions, you can avoid these filthiest things and enjoy your stay in a clean and safe hotel room.

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