Checking into a hotel is supposed to be one of the best parts of traveling. After a long day of flights, road trips, or sightseeing, there’s nothing quite like dropping your bags, stretching out on the bed, and enjoying a few hours of comfort before your next adventure.
But hotel employees see guest rooms very differently than travelers do. Housekeepers, front desk staff, and hospitality workers know exactly which items get touched hundreds of times between cleanings and which ones may not receive as much attention as guests assume. While most hotel rooms are cleaned regularly, workers say there are certain items they personally avoid touching until they’ve been sanitized first.
Here are 8 things hotel workers often say they think twice about using in a guest room.
TV Remote Controls
The television remote consistently ranks among the most frequently touched items in any hotel room. Since dozens or even hundreds of guests may handle it over time, many hotel workers recommend wiping it down before settling in for a night of channel surfing.
Decorative Bed Runners and Throw Blankets
That colorful blanket folded across the foot of the bed may look inviting, but many hotel workers say it’s one of the first things they remove. Unlike sheets and pillowcases, decorative bedding often isn’t washed after every guest stay and can go much longer between cleanings.
Drinking Glasses
Most hotels provide glasses for water, soft drinks, or evening cocktails, but some hospitality workers prefer to rinse them thoroughly before use. While cleaning procedures vary by property, many employees say they’d rather be cautious than assume every glass received a deep sanitizing treatment.
In-Room Coffee Makers
Coffee makers may seem harmless, but they can sometimes accumulate mineral buildup, bacteria, or residue if they aren’t cleaned regularly. Some hotel workers also point out that guests occasionally use them for purposes they weren’t intended for, making a fresh rinse a good idea before brewing your morning coffee.
Related: How to Clean a Coffee Maker with Vinegar
Shared Toiletry Dispensers
Many hotels have switched from individual bottles to larger refillable dispensers mounted in the shower. While they’re convenient and environmentally friendly, some hotel workers prefer sealed, single-use products or request fresh toiletries from the front desk for added peace of mind.
Telephone Handsets
Many travelers rarely use the hotel phone anymore, but that doesn’t mean it sits untouched. Phones are handled by countless guests over the years and are easy to overlook during routine cleaning, making them another common germ hotspot.
Related: 12 Old Electronics That Are Now Considered Vintage
Alarm Clocks
Whether it’s a traditional clock radio or a digital bedside clock, these devices are touched frequently as guests set alarms, adjust settings, or check the time. Hotel workers often suggest giving buttons and controls a quick wipe before using them.
Ice Buckets
Ice buckets can be surprisingly useful during a hotel stay, but some hospitality employees recommend using the provided liner or requesting a fresh one before filling them. It’s a simple precaution that many experienced travelers take automatically.
