7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay

Post originally Published May 12, 2024 || Last Updated May 12, 2024

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7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Sanitize High-Touch Areas Regularly


7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay

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Sanitizing high-touch areas regularly is crucial for maintaining cleanliness and preventing the spread of germs in hotels.

The use of disinfecting wipes or sprays is recommended for quickly and effectively cleaning surfaces like door handles, light switches, and remote controls.

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Guests are advised to wash their hands frequently and use hand sanitizer provided by the hotel.

Housekeeping staff should also wear gloves and masks while cleaning guest rooms to ensure a safer environment.

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The hotel industry has introduced new hygiene protocols, such as contactless check-in/check-out and sealed amenity kits, to provide a cleaner hotel stay for travelers.

Regular cleaning of common areas like elevators, fitness centers, and pool areas is also essential.

Researchers have found that high-touch surfaces in hotel rooms can harbor a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can potentially lead to the transmission of illnesses if not properly sanitized.

Studies have shown that the use of disinfecting wipes and sprays containing quaternary ammonium compounds or alcohol-based solutions can effectively eliminate up to 9% of pathogenic microbes on high-touch surfaces in hotel rooms.

According to industry experts, the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing high-touch areas should be increased in hotels during periods of heightened disease outbreaks or when guests with compromised immune systems are present.

Innovative hotel cleaning technologies, such as electrostatic sprayers and UV-C light disinfection systems, are being increasingly adopted to enhance the efficacy of sanitizing high-touch surfaces and reduce the risk of cross-contamination.

Housekeeping staff in hotels are now required to undergo specialized training on proper cleaning and disinfection protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and employees.

Recent research has indicated that the use of hand sanitizers by hotel guests, in addition to regular handwashing, can significantly reduce the transfer of pathogens from high-touch surfaces to the hands and subsequently to the face or food.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Sanitize High-Touch Areas Regularly
  2. 7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Pack Travel-Sized Disinfectant Wipes
  3. 7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Request a Room Change for Unclean Conditions
  4. 7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Avoid Direct Contact with Hotel Bedspreads
  5. 7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Inspect Bathroom for Cleanliness upon Arrival
  6. 7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Utilize In-Room Coffeemakers with Caution

7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Pack Travel-Sized Disinfectant Wipes


Packing travel-sized disinfectant wipes is a recommended hygiene hack for maintaining a clean and sanitized hotel stay.

These portable wipes allow travelers to quickly and effectively disinfect high-touch surfaces in their rooms, from light switches to remote controls, ensuring a healthier environment during their trip.

Numerous brand options are available, offering different scents and formulas to suit individual preferences.

Disinfectant wipes can inactivate up to 9% of common germs, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making them highly effective for cleaning hotel rooms.

The active ingredients in disinfectant wipes, such as quaternary ammonium compounds or alcohol, have been shown to have a prolonged residual effect, providing continued protection against microorganisms even after initial application.

Researchers have found that the use of disinfectant wipes can reduce the microbial load on high-touch surfaces in hotel rooms by up to 90%, significantly lowering the risk of cross-contamination.

Certain disinfectant wipes are formulated with essential oils, such as lemon or lavender, which can provide a pleasant scent and additional antimicrobial properties to enhance the cleaning experience.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that disinfectant wipes can effectively remove and inactivate a wide range of pathogens, including influenza viruses, norovirus, and even methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).

The compact and portable design of travel-sized disinfectant wipes makes them highly convenient for on-the-go sanitization, allowing travelers to maintain a clean and hygienic environment in hotel rooms, on airplanes, and during other transportation.

Interestingly, some disinfectant wipes are specifically formulated to be safe for use on electronic devices, such as smartphones and tablets, without leaving behind any residue or damaging the screens.

7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Request a Room Change for Unclean Conditions


If you encounter unclean conditions in your hotel room, you can report it to the hotel staff and request a room change.

If that's not possible, you can ask if they have a scent diffuser or dehumidifier to help alleviate the issue.

Hotel cleanliness is a critical aspect, as 85% of guests cite it as their main focus when reading reviews, so hotels should strive to maintain high standards of hygiene and sanitation.

Studies have shown that up to 81% of hotel room surfaces, including bathroom fixtures and remote controls, can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus, even after routine cleaning by housekeeping staff.

Researchers have discovered that hotel room carpets can contain up to 4 times more dirt and dust mites than the average household carpet, posing potential health risks to guests.

An analysis of hotel rooms revealed that pillows and mattresses can accumulate significant amounts of dead skin cells, hair, and body fluids, which can serve as breeding grounds for dust mites and other allergens.

Certain hotels have been found to reuse guest towels without proper disinfection, potentially exposing new guests to the bacteria and viruses left behind by previous occupants.

Scientific studies have identified that hotel room telephones can harbor up to 10 times more germs than the average toilet seat, highlighting the importance of disinfecting these high-touch surfaces.

An engineering analysis revealed that poorly maintained HVAC systems in hotels can circulate airborne contaminants, such as mold spores and bacteria, throughout the building, compromising indoor air quality.

Surprisingly, a survey of hotel guests found that up to 25% of them do not report unclean conditions in their rooms, either due to a lack of awareness or a reluctance to confront hotel staff, potentially leading to the perpetuation of unsanitary practices.

7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Avoid Direct Contact with Hotel Bedspreads


Hotel bedspreads can harbor a significant amount of germs and should be avoided as much as possible during a hotel stay.

Studies have found that only a quarter to half of hotels change the bedspreads between guests, leaving them as potential breeding grounds for bacteria and viruses.

To minimize direct contact with hotel bedspreads, travelers are advised to use hand sanitizer frequently and consider bringing disposable covers or avoiding unnecessary contact with the bedspread altogether.

Studies have shown that hotel bedspreads can harbor a diverse array of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi, which can potentially lead to the transmission of illnesses if not properly sanitized.

Researchers have found that only 25-44% of hotels change the bedspreads between guest stays, leaving a significant risk of cross-contamination.

The ice machine and room remote control have been identified as some of the dirtiest areas in a hotel room, often overlooked during routine cleaning.

Using a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content and frequently washing your hands can help reduce the risk of contracting germs from high-touch surfaces in hotels.

Carefully selecting a hotel that prioritizes cleanliness and considering bringing disposable covers for items like the telephone can help ensure a more hygienic hotel stay.

Wearing gloves when handling hotel bed sheets during washing is highly recommended as an added layer of protection against potential contaminants.

Packing disinfecting wipes and a UV-C light can be beneficial for thoroughly cleansing hotel bed sheets and other surfaces to minimize direct contact with germs and bacteria.

Researchers have found that the use of disinfectant wipes can reduce the microbial load on high-touch surfaces in hotel rooms by up to 90%, significantly lowering the risk of cross-contamination.

Certain disinfectant wipes are formulated with essential oils, such as lemon or lavender, which can provide a pleasant scent and additional antimicrobial properties to enhance the cleaning experience.

7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Inspect Bathroom for Cleanliness upon Arrival


Thoroughly inspecting the hotel bathroom upon arrival is crucial for ensuring a clean and comfortable stay.

Look for signs of neglect, such as dust, grime, or hair left behind, and pay close attention to high-traffic areas like the toilet seat, faucet handles, and mirror frames.

Various hygiene hacks, like bringing your own toiletries and using luggage racks to minimize water damage, can further enhance the bathroom experience.

Studies have found that up to 81% of hotel room surfaces, including bathroom fixtures and door handles, can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus, even after routine cleaning by housekeeping staff.

Researchers have discovered that hotel bathroom carpets can contain up to 4 times more dirt and dust mites than the average household carpet, posing potential health risks to guests.

An analysis of hotel rooms revealed that bathroom pillows and mattresses can accumulate significant amounts of dead skin cells, hair, and body fluids, which can serve as breeding grounds for dust mites and other allergens.

Scientific studies have identified that hotel bathroom telephones can harbor up to 10 times more germs than the average toilet seat, highlighting the importance of disinfecting these high-touch surfaces.

An engineering analysis revealed that poorly maintained HVAC systems in hotel bathrooms can circulate airborne contaminants, such as mold spores and bacteria, throughout the building, compromising indoor air quality.

Surprisingly, a survey of hotel guests found that up to 25% of them do not report unclean conditions in their bathroom, either due to a lack of awareness or a reluctance to confront hotel staff.

Researchers have found that the use of disinfectant wipes can reduce the microbial load on high-touch surfaces in hotel bathrooms by up to 90%, significantly lowering the risk of cross-contamination.

Certain disinfectant wipes are formulated with essential oils, such as lemon or lavender, which can provide a pleasant scent and additional antimicrobial properties to enhance the bathroom cleaning experience.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that disinfectant wipes can effectively remove and inactivate a wide range of pathogens, including influenza viruses, norovirus, and even methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in hotel bathrooms.

Interestingly, some disinfectant wipes are specifically formulated to be safe for use on electronic devices, such as bathroom light switches and fixtures, without leaving behind any residue or damaging the surfaces.

7 Hygiene Hacks for a Cleaner Hotel Stay - Utilize In-Room Coffeemakers with Caution


Hotel in-room coffeemakers can harbor a concerning amount of germs and bacteria, posing potential health risks to guests.

Studies have found that these machines often contain higher levels of contaminants than even bathroom surfaces.

To mitigate the risks, it's crucial to exercise caution when using in-room coffeemakers and employ effective cleaning methods.

By taking the necessary precautions, travelers can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee while maintaining a cleaner and more hygienic hotel stay.

A 2011 NSF International Household Germ Study found that coffee makers in homes had more germs than bathroom faucet handles and toilet seats, including yeast, staph, coliform, and mold.

Hotel coffee makers can pose health risks due to poor cleaning and design, which can collect bacteria and other harmful germs.

In-room coffee makers may not be properly cleaned, and it's unlikely that they are cleaned regularly, as most coffee machines are never cleaned the way they should be.

The inside of a coffee machine can get pretty dirty, as the water reservoir, brew basket, and other components are often neglected during cleaning.

Descaling and thorough cleaning methods, such as using vinegar or a descaling solution, can help mitigate the risks associated with in-room coffee makers.

Studies have shown that the use of hand sanitizers by hotel guests, in addition to regular handwashing, can significantly reduce the transfer of pathogens from high-touch surfaces like coffee makers to the hands and subsequently to the face or food.

Researchers have discovered that hotel room carpets can contain up to 4 times more dirt and dust mites than the average household carpet, which can accumulate in and around coffee makers.

An engineering analysis revealed that poorly maintained HVAC systems in hotels can circulate airborne contaminants, such as mold spores and bacteria, throughout the building, including the areas where in-room coffee makers are located.

Surprisingly, a survey of hotel guests found that up to 25% of them do not report unclean conditions in their rooms, including issues with the coffee maker, either due to a lack of awareness or a reluctance to confront hotel staff.

Certain disinfectant wipes are specifically formulated to be safe for use on electronic devices, such as coffee makers, without leaving behind any residue or damaging the surfaces.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that disinfectant wipes can effectively remove and inactivate a wide range of pathogens, including influenza viruses and norovirus, which can be present in poorly cleaned in-room coffee makers.

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