Buzz
While hotels employ cleaning staff to ensure a tidy and pleasant stay, certain spots might still be overlooked. For those particularly concerned about hygiene or staying in budget accommodations, taking a few extra cleaning steps upon arrival can make a big difference. But which areas should you focus on?
Disinfect Frequently Handled Surfaces
Carry a compact pack of disinfectant wipes during your travels and use them to sanitize high-touch areas as soon as you enter your room. As one Redditor shared, they prioritize wiping down these surfaces immediately:
The TV remote
Bedside tables
Door knobs
Light controls
The flush lever
The telephone
The refrigerator handle
This straightforward step can ease your worries, so carefully inspect your surroundings for frequently touched objects: dresser handles or the hair dryer grip, for instance, might benefit from a quick sanitizing wipe.
Focus on the kitchenette
Many hotel rooms come equipped with coffee makers and cups, often disposable and individually wrapped. However, the coffee pot itself may need attention. Run a cleaning cycle on the coffee maker before brewing, and if ceramic mugs are provided, give them a thorough rinse. The same applies to wine glasses, cutlery, and dishes.
Think about packing your own essentials
If possible, consider packing your own bedding or towels. Before dismissing the idea, note that a 2019 QS Supplies survey of 1,008 individuals revealed that 10% of respondents already brought their own sheets to hotels—even before the pandemic heightened our awareness of germs.
This suggestion is also widely discussed on Reddit. An additional related tip is to carry a pair of flip flops exclusively for walking around your room, similar to what you might use in a gym shower.
