Top 8+ Things Hotel Workers Say You Should Never Touch in Your Room

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

Hotel rooms are designed to provide comfort and convenience, but many everyday surfaces hide germs and bacteria left by previous guests. Items like remotes, coffee makers, light switches, and bathroom counters may seem harmless, yet they can harbor unseen risks. By learning which spots to approach with caution and taking simple hygiene precautions, you can safeguard your health while fully enjoying your stay. Awareness transforms your hotel experience into a clean, safe, and genuinely relaxing visit from check-in to check-out.

1. TV Remote Controls

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

The TV remote in your hotel room may seem harmless, but it is one of the most germ-laden items you’ll encounter. Studies have shown that remotes often harbor bacteria at levels comparable to toilet seats, as they are rarely disinfected between guests. Every button has likely been touched by dozens of hands, spreading oils, dirt, and microbes. To stay safe, consider wiping the remote with a disinfectant wipe before use or using a personal protective layer, reducing the risk of transferring bacteria to your hands and face.

2. Hotel Drinking Glasses

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

Hotel drinking glasses can be deceptively risky. While they appear sanitized, housekeepers may rinse them quickly with dirty cloths or water not intended for food contact, leaving behind germs. Guests who unknowingly drink from them can be exposed to bacteria, yeast, or mold. To protect yourself, request disposable cups, thoroughly wash the glass with hot water and soap, or use a travel-friendly cup. Awareness of these hidden contaminants ensures that your hydration is safe and worry-free during your stay.

3. Bedspreads and Duvets

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

Bedspreads and duvets are rarely washed between guests, meaning they can carry bacteria, dead skin, and other contaminants from previous occupants. Touching or sitting on them increases exposure, especially if your hands or clothing transfer germs. Many travelers opt to remove the decorative bedspread or avoid using it entirely, relying on freshly laundered sheets beneath. Recognizing that these layers are primarily for aesthetic purposes helps ensure your sleeping environment remains clean and hygienic throughout your stay.

4. Ice Buckets

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

Ice buckets in hotel rooms may seem perfectly safe, but studies show they can harbor bacteria if not properly cleaned. Many hotels fail to sanitize them regularly, leaving ice that touches your hands or drinks potentially contaminated. Using ice from a freshly requested or sanitized bucket or sticking to sealed bottled beverages significantly reduces health risks. Being cautious with these seemingly innocuous items ensures that your drinks remain refreshing without exposing you to unnecessary germs.

5. Bathroom Counters

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

Bathroom counters often look pristine, but they are hotspots for bacteria in hotel rooms. Residues from previous guests, cleaning supplies, and airborne particles accumulate quickly, creating a surface that can harbor harmful microbes. Wiping the counter with disinfectant before placing personal items or touching surfaces is a simple but effective precaution. Treating the bathroom counter with awareness allows you to use the space confidently without compromising your health during your stay.

6. Coffee Makers

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

Hotel room coffee makers are convenient, but they can harbor mold, bacteria, and old coffee residues if not properly cleaned between guests. Water reservoirs, filters, and drip trays are common breeding grounds for microbes. Using your coffee equipment, requesting a thoroughly cleaned machine from the front desk, or boiling water before use helps ensure your morning cup is safe. Being mindful of this popular amenity protects both your health and your enjoyment of a fresh, hygienic beverage.

7. Hair Dryers

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

Hair dryers may appear innocuous, but they can accumulate dust, oils, and bacteria from multiple guests over time. The interior, vents, and nozzle often go uncleaned, meaning each use can expose your hair and scalp to unwanted germs. To minimize risk, wipe the exterior, disinfect the handle, or bring your own portable dryer. Understanding that these devices are shared across countless guests highlights the importance of proactive hygiene in maintaining personal safety during your stay.

8. Light Switches

1. TV Remote Controls, 2. Hotel Drinking Glasses, 3. Bedspreads and Duvets, 4. Ice Buckets, 5. Bathroom Counters, 6. Coffee Makers, 7. Hair Dryers, 8. Light Switches

Light switches are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in a hotel room, making them a magnet for bacteria and germs. From the time the previous guest arrived until your check-in, countless hands may have activated the switch, leaving behind oils, dirt, and microbes. Disinfecting the switch before touching it or using a sanitized object to operate it can significantly reduce your risk of contamination. Awareness of these high-touch points ensures that even routine actions like turning on a light remain safe and hygienic.