How to Spot Check Hotel Rooms for Cleanliness
I have been traveling the world since 1997. In that time, I have stayed in various 1-star and 2-star hotels of semi adequate repute and numerous hostels. Most people spend around $4,600, or more, when they go on vacation. Almost 75% of people assume over $1,100 in additional debts to finance their vacations.
This information also reveals that people pay a lot of money to take for granted the idea that their hotel rooms are clean. According to a 2012 scientific study, over81% of the surfaces in a hotel room contain various kinds of bacteria like fecal matter. When you consider that the average hotel room costs about $260 per night, that’s a lot of money to pay to contend with hygienic havoc.
When you walk into a hotel room, you probably shouldn’t jut jump into the sofa or bed and take a nap. Here are some cleanliness checks you can do for your own mental and hygienic security.
General Clean Up Tips
It’s always a good idea to do some general surface disinfection. Put your luggage in the middle of the room. Buy some plastic gloves, cleaning rags and some disinfecting products. Give a general cleaning and disinfecting wipe down to all the doorknobs, TV and cable remotes, cupboard and fridge handles, microwave, and the telephone.
Don’t forget the bathroom. Fill up the tub and dilute it with soap and bleach. Or, give it a good disinfecting scrubbing. Same with shower tiles. Do you believe that you’re the first person to use that toilet seat? Give it a thorough disinfecting. Clean surfaces and handles that definitely had tactile contact with the countless previous occupants.
Appliances, Glassware, and Utensils
Hotels usually provide complimentary plates, glassware, utensils, and appliances for use in the room. The problem is that every previous occupant used them as well. Inspect the utensils, glassware, plates, and cups for smudges, fingerprints, grime, or lipstick prints. You can request new ones from the hotel staff. Or, put them in the sink with hot water and disinfectant solution.
Look over all of the appliances in the room before you use them. Check for signs of mildew on the electric water boiler, teapot and coffee maker carafe. You can clean them yourself or ask for clean replacements.
Bedbug Infestation
Bedbugs are the real-life equivalent Freddy Krueger – they make you never want to go to sleep again. It’s best to check instead of making assumptions. Bedbugs are bold, so it won’t be hard to find clues that might confirm an infestation. They survive on blood, so you might find red or brown specks on a mattress or see them burrowed into it.
Bedbugs like to stay near warm, human bodies. Remove the bedsheet and examine the corners of the mattress as well as its underside. Don’t forget to check the sofa and furniture. Look thoroughly. You don’t want to bring the disgusting things back home.
It Might Pay to Walk Away
Don’t be afraid to ask for a new room if you notice your room is unkempt and unclean. If you see signs of vermin droppings, mold, or obscene dust build-up, then those are surefire signs that regular cleanings are not a priority for the establishment. As most hotels don’t have refund policies, your best bet may be to walk away instead of staying in a terrifyingly unhygienic hotel room.
You can clean them yourself or ask for clean replacements. You should also check if your hotel is pet friendly. If not, you should find pet friendly hotels and see the reviews for pet hair in rooms.
Read More
The 7 Most Forgotten Items at Hotels
Hotels vs Timeshares: Why Hotels Are the Cheaper Option
Getting the Best Deal When Making Hotel Reservations
Allen Francis is a full-time writer, prolific comic book investor and author of The Casual’s Guide: Why You Should Get Into Comic Book Investing. Allen holds a BA degree from Marymount Manhattan College. Before becoming a writer Allen was an academic advisor, librarian, and college adjunct for many years. Allen is an advocate of best personal financial practices including saving and investing in your own small business.
