However, housekeeping staff say that if you see these items in a hotel, it’s best to leave them untouched.
1. Hot Water Pot
When staying at a hotel, it’s common to find a hot water pot provided for your convenience, especially if you want to enjoy a hot drink or cook instant noodles. However, this is one of the items that you should think twice about using.
The reason behind this is that there have been reports of irresponsible guests using the hot water pot to boil their socks, underwear, and other personal items. Can you be sure that the pot in your room hasn’t been misused in a similar manner?
If you must use it, it’s advisable to boil water a few times and pour it into the toilet bowl to disinfect the pot.
2. Bath Towels
Hotels and inns typically provide spotlessly clean, pristine white bath and face towels. However, there’s no guarantee that these items have been thoroughly sanitized or that previous guests have used them appropriately.
Some people might use these towels to wipe surfaces like toilet seats or even their shoes. Such behavior is not only unhygienic but also poses a risk of cross-contamination since these towels are meant for personal use.
Moreover, sharing bath towels can lead to gynecological issues for women and other infectious diseases for men if the towels are not properly washed and dried. Therefore, it’s essential to be cautious when using towels provided by hotels to ensure your hygiene and health.
3. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
If you frequently stay at hotels or inns, you’re probably familiar with the standard white toothbrush with stiff bristles and a small tube of generic blue toothpaste, devoid of any branding or expiration date. The toothpaste often has a gritty texture and sometimes emits a bleach-like odor.
These items are commonly sold at wholesale markets and are favored by budget hotels due to their low cost. However, using unbranded toothpaste poses potential health risks, as you’re unaware of its ingredients. Additionally, stiff-bristled toothbrushes can lead to oral health issues such as gum bleeding, gum inflammation, and gum disease.
4. Plastic Slippers
We often overlook the hygiene of items that come into contact with our feet in hotels, such as doormats and slippers. While plastic slippers may seem harmless, they can harbor health risks.
Firstly, countless people have worn them, and hotels rarely disinfect or sanitize these slippers. You may encounter dirty slippers with yellow stains or even strands of hair from previous guests. In this environment, bacteria and fungi can thrive and cause foot-related issues like athlete’s foot and nail fungus.
Therefore, it’s advisable to use disposable slippers or bring your own clean pair. This practice not only reduces the risk of cross-contamination but also ensures the hygiene of your feet.