TV Remote Control: The Most Bacteria-Laden Item That Is Hard to Clean
Ice Buckets, Cups, and Electric Kettles That Come Into Contact with Food Are Also Risky
As record-breaking heatwaves continue, more people are seeking refuge in hotels to escape the heat. However, experts have issued warnings about the hygiene conditions in hotel rooms, urging caution.
On August 5, the New York Post cited research from the University of Houston, reporting, "In some hotel rooms, bacterial counts have been measured at up to ten times higher than hospital standards." The report added, "Rooms may appear clean on the surface, but a surprisingly large amount of bacteria and viruses can be lurking out of sight."
Only 30 Minutes for Room Cleaning... The Most Dangerous Item Is the TV Remote
Reference photo of a hotel room to aid understanding of the article. Unrelated to the main text. Pixabay
According to the report, the average cleaning time per hotel room is only about 30 minutes. The head of housekeeping at a hotel in Italy stated, "We rarely touch decorative cushions or bedding." Although cushions on the bed or carpets may look clean, they can actually be breeding grounds for bacteria.
Experts particularly warn about the TV remote control. It is a common room item that is touched by many guests but is rarely disinfected or cleaned. One expert said, "The TV remote is the item with the most bacteria in a hotel room," explaining, "Many guests handle it frequently, and its uneven design makes it difficult to clean thoroughly." The expert also noted, "There can be hundreds of microorganisms per square inch on a TV remote."
Ice Buckets and Cups Also Unprotected... Cases of Norovirus Outbreaks
Reference photo of a hotel room to aid understanding of the article. Unrelated to the main text. Pixabay
Ice buckets and cups, which come into contact with food and drink, can also pose serious hygiene issues. In fact, last year, there was a case at a hotel in Las Vegas where a virus contaminated the ice bucket, leading to a norovirus outbreak. The problem is that many hotels do not replace cups and ice buckets, often just rinsing them with water. Experts recommend boiling water in an electric kettle to rinse personal cups or items again for added safety.
The bathroom is not a safe zone, either. According to a 2023 survey, bathtubs contained a high amount of bacteria, with up to 40 times more bacteria than toilet seats. The report stated, "Some studies have found that hotel bathrooms can be dirtier than airplane bathrooms." A travel expert advised, "Unless you are staying at a top-tier five-star hotel, it is best to avoid using the bathtub. In particular, jacuzzi tubs with jet functions should be avoided, as the internal disinfection may not be thorough."
Experts suggest several steps for safer hotel stays: remove decorative cushions and carpets immediately upon arrival; disinfect TV remotes, switches, and telephones directly with alcohol swabs or disinfectant wipes; wash bathroom mats, towels, glasses, and ice buckets before use; and store your luggage so that it does not come into direct contact with the bed.
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