Watch Out! Icky Ways Your Hotel Room Could Be Making You Sick!
Don’t let your hotel room ruin your vacation! A little extra caution can go a long way in keeping you happy and healthy on your next trip. 🏨😊 #HotelStaySafe #TravelSmarter #HealthFirst
Rochester, Minnesota – You might want to pack some extra sanitizing wipes on your next hotel stay! From bacteria-laden remote controls to contaminated carpets, there are plenty of sneaky ways your hotel room could be making you sick.
1. Watch Out for That Remote Control 📺
You know how everyone in your family fights over the TV remote at home? Well, imagine how many hands have touched the one in your hotel room! A study by Travelmath found that remote controls can be covered in bacteria that could cause all sorts of icky infections. Yuck!
2. Keep Your Stuff Off the Floor 🧳
You might think that hotel carpets are kept squeaky clean with all that vacuuming, but think again! A study presented at the American Society for Microbiology found that carpets can be full of fecal matter and other nasty bacteria. So maybe think twice before tossing your clothes on the floor!
3. Beware of the Comforter 🛏️
Sure, those fluffy hotel comforters look super inviting, but they might not be as clean as you think. According to a CNN investigation, some hotels only change comforters a few times a year. Ew! Make sure to request a fresh one when you check in.
4. Don’t Trust the Bathroom Counter 🚽
You might assume the toilet is the germiest spot in your hotel bathroom, but the counter could actually be way worse! The Travelmath study found that bathroom counters can be covered in all sorts of bacteria, so keep your toothbrush and makeup far away.
5. Skip the Hotel Phone ☎️
If you’re thinking of ordering some room service, you might want to use your cell phone instead of the hotel phone. The Travelmath researchers discovered that hotel phones can be full of bacteria that cause pneumonia and skin infections. No thanks!
6. Watch Out for Stale Air 😷
If you always seem to get sick when traveling, the stale air in your hotel room could be to blame. Poor ventilation can cause all sorts of icky symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and headaches. Try to spend some time outside the room if you can!
7. Rethink Those Glasses and Mugs ☕
You’d assume that the glasses and mugs in your room are squeaky clean, but some sneaky investigations have found that housekeeping often just rinses them out without a proper wash. Even worse, they sometimes “clean” them with sprays that are definitely not meant for drinking. Gross!
8. Beware a Busted AC 🌡️
There’s nothing better than escaping into a cool, air-conditioned hotel room. But if the AC smells a little funky, it could actually make you sick! Poorly maintained units can spread mold and other nasty particles that worsen asthma and allergies.
9. Protect Your Toothbrush 🦷
This one’s not just for hotel stays, but it’s extra important when traveling. Whenever you flush the toilet, all sorts of icky germs can fly into the air and land on your vulnerable toothbrush. Make sure to tuck it away somewhere safe between uses!
10. Don’t Get Too Close to the Sink 🚰
Just like the bathroom counter, the crevices around your hotel room sink can be a breeding ground for illness-causing bacteria. Give it a quick wipe-down when you arrive, and keep your stuff out of the splash zone.
11. Watch Out for Harsh Cleaners 🧽
While you might avoid harsh chemical cleaners at home, hotels aren’t always so picky. If you’re sensitive to strong scents, the cleaning products and air fresheners used in hotel rooms could trigger allergy and asthma symptoms.
12. Skip the Ice 🧊
Craving a cold drink after a long travel day? You might want to think twice before reaching for the room’s ice bucket. Dr. Jennifer Stagg warns that they can be full of germs, and could even contain traces of a previous guest’s norovirus. No ice, please!
13. Check the Cabinets 🗄️
Harmful compounds could be lurking in the unlikeliest of places: your room’s built-in cabinets. Researchers have found that some cabinets emit toxic substances called PCBs, which can potentially cause cancer. Yikes!
Conclusion
While it might seem like hotel rooms are full of hidden dangers, don’t let these sneaky hazards ruin your vacation! With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy a safe and healthy hotel stay. Pack some sanitizing wipes to clean high-touch surfaces, keep your personal items off the floor and away from the sink, and don’t be afraid to request fresh linens and glasses.
Remember, your health always comes first, even when you’re on the road. So go ahead and book that dream getaway—just don’t forget to pack your common sense alongside your sunscreen! 😉✨ #HotelSmarts #TravelWell #HealthyVacay
🗣 How do you stay healthy when traveling? We’d LOVE to hear your own travel hacks in the comments section below. ⬇️
