Filthy Secrets: Former Housekeeper Reveals How Dirty Hotels Really Are
Former Housekeeper Reveals How Dirty Hotels Really Are
Staying at a hotel often brings the expectation of cleanliness, luxury, and relaxation. However, according to a former housekeeper who’s worked in the industry for years, the reality behind those pristine lobbies and neatly made beds can be quite different. This anonymous insider shares the hidden truths about how dirty some hotels can really be and what guests should be aware of.
Former Housekeeper Reveals How Dirty Hotels Really Are
This insider’s account serves as a reminder that hotels, while often beautiful and seemingly clean, might not always live up to the expectations of hygiene that guests have. Staying vigilant and taking a few extra precautions can help ensure a safer, cleaner experience.
1. Corners Cut in Cleaning
The former housekeeper reveals that time constraints and pressure to clean a large number of rooms often lead to shortcuts. “In many places, we’re given about 20-30 minutes to clean a room, and that includes changing the linens, wiping down surfaces, and scrubbing the bathroom,” she explains. “When we’re rushing, things like remotes, light switches, or even the tops of counters often get skipped.” These high-touch surfaces can harbor bacteria and germs but may not be cleaned as thoroughly as guests assume.
2. Reused Linens and Towels
One of the most surprising revelations is that not all linens and towels are replaced after each guest. “Sometimes, if a bed looks like it hasn’t been used, we’re told to just smooth it out and leave it as is,” the witness states. “The same goes for towels—if they’re neatly hung up and don’t look dirty, we’re told to leave them.” While most reputable hotels change linens and towels between stays, this practice can occur, particularly in understaffed or overbooked hotels.
3. Uncleaned Glasses and Utensils
The housekeeper also noted that in-room glassware, such as drinking glasses or coffee mugs, might not be properly sanitized. “A lot of times, we don’t have access to a dishwasher or proper cleaning tools, so we might just rinse out the glasses with water and dry them with the same towel we’ve used for other surfaces,” she admits. This lack of proper sanitization can expose guests to germs left behind by previous occupants.
Former Housekeeper Reveals How Dirty Hotels Really Are
4. Bathrooms That Aren’t Always As Clean As They Look
While bathrooms often appear spotless, the anonymous worker warns that appearances can be deceiving. “We’re told to focus on making the bathroom look clean, but sometimes, it’s not as sanitary as you think,” she says. “If we’re short on time, we might skip scrubbing the toilet or shower thoroughly and just do a quick wipe-down instead.” This revelation is particularly concerning, as bathrooms are breeding grounds for bacteria.
5. Advice for Hotel Guests
Her parting advice? Be cautious and take some steps to protect yourself. “Always assume that high-touch items like remotes, door handles, and light switches haven’t been properly cleaned,” she says. “It’s a good idea to bring disinfectant wipes or spray with you and give these areas a quick wipe when you arrive.” She also suggests using your own drinking cups if possible, or thoroughly rinsing the ones in the room.
