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Hard to believe but these are probably the 10 dirtiest spots in a hotel room

TOI Lifestyle Desk
| ETimes.in | Last updated on - Apr 16, 2026, 09:30 IST
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1/11

Hard to believe but these are probably the 10 dirtiest spots in a hotel room

A hotel room is supposed to provide its guests with a comfortable and welcoming feeling, with its fresh linens, pristine furniture, and the scent of clean, sterilized surfaces. However, there are some things that cannot be seen from the surface. Some of the items that seem like harmless necessities are often not as sanitary as they seem. Time limitations, high occupancy rates, and other factors often lead to some of the more heavily used items being left unsanitized.
Here are some of the most unsanitary items in a hotel room you should be aware of.

2/11

TV remote control

This is one of the first things you'll pick up as soon as you arrive in your room. Interestingly enough, this item also happens to be one of the few things that never get sterilized. Considering how much contact it has with multiple people, this device tends to collect lots of bacteria, food particles, and germs. It would be a wise idea to sanitize the remote control before using it.

3/11

Light switches

Despite the frequent cleaning activities, light switches tend to be overlooked since they get touched many times over by all guests. They attract more bacteria compared to other surfaces owing to the high rate of contact.

4/11

Bedspreads and decorative pillows

As opposed to bed sheets, which are usually cleaned after each guest leaves, bedspreads and decorative pillows tend to be washed rarely. As a result, these items have been used multiple times before becoming clean and may have accumulated a lot of harmful substances. Even though they look very neat, these items should not be touched.

5/11

Hotel phone

Although guests prefer using their own phones when at hotels, the hotel's phone is also used occasionally and tends to be ignored by housekeepers. The mouthpiece and buttons tend to gather the most germs since they attract lots of people throughout the day.

6/11

Bathroom faucet and sink area

Despite regular cleaning, there could be other issues concerning high-contact surfaces in the bathrooms, such as faucet handles. Damp conditions in such places serve as perfect conditions for bacteria to survive. In addition, regular use and touching make these surfaces even dirtier compared to the toilet seat itself.

7/11

Coffee machine

It might look like the coffee machine is a safe option, but the fact is that its water compartments are prone to contamination by bacteria and mold. These areas of the coffee machine are not usually accessible to the cleaning staff.

8/11

Ice bucket

Even though ice buckets are lined, their contamination can occur due to the incorrect usage by past clients. Ice buckets cannot be considered clean without adequate maintenance and regular use of liners.

9/11

Hair dryer

The hair dryer is used regularly but is seldom cleaned or sterilized. The control panel and button section can become contaminated by germs, and the air vent can attract dust and debris as well. This is something that often remains unnoticed during regular cleaning procedures.

10/11

Curtains and drapes

Curtains are rarely washed. They capture dust particles, allergens, and other contaminants from indoors and outdoors as well. When opening and closing curtains, you might be touching more than just cloth.

11/11

Rugs and upholstered furniture

Vacuuming does not solve everything. Rugs, carpets, sofas, and other upholstery can harbor many impurities and contaminants left behind by previous occupants.

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