Safe and sound: Expert advice for a hygienic hotel experience
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Getting ready for your next hotel getaway? Before you unpack your bags, it's essential to understand some key factors in hotel hygiene.
Staying in hotels, while often a necessary part of the journey, can come with its own set of challenges and health concerns.
Dr Charles Puza, a seasoned traveller and medical professional, has shared some invaluable advice for ensuring a safe and comfortable hotel stay.
Dr Puza said, ‘It’s tempting but don’t use these hotel products.’
While it might seem like a nice perk, these products are often loaded with fragrances and chemicals that can be extremely drying, particularly after a long flight when your skin is already dehydrated.
Upon arrival, Dr Puza's routine includes a thorough inspection for bed bugs, a common and increasingly problematic issue in accommodations worldwide.
He advised checking the room's corners and under the bed for any signs of these unwelcome guests, and checking/confirming if your accommodation is on the online bed bug registry.
Bed bugs can ruin a good night's sleep and hitch a ride home with you, leading to a troublesome infestation.
Regarding the room's cleanliness, Dr Puza is particularly cautious about 'dirty things' such as remote controls and glassware.
He said, ‘(The) same rag that cleans the sink and the toilet is usually the rag that wipes down those surfaces.’
This cross-contamination can be a hotbed for germs and bacteria, especially concerning those with compromised immune systems.
The doctor's insights resonated with many, garnering significant attention online.
Fellow travellers also chimed in with their own tips.
One user said, ‘If you need to use the remote, cover it with the shower cap. Works like a charm!’
‘I carry cleaning spray and spray down the shower floor and toilet and then antibacterial wipe all surfaces we touch including remote. You can get warts from the shower, floor, and pool,’ another user added.
Other users shared their own cautionary tales.
‘After 35 yrs with the largest airline in the world, never leave your toothbrush in the bathroom. Keep it in a case in a drawer or your suitcase,’ added one user.
Another user said, ‘I started a job at a hotel supervisor and the shampoo and conditioners were expired but they still were refilling them. I mentioned it but no one listened.’
You can check out Dr Puza’s video here!
Source: TikTok / @drcharlesmd1
The conversation around hotel hygiene doesn't end there.
Former Hotel Manager Melissa Hanks shared disturbing accounts of refillable toiletry bottles being tampered with, sometimes containing substances as vile as bodily fluids or hair removal cream.
This alarming revelation is enough to make anyone think twice before using these products.
Want to know more about unhygienic practices that the hotel industry doesn't want you to know about?
Read this article on the truth about leftover soap in hotels.
We encourage our members to consider these expert tips during their hotel stays. Remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry, particularly when maintaining your well-being while enjoying your travels.
Have you ever encountered a problem with hotel cleanliness or had a tip to share that has improved your travel experience? Share your stories in the comments below!
Staying in hotels, while often a necessary part of the journey, can come with its own set of challenges and health concerns.
Dr Charles Puza, a seasoned traveller and medical professional, has shared some invaluable advice for ensuring a safe and comfortable hotel stay.
Dr Puza said, ‘It’s tempting but don’t use these hotel products.’
While it might seem like a nice perk, these products are often loaded with fragrances and chemicals that can be extremely drying, particularly after a long flight when your skin is already dehydrated.
Upon arrival, Dr Puza's routine includes a thorough inspection for bed bugs, a common and increasingly problematic issue in accommodations worldwide.
Dr Puza posted a video containing his tips on social media. The video has since been viewed over 30 thousand times. Image Source: TikTok / @drcharlesmd1
He advised checking the room's corners and under the bed for any signs of these unwelcome guests, and checking/confirming if your accommodation is on the online bed bug registry.
Bed bugs can ruin a good night's sleep and hitch a ride home with you, leading to a troublesome infestation.
Regarding the room's cleanliness, Dr Puza is particularly cautious about 'dirty things' such as remote controls and glassware.
He said, ‘(The) same rag that cleans the sink and the toilet is usually the rag that wipes down those surfaces.’
This cross-contamination can be a hotbed for germs and bacteria, especially concerning those with compromised immune systems.
The doctor's insights resonated with many, garnering significant attention online.
Fellow travellers also chimed in with their own tips.
One user said, ‘If you need to use the remote, cover it with the shower cap. Works like a charm!’
‘I carry cleaning spray and spray down the shower floor and toilet and then antibacterial wipe all surfaces we touch including remote. You can get warts from the shower, floor, and pool,’ another user added.
Other users shared their own cautionary tales.
‘After 35 yrs with the largest airline in the world, never leave your toothbrush in the bathroom. Keep it in a case in a drawer or your suitcase,’ added one user.
Another user said, ‘I started a job at a hotel supervisor and the shampoo and conditioners were expired but they still were refilling them. I mentioned it but no one listened.’
You can check out Dr Puza’s video here!
Source: TikTok / @drcharlesmd1
The conversation around hotel hygiene doesn't end there.
Former Hotel Manager Melissa Hanks shared disturbing accounts of refillable toiletry bottles being tampered with, sometimes containing substances as vile as bodily fluids or hair removal cream.
This alarming revelation is enough to make anyone think twice before using these products.
Want to know more about unhygienic practices that the hotel industry doesn't want you to know about?
Read this article on the truth about leftover soap in hotels.
Have you ever encountered a problem with hotel cleanliness or had a tip to share that has improved your travel experience? Share your stories in the comments below!
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