Ew, Yuck! 5 Of The Most Unexpected Germiest Places In Your Hotel Room

If you’re an avid traveler, you’re probably already wary of high-touch surfaces in hotel rooms (think: remote control, light switches and the coffee maker). But some lesser-known areas also harbor a slew of allergens, mold and other nasties you’d rather not be exposed to. “While most of the germs you come into contact with daily cause mild or self-limiting illness, no one wants to increase their risk of illness, especially while on vacation,” says Kelly Reynolds, a microbiologist at the University of Arizona College of Public Health.

We’re highlighting five unexpected yet germ-laden hotel room areas to be wary of:

1. Fabric headboards

If your hotel room has a fabric headboard, it may be a red flag. According to Reynolds, any fabric surface, including a headboard, can absorb moisture from the air along with sweat from skin contact, creating a ripe environment for mold accumulation and germs. “Skin flakes and dust may also accumulate over time, providing the perfect environment to sustain dust mites,” she adds. Unlike a hard surface that can be sanitized, soft surfaces are difficult to clean and, thus, can be germ hotbeds.

2. Desks

You may not consider the desk a high-touch surface, but Reynolds says they’re often a collection point for germ-harboring items like dirty clothes, shoes, purses, backpacks and cell phones. Not to mention, textiles that are common to desktops, such as wood, may be more difficult to disinfect without damaging the surface. “As such, these sites might not be as rigorously cleaned,” says Reynolds. “Desks can also harbor any spilled food or drinks, which provides a food source for bacteria and mold to grow."

3. Carpets

carpet in hotel room

Like upholstered items, carpets are soft surface prone to harboring germs and are difficult to clean. “We track a lot of germs onto carpets via dirty shoes, roller bags, spilled drinks and food, and even pets,” says Reynolds, adding that bodily oils, fluids, skin cells and hair are constantly shedding and settling on these types of surfaces. In general, tile floors are easier to clean and can better withstand water and disinfecting chemicals. Just keep in mind that tile grout, however, may be difficult to fully disinfect. “These porous sites commonly harbor visible, growing mold colonies,” says Reynolds. To minimize exposure to carpet germs, avoid going barefoot and opt for slippers. Or try placing towels in high-traffic areas of the hotel room.

4. Ice buckets and drinking glasses