How Can You Tell if a Hotel Room Really Is Clean?

While many hotel cleaning staffs do an excellent job cleaning rooms between stays, other hotels have a reputation for cutting corners and failing to thoroughly disinfect everything. For this reason, some travelers have a tiny voice in the back of their heads that wonders if the room is actually as neat and tidy as it should be. Sometimes, you may find stains on the pillow or fingerprints all over the TV remote, while other times the germs and bacteria may be invisible to the naked eye. With that in mind, here are six helpful tips for how to tell if your hotel room is really clean when you check in.

Check the Bedding

When it comes to hotel bedding, there are several obvious visual signs to look for. Begin by examining the sheets and pillowcases for any stains or discoloration. Also inspect the sheets for any unusual creasing; this messy appearance may suggest that the bed was hastily made between guests rather than completely washed and replaced with fresh sheets. Consider removing the pillowcases and checking the pillows, too, for an unsightly yellow color that may suggest they need to be replaced. It might also be worth traveling with a handheld blacklight that you can use to literally shine a light on invisible bed stains.

But perhaps the single most important thing to look out for when checking the bedding is evidence of bed bugs — which is why experts recommend you should always put your luggage in the hotel bathtub first. Examine the sheets for any dry red or black spots, which could be indicative of dried bed bug excrement. Then, remove the sheets and look for actual bugs in the crevices of the mattress itself. If any red flags are raised, contact the front desk to request new bedding or a new room.

Peek Behind Fixtures

At first glance, your hotel room may appear spick-and-span, but a little snooping can reveal some untidy spots. Look behind the dresser, under the bed, and move some chairs around to make sure nothing was missed during cleaning. Then, carefully move around some of the fixtures, like the TV, bedside lamp, or mini fridge. Chances are, you’ll reveal some dirt and grime you may have otherwise overlooked. Unfortunately, if this is the case in your room, it’s probably the case in every other room as well. That’s why it’s recommended to travel with a portable air purifier that can help you deal with any potential dust concerns.

Search for Mold

Extreme mold buildup often doesn’t happen overnight, so moldy walls can be indicative of repeated failures to keep the room clean. Look for peeling wallpaper or water stains on the wall, both of which are likely signs of mold growth. Also feel around for any damp sections of the rug, as there could be moisture and mold growth underneath your feet. Then, head into the bathroom and look for any black mold along the edges of the tub or around the toilet and sink. Lastly, take a deep whiff of the room — if it smells musty or damp, that’s usually a sign of the room being unclean.

Inspect Common Touchpoints

Door handles, TV remotes, and light switches are some of the most common touchpoints in any hotel room. A 2012 study conducted by researchers at the University of Houston found these specific items to be among the dirtiest objects in a hotel. These findings suggested that some hotel cleaning crews were neglecting touchpoints and leaving future guests susceptible to germs and bacteria. When you check into your room, examine these objects for obvious signs of dirt such as smudges or fingerprints, and bring some disinfecting wipes with you in case you need to wipe them down. You can always contact the front desk to express your concerns, too.

Scan Communal Areas

Dirty common areas can raise red flags about a hotel’s commitment to overall cleanliness. For instance, if you notice trash all over the parking area, that’s a potentially concerning sign right off the bat. And if you go into the lobby and notice crumbs all over the breakfast area or overflowing garbage bins, that’s also a sign of neglect. Often, it’s not the fault of the housekeeping crew, who may be short-staffed or have limited supplies, but it’s still something worth noting, as that lack of cleanliness may very well carry over to the guest rooms.

Do Your Research

Sites like Google Reviews and Tripadvisor make it simple for hotel guests to post reviews to warn future visitors about issues they encountered during their stay. Before booking any room, check recent reviews to see if there are any comments on cleanliness. If you notice a repeated pattern of negative reviews and unsatisfied individuals, it’s unlikely your stay will be much different. You can always contact the hotel and express your concerns, as some hotel managers will try to go above and beyond to ensure you have a pleasant stay. But otherwise, heed the warning of those who stayed at the hotel before you.