When you check into a hotel, everything may look clean at first glance. However, hotel rooms are notorious for harboring germs and bacteria, especially on items that housekeeping staff often overlook. While fresh sheets and towels go through high-temperature washing, other frequently touched surfaces and upholstery don’t get the same level of sanitation.

One of the dirtiest items in a hotel room is something you might not think twice about using—the chairs. Before you get too comfortable on your next trip, take a moment to consider what you’re really sitting on.

1. The Hidden Dangers of Hotel Room Chairs

Hotel chairs, especially upholstered armchairs, are one of the most unsanitary items in a room. Unlike hard surfaces that can be wiped down with disinfectant, fabric chairs are difficult to clean thoroughly. As a result, they become a hotspot for bacteria, dust, and even bedbugs.

Many travelers use these chairs as temporary storage, tossing their used clothes, damp towels, or even shoes on them. Some may sit down after a long day of sightseeing, transferring sweat, dirt, and germs from their skin or clothing. Because hotels don’t wash these chairs regularly, they can accumulate all kinds of bacteria over time.

Housekeeping staff often focus on making beds, vacuuming floors, and cleaning bathrooms. They may remove visible stains from chairs, but they rarely have the time or resources to deep-clean upholstered furniture. This means that even in luxury hotels, the chairs you sit on could be contaminated with germs from previous guests.

How to Protect Yourself

• Use a towel as a barrier: Before sitting down, cover the chair with a clean towel or an extra bed sheet to reduce direct contact.
• Wipe down hard surfaces: If the chair has wooden or plastic armrests, use a disinfectant wipe to clean them.
• Avoid placing personal items on chairs: Keep your clothes, bags, and electronics off the chair to prevent cross-contamination.

2. Carpets and Rugs—A Breeding Ground for Germs

If your hotel room has carpet or rugs, walking barefoot might not be the best idea. Unlike hard flooring, carpets are rarely deep-cleaned between guests. They trap dust, dirt, and bacteria, making them a potential health hazard.

Vacuuming alone doesn’t eliminate all contaminants, and spills or stains can seep into the fibers, creating an environment where bacteria thrive. In some cases, mold and mildew may even develop in rooms with poor ventilation.

How to Stay Safe

• Wear slippers or socks: Avoid direct contact with hotel carpets by wearing house slippers or clean socks.
• Shake out or sanitize your luggage: If you place your bags on the carpet, wipe them down before repacking to avoid bringing home unwanted germs.

3. Light Switches, Remote Controls, and Other High-Touch Surfaces

Hotel rooms are filled with high-touch surfaces that rarely get disinfected. Light switches, remote controls, and doorknobs are used by almost every guest, yet they don’t always receive the thorough cleaning they need. Research has shown that hotel remotes can be one of the dirtiest objects in a room, carrying bacteria, viruses, and even traces of bodily fluids.

How to Stay Safe

• Bring disinfectant wipes: Before using the remote, light switches, or doorknobs, wipe them down with an antibacterial wipe.
• Use a plastic bag or gloves: If you don’t have wipes, placing the remote inside a ziplock bag allows you to use it without direct contact.

4. Hotel Glassware—Looks Clean, But Is It?

Most hotels provide drinking glasses in the bathroom or minibar, but these may not be as clean as they appear. Housekeeping staff might simply rinse them instead of properly sanitizing them. Even worse, glasses stored in the bathroom are exposed to bacteria from toilet flushing. When the toilet is flushed, microscopic droplets can spread bacteria onto nearby surfaces, including drinking glasses.

How to Stay Safe

• Wash the glasses yourself: Before using any hotel glassware, rinse it with hot water and soap if available.
• Use disposable cups if provided: Many hotels offer wrapped plastic cups, which may be a safer option.

5. Other Overlooked Areas in Hotel Rooms

While hotel staff strive to maintain cleanliness, certain items often escape thorough sanitation. Some of these include:

• Hairdryers: These are touched frequently but rarely cleaned. Consider wiping them down before use.
• Electric kettles and coffee makers: Bacteria and mold can grow inside if they aren’t cleaned regularly. Rinse them with hot water before use.
• Balcony furniture: Outdoor chairs and tables may be exposed to dirt, dust, and even bird droppings. Wipe them down before sitting.

Final Thoughts

A hotel stay should be relaxing and enjoyable, but being mindful of cleanliness can help you avoid unwanted germs and bacteria. While hotel housekeeping teams do their best, they can’t always deep-clean every surface between guests. By taking simple precautions—like using disinfectant wipes, covering chairs with towels, and avoiding direct contact with high-touch surfaces—you can protect yourself from potential health risks.

Next time you check into a hotel, take a moment to sanitize your surroundings. A little extra effort can go a long way in ensuring a cleaner, safer stay.