8 Hygiene Risks Most Hotels and Accommodation Don’t Tell You About

When we travel, we often assume that hotels and accommodation are cleaned to the same standards we maintain in our own homes. In reality, many surfaces are cleaned quickly between guests, and some items are rarely sanitised at all.

For women travelling alone, especially when rebuilding independence or moving through unfamiliar environments, hygiene plays an important role in both physical health and emotional comfort.

Here are eight hygiene risks many travellers don’t realise exist.

1. Shower Floors and Foot Fungus

Shower floors in hotels, hostels and shared accommodation can carry bacteria and fungi from previous guests. One of the most common risks is athlete’s foot, a fungal infection that thrives in warm, damp environments.

Public showers and hotel bathrooms can easily spread these infections when floors are not disinfected properly between guests.

Many frequent travellers recommend:

• wearing shower sandals or flip flops

• avoiding direct contact with wet floors

• drying feet thoroughly after showering

Foot fungus can spread quickly and become uncomfortable to treat while travelling.

2. Pillows and Pillowcases

Pillows are one of the most overlooked hygiene concerns in accommodation. While pillowcases are often replaced, the pillow itself is rarely washed.

Over time pillows can accumulate:

• sweat

• skin cells

• bacteria

• dust mites

In some places, the pillowcases themselves may not be replaced as frequently as expected.

Sleeping directly on unfamiliar bedding can expose travellers to allergens and bacteria, especially for people with sensitive skin.

Using a personal pillowcase or pillow cover creates a clean barrier between your face and the pillow. This simple layer can reduce contact with bacteria, oils and allergens from previous guests.

For many women travelling alone, bringing a personal pillow cover also provides a sense of comfort and familiarity when sleeping in unfamiliar places.

3. Bedspreads and Decorative Bedding

The decorative blankets and bedspreads placed over hotel beds are often the least washed items in the room.

Unlike sheets, these outer covers may only be washed occasionally.

Because they sit on top of the bed, they collect:

• dust

• dirt from luggage

• bacteria from previous guests

Many travellers remove the decorative cover entirely before getting into bed.

4. Kettles and Coffee Machines

It may seem surprising, but hotel kettles and coffee machines are sometimes used for purposes other than making tea or coffee.

There have been numerous reports of guests using kettles to heat food items such as noodles, soup, or even eggs. In rare cases people have even used them to wash clothing or personal items.

Because kettles are rarely deep-cleaned between guests, residue can remain inside.

A good precaution is to:

• rinse the kettle before use

• boil water once and discard it

• avoid using it if it appears dirty inside

5. Remote Controls and Light Switches

Remote controls are one of the most frequently touched objects in any hotel room.

Yet they are also among the least disinfected items.

Studies have found remote controls often carry bacteria because they are handled by multiple guests and rarely sanitised thoroughly.

Light switches, bedside lamps and alarm clocks can also collect bacteria from repeated contact.

Many travellers simply wipe these surfaces with disinfectant wipes upon arrival.

6. Drinking Glasses and Cups

In some accommodation, drinking glasses may only be rinsed rather than fully sanitised.

There have been cases where glasses were wiped with the same cloth used to clean other surfaces in the room.

If the glass appears dusty or unclear, it may be safer to:

• rinse it with hot water

• wash it with soap if possible

• use bottled water instead

7. Carpets and Floors

Carpets in hotel rooms can accumulate bacteria, dust and allergens over time. While vacuumed regularly, deep cleaning may only occur periodically.

Walking barefoot on carpets can expose feet to bacteria or fungi, particularly in rooms that have experienced heavy foot traffic.

Many frequent travellers avoid walking barefoot in accommodation and use indoor footwear instead.

8. Bathroom Counters and Sinks

Bathroom surfaces may look clean but can still carry bacteria from previous guests.

Items placed directly on counters such as:

• toothbrushes

• skincare products

• makeup

can pick up bacteria from surfaces that have not been fully disinfected.

Using a small personal pouch or towel to place hygiene items on can reduce contact with these surfaces.

Why Hygiene Matters When Travelling

For women travelling alone, especially when navigating unfamiliar environments or rebuilding independence after difficult life transitions, small details of hygiene can make a significant difference.

Feeling clean, comfortable and safe in a sleeping space can help restore a sense of control and stability.

Sometimes the smallest comforts make the biggest difference.

This is one of the reasons Rough Brew believes in practical solutions that support both personal hygiene and peace of mind when travelling.

A simple personal pillow cover, for example, creates a protective barrier between your skin and unfamiliar bedding, helping reduce contact with bacteria, allergens and residue left behind from previous guests.

It also creates something equally important when sleeping in unfamiliar places.

A small sense of comfort and familiarity.