Former Hotel Cleaner Reveals Shocking Secrets: Avoid These 5 Items at All Costs

Ex-hotel cleaner Tara Richardson has shared five hotel room items that guests should think twice about using during their stay.

 

 

Lisa Rinna’s Hotel Habit: More Justified Than You Think

For years, American actress Lisa Rinna (known for several TV roles) has been mocked for her almost obsessive cleaning ritual when staying in hotels.

The moment she enters a hotel room, she wipes down every surface she can with disinfectant wipes. While some may find this excessive, it’s actually not without reason.

According to Well+Good, hotel housekeeping staff are typically required to clean 15-20 rooms per 8-hour shift—leaving only 20-30 minutes per room. In that short time, they must clean the bathroom, make the bed, change towels, restock supplies, and take out the trash.

Given the time constraints and workload, some cleaning steps inevitably get skipped. Understanding this all too well, former hotel cleaner Tara Richardson has highlighted five of the least thoroughly cleaned items in hotel rooms.

If you plan on using these, make sure to sanitize them first!

1. Coffee Maker

“Coffee makers are usually given only a quick wipe-down—just a few sprays and a cloth wipe—because hotels prioritize appearance and efficiency over deep cleaning,” Richardson explains.

“They rarely receive thorough cleaning, meaning bacteria and even mold can accumulate inside due to trapped moisture and improper maintenance.”

2. Ice Bucket

Think placing a plastic liner in the ice bucket keeps it sanitary? Think again. Richardson warns that many guests misuse ice buckets in rather unsanitary ways.

“I’ve seen ice buckets used as dog bowls, for vomiting, and other gross purposes. Yet, they’re often just emptied, wiped with a cloth, and given a quick spray with a generic cleaning solution.”

3. Comforters and Duvets

Duvets—those thick, insulated hotel blankets—are essential for warmth, especially in colder seasons. However, Richardson warns that they’re rarely deep-cleaned or replaced.

“Unless there’s a visible stain, comforters and bedspreads are usually only washed once a year.” That’s also how often duvet covers and pillowcases get replaced.

4. Towels and Bathrobes

“We were always advised not to replace towels and bathrobes unless they looked dirty. This helps minimize laundry loads and avoid overwhelming the hotel’s washing facilities,” Richardson reveals.

To be safe, she suggests requesting fresh towels and robes directly from housekeeping, as they are more likely to have just been laundered.

5. Glassware

According to Richardson, the drinking glasses and coffee mugs in hotel rooms often don’t get properly cleaned.

“At my workplace, glassware was only rinsed in the bathroom sink and wiped down. We weren’t given dish soap, and glass items weren’t collected and sanitized in a dishwasher.”

How to Stay Hygienic in a Hotel Room

Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, Richardson advises bringing a few basic cleaning supplies.

“I always pack disinfectant wipes and quickly wipe down anything I plan to use—light switches, remote controls, phones, tabletops, and especially door handles,” she says.

Of course, hotel cleanliness varies widely, and Richardson’s insights aren’t meant to discourage hotel stays. Instead, they serve as a reminder to be mindful of hygiene when using hotel amenities.