Why You Should Throw a Water Bottle Under the Bed When Checking into a Motel or Hotel?

When you check into a hotel or motel, most of us expect a clean, comfortable environment where we can relax after a long journey. However, there’s a surprising trick that could ensure you’re staying in a truly clean room, and it involves a simple action that might seem odd at first: throwing a water bottle under the bed.

At first glance, this might sound strange—why on earth would you need to place a water bottle under the bed? But, believe it or not, this small action can reveal a lot about the cleanliness of your room. The reason this trick works lies in the often-overlooked details that housekeeping might miss. Let’s explore why this is such a useful tip when staying at hotels.

The Hidden Hazards of Hotel Rooms

While hotel staff works diligently to clean your room, there are areas that often go unchecked. One of the most overlooked spots in any hotel room is under the bed. This is especially true in high-traffic hotels where quick turnarounds are required between guests. While the visible areas of the room like the bathroom, countertops, and bed linens are generally cleaned and sanitized after every guest, the spaces underneath the bed can easily be forgotten.

Dust, dirt, and sometimes even trash can accumulate under the bed without housekeeping even noticing. This is where the water bottle trick comes in handy.

The Water Bottle Trick

Here’s how it works: When you first check into your room, take a water bottle (or any other small object) and throw it under the bed. Afterward, take a moment to check and see what’s under there. If you find dust, debris, or even worse, trash that hasn't been cleaned, it’s a sign that the room might not be as clean as you think. Sometimes, even a dirty or dusty room is a good indicator that the housekeeping staff may have overlooked the area during their cleaning routine.

But if the area underneath the bed is free from debris and dust, it’s a good sign that the hotel has been thorough in its cleaning and pays attention to the finer details.

Why This Trick Works

Hotels and motels can sometimes cut corners when it comes to cleaning, especially if they are busy. This is particularly true when rooms are cleaned quickly or between back-to-back guests. Housekeepers might focus on the visible and high-traffic areas, such as changing the linens and sanitizing the bathroom, but they might neglect places that aren’t immediately visible, like under the bed. This is where this little trick comes into play.

By throwing a water bottle under the bed, you're essentially conducting a test to see if the hotel staff has taken the time to properly clean the room, paying attention to every detail. It’s a quick and easy method to determine whether or not the hotel is truly committed to cleanliness, or if they’ve rushed through the process.

A Simple Step for Your Health and Comfort

Why should you care about what’s under the bed? Health and comfort are the main reasons. If a hotel room is not thoroughly cleaned, it might be harboring allergens, dust mites, and bacteria, which could cause discomfort or even illness. When you throw the bottle under the bed, you’re checking not just for dirt, but for the potential presence of these health hazards.

Another important reason to check under the bed is personal comfort. If you're someone who values a truly clean environment, knowing that your room is free of dust and debris will give you peace of mind. It’s a small but effective way to ensure a more comfortable and relaxing stay.

What to Do if You Find Dirt Under the Bed

If you do throw your water bottle under the bed and find it covered with dust, dirt, or trash, don’t panic. You still have options. Here’s what you can do:

1. Call the Front Desk: Contact the front desk or housekeeping to inform them of the oversight. Hotels often provide room change options when guests are dissatisfied with cleanliness. If a room isn’t up to standard, they may offer you a new room with a promise of better cleaning.

2. Request Cleaning: If you’re not ready to change rooms, you can ask for a deep cleaning of the room. Housekeeping may send someone up to clean the areas that were missed, ensuring that your stay is more comfortable.

3. Use the Situation to Be More Vigilant: Even if you don’t find dirt, it's always wise to check other areas of the room to ensure cleanliness. Take a closer look at the bathroom, check the linens, and inspect other corners of the room. Being proactive about cleanliness can improve your overall experience.