The hotel industry is notorious for its demanding nature, characterized by long hours and irregular shifts, which truly make individuals working in this sector unsung heroes. It’s a challenging field with tight time constraints, so it’s not uncommon for minor oversights to occur when preparing numerous rooms before the 3pm check-in deadline on a bustling Friday evening.
During my stays at various hotels, I’ve encountered overlooked items such as discarded clothing on the floor, partially consumed beverages in the fridge, an unclean robe, and even a stained sheet in rooms that were supposed to be pristine. While these issues are visibly apparent, one aspect I always pay close attention to and sanitize meticulously upon entering a hotel room is the glassware.
Many of us have encountered a complimentary tea and coffee setup upon checking into a hotel room. However, my experience working in hospitality has revealed that not all establishments adequately clean their mugs before the next guest’s arrival, which can be quite off-putting.
On multiple occasions, I’ve observed housekeeping staff quickly rinsing mugs in the bathroom sink, giving them a cursory wipe, and placing them back for the next guest. While this might eliminate surface residues of coffee or tea, it falls short of thorough cleaning for items regularly used by guests.
This practice also extends to water glasses placed on sinks or bedside tables – a brief rinse and it’s deemed acceptable. While not all hotels engage in this behavior, my personal encounters have made me somewhat cautious.
Consequently, I’ve made it a habit to inspect the glassware meticulously during every hotel check-in, ensuring a thorough rinse with boiling water from the kettle as a precautionary step, coupled with a touch of hand soap for added cleanliness. This simple DIY sterilization gives me peace of mind, avoiding the need to request fresh glassware out of concern for inadequate cleaning.
I empathize with housekeepers who face a myriad of cleaning tasks, from changing bed linens, deep cleaning bathrooms, and vacuuming floors to restocking minibars and meticulously folding towels. With a 3pm room turnover deadline and potential staff shortages, the pressure on them is substantial.
Past investigations by ABC News uncovered that in 11 out of 15 hotels surveyed, housekeeping staff did not replace glassware during room cleanings; instead, they were merely rinsed and wiped down hastily. Some hotels address this hygiene issue by providing plastic-wrapped cups or implementing stringent glassware cleaning protocols, although certainty in cleanliness remains a challenge.
Next time you settle into a hotel room, consider giving your mug a quick rinse with boiling water as a precautionary measure. For added reassurance, bring a reusable water bottle or request a fresh mug from the hotel bar to avoid contemplating the hygiene of previously used glassware while enjoying your morning beverage.
