Why Hotel Guests Should Boil Water and Pour It into the Toilet Upon Check-In
When traveling for work or leisure, staying in a hotel or motel is often part of the experience. While hotels aim to provide comfort and convenience, it’s essential to be aware of certain tips to make your stay safer and more hygienic. One particular piece of advice has been gaining attention, and it might seem unusual at first: boiling a pot of water and pouring it into the toilet upon check-in.
The Reason Behind This Advice
According to housekeeping staff quoted by Sohu, this practice addresses hygiene concerns, particularly in hotel bathrooms. While most travelers focus on checking for hidden cameras, ensuring the cleanliness of linens, or verifying the functionality of amenities like Wi-Fi and the TV, many overlook the cleanliness of the toilet and the electric kettle provided in the room. Here’s why these details matter:
1. Bathrooms: A High-Risk Zone for Germs
The toilet and surrounding bathroom surfaces are among the most bacteria-laden areas in a hotel room. Although hotel staff clean rooms between guests, not all establishments uphold strict hygiene standards. In some cases, the cleaning process can be rushed or inadequate. Pouring boiling water into the toilet and bathroom corners helps to disinfect these areas, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria or viruses left behind by previous occupants.
2. The Electric Kettle: A Questionable Appliance
Electric kettles, commonly found in hotel rooms, are convenient for boiling water. However, their cleanliness is often questionable. Guests may have used these kettles for purposes other than boiling water, and there is no way to know their history. Boiling a full pot of water serves a dual purpose: it disinfects the kettle itself and provides hot water that can be used to clean other areas, such as the toilet, sink, or bathroom floor.
3. A Safer Option for Water Consumption
While most hotels provide bottled water, it is often overpriced, and tap water quality may vary depending on the location. Many travelers prefer to boil tap water in the kettle for drinking purposes. Ensuring the kettle is clean before using it is essential to avoid consuming potentially contaminated water.
Steps to Follow Upon Check-In
Here’s how to incorporate this practice into your routine when checking into a hotel:
Inspect the Room:
Look for hidden cameras, recording devices, and any suspicious items.
Check the cleanliness of towels, linens, and slippers.
Test the functionality of amenities like the TV, phone, and Wi-Fi.
Boil Water:
Fill the electric kettle with water and bring it to a boil.
Pour the boiling water into the toilet and bathroom corners. This helps disinfect these areas and lowers the risk of infection.
Disinfect the Kettle:
Boiling water in the kettle helps clean its interior. Repeat this process if the kettle appears particularly dirty.
Practice General Hygiene:
Wash your hands thoroughly after touching high-contact surfaces like door handles, light switches, and the remote control.
Use your own toiletries whenever possible.
Why This Matters
The advice to boil water and pour it into the toilet might sound unconventional, but it’s a precautionary measure to protect your health. While reputable hotels strive to maintain high hygiene standards, lapses can occur. This simple act of disinfecting key areas can provide peace of mind and safeguard against potential infections.
By taking a few extra minutes to implement this practice, you can enjoy your hotel stay with greater confidence, knowing you’ve done your part to ensure a cleaner and safer environment. Safe travels!
