Hi Jen.. this is your friend Eric or Aeric..the guy you’ve known for years online.. this is one of my newest personal RU-vids.. not one that I use as a producer or creator.. just for watching videos… Anyway…. I use a “black light” flashlight I bought cheap on Amazon.. or online..I am on the west coast a lot now.. LA or Las Vegas.. and I check the room before I sign off on it! It finds critters like scorpions or spiders, and can find sperm or other gross 🤮 things!!
1. No luggage on the floor 2. no clothes in drawers 3. sanitize every hard surface 4. slippers or disposable flip flops 5. no sleep until you CHECK BEDS FOR BUGS! (bonus 5) 6. Sanitize light switches, remotes, lamps, alarms, phone (any commonly touched surface) 7. No baths unless you sanitize the whole tub 8. bring a collapsible sink cover to hold toothbrush/toiletries 9. Garment bags if you must use the closet 10. Blacklight check the bed/sheets/pillows. (my best friend used to be a housekeeper at a "luxury" hotel, they're graded on speed and a lot of times if they can't see a mess they will leave the duvet cover, pillow cases, or sheets on so they don't get in trouble for taking too long.) Housekeeping is paid hourly and there's a LOT of rooms, most of them are judged by quantity not quality of cleanings... Stay safe.
Do you mean they don’t change the bedding after someone checks out, or do you mean they don’t change it every day for the same patron? It’s terrible for hotel housekeeping staff to be overworked and mistreated. On the other hand, these days I see a lot of people only pretending to do their jobs, one-handedly, busy on their phones.
@genxx2724 in that particular hotel, if there was no visible mess or smell, they would sometimes skip changing the duvet cover or sheets to save time. This was a Hilton Garden Inn, and we know they are supposedly a high-end hotel.
@@pyrodoll7137 I understand, but I was asking whether they skipped this between guests. Did they change the bedding properly after people checked out? I agree the Hilton brand is one that we have confidence in. After traveling in Costa Rica and Honduras, where it is humid, you get eaten by mosquitoes, sanitation is not very nice, and there is a lot of corruption, it was a great relief to check into the Hilton Garden Inn near the airport in Costa Rica for that last night before flying home. The American standard of cleanliness and comfort is such a luxury.
After a few nasty discoveries about the cleanliness of hotel sheets, l bring my own sleeping bag liner sheets that have zippers on the side. They are just like cotton sheets but keep me from sleeping directly on the hotel bed sheets. You can also get some that cover your pillow as well. I bring my own pillow cases.
I do the same… always with my stuff that I put on top of the bed sheets. I also bring my towels. One day I had white ones. I used one and kept it in the shower. The cleaning staff went in while I was away (at a conference) and took it with theirs to wash it thinking it was what the hotel was providing me. Obviously, I did not use any of them since they were all mixed and I could not recover mine from all of them. It probably went to another room after being washed. Since that day, I decided to always take to hotels towels with other colors. 😂
I do what I call “Operation Lysol”. I wipe down every surface(literally) with wipes including the rod that used for opening and closing drapes. I spray couches, chairs, sheets, pillowcases, refrigerator, microwave, all handles, knobs, remotes, clocks, knobs on lamps, lamp base. I spray the tub, faucets, toilets seat, commode handle, and doorknobs. You name it; I spray it. A friend shared that when she traveled, she would put the remote in a baggie to use it. Sorry for the long post, but I am so passionate about this. We also do not use coffee pots, glasses, etc.
I do all the same and I’m amazed to see all the camaraderie in the comments. So validating. Another thing I don’t do is drape my wet washcloth over the top of the shower door to dry. I’m pretty sure no one ever dusts there. And when using the elevator be sure to use your knuckle and not the pad of your finger to press the buttons (that applies anywhere). Last, I will never sit on a sofa in my room if it’s not covered with a sheet or something. Some people have no boundaries and the dark patterns and colors in carpet and furniture upholstery are purposefully designed that way to hide stains.
I'm a frequent traveler and retired military. I do the same. We would get in trouble, back in basic training, if we went into the shower without our shower shoes.
Dr Jen I always sanitize the remote control and lysol the sheets and bring my own pillow I really enjoy your utube channel you share such great information thanks
@marilynboykins3577...I bring my own pillow, pillow case and my own bed sheets and blanket.and spread everything out on top of the bed and sleep that way until it's time to check out.
Love the tips. I lock up my toothbrush in my luggage and use flip flops to shower. Bleach is a must. And I never ever use the comforter on the bed. They wash them so seldom.
Exactly!!! That’s why I ask for extra flat sheets. I try to steer away from pet friendly hotels but there’s times I end up at one and using the bed comforter is even more a no for me. I’m contemplating on buying disposable sheets.
In addition to your 5 things, I also wipe down the door handles, locks, light switches, remote control, the microwave, handle, fridge handle etc, the phone receiver and cradle, headboard, all tables. If there’s a balcony I wipe down the door and the chairs on the balcony.❤
Omg 😱 I do the exact same because of cross contamination and dirt bed bugs. Many people use the showers so it’s a hotspot for athlete’s foot and worts herpes and lots of other bodily fluids. I always use the the stilts too. Just come back from Cyprus and did the exact same. Everyone calls me paranoid I think it’s wise. Thanks for the video ❤
@cleanindustriapsychic2070 You're not paranoid, just being safe. So people don't care. They figure it's not their place, so they do some a lot of unsanitary things. Then the cleaning staff is left to tidy up.
When I travel I get to my hotel room and send a text to my husband to let him know. His response is always “okay, get your wipe down done” and I’m almost always already doing it. This just validated all the things I do when I go to a hotel. I also don’t like the cleaning team to come in my room, because I would have to redo all my wipe down. They do a great job, it’s just my preference. I also wipe down the remote, the phone, and all buttons/switches, handles I might use.
Good point about having to re-sanitize after the cleaners have wiped things down. What do you do, just ask them to change the towels and not touch anything else? Do you make the bed yourself?
@@genxx2724 I'm the same way lol. I put the do not disturb sign out for my entire stay and request an extra set of sheets and towels for the bathroom floor only. Travel with my own extra towels, wash clothes and sheets for the hotel sofa mattress and covering
I always spray the bed with lysol, clean the bathroom with clorox cleanup and use shower shoes a toothbrush holder/carrier. Never put my luggage on the floor or bed.
I do all that was mentioned, including paper towel around door handles, and if there’s no paper towels handy, I’ll use my shirt, but refuse to touch any handles with my bare hands, including my own doors.
Great minds think alike. As for me, when I go in the bathroom, I use my flip flops for shower and I never sit down in the tub. And, I never walk on the floor barefoot. Toiletries are kept in my bag. I bring my own towel and washcloth. Most importantly, I try to stay at places I know are clean.
I agree completely with everything you said. There are also a lot of additional great ideas in the comments. One thing I do that I didn't see yet is close up my toiletries and put them back in my suitcase when I leave the room. I don't want them accidentally knocked on the floor or into the sink or being handled by unwashed hands. I intensely dislike when I have to stay in a hotel room - way too many skeevy things to contend with.
Omgosh !! I thought I was the only one to do these things... Plus, lay towels on the bed before I sit down. I take bedspread and blanket off and just use a sheet to cover. I typically bring my own blanket and pillows
I bought my first pair of shower shoes after staying in an AirB&B. That house had obviously been recently "updated" specifically to be an AirB&B rental. The shower in the owner's suite was done with rocks for the flooring, which normally looks nice but not in this case, and the grout made it look dirty. I couldn't talk myself into believing that it was likely clean but just ugly. At least the main bathroom had a tub shower combo. Right after getting dressed I got on Amazon & ordered a couple pairs of shower shoes. Will never ever travel without one of them. I also have my own travel mug & and portable electric kettle.
Thanks for sharing (and those also in comments)! It’s good to know I’m not the only one this mindful & stringent about hotel room precautions. As mentioned the volume of guests staying prior to you. **Two things to add:** Lysol any couches or loveseats and using an extra sheet on top rather than directly sitting/laying on it. Also the hanging towels area -Lysol the towel hooks and adjacent walls they are hanging against. Think how many used towels were there prior to yours😮.
I use the cups/glasses they provide as toothbrush holders. Also ask for fresh sheets from the front desk while checking in, so I can change the sheets immediately, while getting a thorough bed bug check at the same time.
Great video! I take things a few steps further, I use Clorox wipes and wipe down all light switches, end tables, TV remotes, the toilet ,toilet flush handle, and all door handles and cabinets pulls. I also wipe the keypad of the in room safe. I don’t care how nuts I look 🤪, I’d rather not get sick.
Yes, you can't be too clean or cautious in those settings for those reasons. I'm 66 and after more than a lifetime of great hotel stays, I don't want to use a hotel again. I'm thinking about getting a small RV for traveling and just driving place to place. I live driving and have the time. Most people would not think of heigene to this extent so this clip is helpful. When I shower at other people's houses, I Ajax-clean before and after each time. Gotta.
Married to an ICU nurse. We have followed your routine for years. We also do a bed bug check. Put the remotes in plastic bags. And check to make sure the sheets are clean.
Definitely check the bed for bed bugs & spray the mattress & pillows down with essential oils(lavender,clove,eucalyptus,cinnamon etc) that repel them & other insects.
Hey Dr. We are in the same camp. When I’m in a Hotel room, I become overly conscious of the fact that numerous people have come through there. I’m like the parent who covers the shopping cart at the grocery store before putting the baby in it. I love you Stay Blessed.
I do all of these. I once slid the clerk a lil something to get me fresh sheets before I ever went up to my room. Now I bring a sleeping bag, but I'm planning to get liners to use in beds. A couple more I never do: lie on the comforter, drink from the glasses (even when they have the paper covers) without washing them with the mini dish soap I bring, and use the coffee pot in the room. I've heard hotel employees say people have pi$$ed in them. Can't have some nasty person ruining coffee for me 😂
I also lay a fresh towel over my pillow. I assume the towels are cleaner than the pillowcases. 😊 And if there is bedding decor like body pillows or those strips at the end of the bed, they immediately go in the closet and I spray the bed down.
Good tips. I always, always look under the bed. If it's dirty and hasn't been vacuumed, I call housekeeping. I vacuum at least twice a day and hate to see dirt under furniture.
Just back from 3 weeks in hotels, I always wear shower shoes and hotel room shoes but still developed athletes foot. I would never put my toiletries directly on a hotel towel, I lay tissues down for that but do follow your other suggestions. I will have to get a sheet sleeping bag because I absolutely hate lying in other people's bed sheets and pillow cases.....even in the very best hotels
What makeup did you pack with you on this trip? We sprayed down the bed with disinfectant Lysol. Love your videos have a safe travel.😊😊 be safe everyone out there
Yes! I totally agree with you on those things. It's just being extra clean and safe!!! And feel like you can never be to much of that cause you just do not know.
I bring my own pillow. But these are some great tips. I have to admit when I was in Ireland, I used the tub without cleaning it first. I will use these tips the next time I go to a hotel/ motel.
I do those 5 things too! I also bring disposable travel bedding (very cheap on Amazon and they have disposable travel towels). I also place a towel in front of the door and stuff the peephole with tissue to protect my privacy.
@@DrJenCaudle True. But did the housekeeper wash their hands before handling it? I wipe down the counters, but then I have no problem putting things on them.
I use over the door hooks in the bathroom. A door wedge for the main door. A wind up or pocket size torch at the side of my bed. Check for the closest fire exit to my room
I do all the things you mentioned. I also Lysol spray all of the faucets, doorknobs and light switches. I use Clorox wipes for the TV remote. There have been times when I carried my own sheets and placed them over the hotel sheets. I don't do that so much anymore because it adds weight to my luggage. But I have done it in the past.
Every room I have I actually clean it my self, bring my own sheets , use plastic forks. Wipe off the remote control as well. House keepers don't really clean
Yes, definitely use shower shower shoes. Most of the time, I take my towels. When I was a kid one of my adult cousins was dead set against sleeping with the bed spread. She said they may change your sheets everyday, the bed spread may or may not be changed between guests.
I use to work at the hotel and I started taking the comforter off the beds and they asked what I was doing. They said they don't change the comforter unless it shows signs of dirt. I was stunted. From then on I've always taken the comforter off the bed.
I have a diagnosis of OCD, but I am so glad I do not live in the fear that most commenters are living in. What a drag. Some things are just good common sense hygiene, but to live with this much inconvenience and fear, not for me. I've never had any problems traveling yet and I am not going to live in fear that I will.
I do the same things you do!!! I’m very careful when I go to hotels. I even wipe down the side table, remote control, the phone in the room and if it comes with a mini fridge I wipe it down as well with Clorox wipes.
I do the same thing. I bring my Lysol and spray everything, the remote control, etc. I use a towel too before I put my stuff on the bathroom. I put my jewelry on a towel too. I put shower shoes on I’m too. Spray your pillow and bedding with Lysol too! I definitely bring my own towels too. I just use there’s to step on.
Hotel and motel rooms in Australia always provide cups/ mugs and a kettle to make tea or coffee. They also provide tea bags, instant coffee, sugar and milk. I always boil the water and wash out the cups before I use them as they are never removed from the room to be washed in a dishwasher. If I am staying in a motel that has a an equipped kitchenette I always wash anything I am going to use before I use it and bring my own tea towels, paper towels and dish cloth. I never use the ones provided. The equipment is only as clean as the last person who used it.
I do all those things plus bring my own pillow cases. I use disinfectant spray on the bedding and leave it to air dry plus remove the top comforter entirely. If the hotel has a kitchen, all the utensils and plates etc are washed by hand. I have slippers that are dedicated ONLY for hotel stays. I never where them at home. I stick them in a plastic bag for storage.
I like all these tips…love watching the cleaning videos. Have never done any of this except take slippers because I don’t even walk on the bare floors at home. I travel quite a bit and honestly none of this bothers me
Do all you do, but we lift the mattress and spray w lysol or a natural mix that we put together that a friend who is a exterminator told us about to avoid any potential issues w bedbugs. Best thing ever! Ty 4 this video.
I NEVER put my toothbrush on the towel!! Use a tissue to lay it on! I clean counters, sinks, faucets/handles, flat surfaces, door handles & locks, fridge & microwave doors and handles, and the remote, with wipes I always travel with. I also take my own Turkish towel-they’re very compact.
Take the ice bag and grab the TV remote with it then tie it closed. Now you are ready to use the remote. Blankets and comforters are washed on an AS NEEDED basis. That could be up to one year. Think about that while you think about the volume of people sleeping in those beddings. That is for all hotels, even high end ones.
My mom was a professional cleaner for years and trust me all these suggestions are legit necessary. Portable UV wands are great plus best cleaning agents you can use at home and out are 70% (not 90%) isopropyl alcohol and food grade hydrogen peroxide 12% which can be diluted depending on what used for
1. Clean and thoroughly sanitize entire bathroom and door knobs. 2. Sanitize TV changer. 3. Strip and search bed for bugs and hair fibers. 4. Never use ice bucket, coffee pot or drinking glasses. 5. Never put luggage on floor but also keep luggage zipped. 6. I bring my own pillowcases, hand towels and wash cloths. Yes, I can dry off with hand towel. 7. Never step on floor with my bare feet. 8. Spray and/or wipe all hard surfaces off with Lysol wipes. 9. Put DO NOT DISTURB sign on door and leave TV on at all times. 10. Walk halls to see where nearest exit is located.
@@DrJenCaudle I don’t think the hotel rooms are completely SANITIZED as needed. The DO NOT DISTURB sign is for safety precautions. By the way, THANK YOU for putting your videos up. I learn a lot from you. Wish you were in the DMV area. Thank you.
Hi everyone. If I travel alone I always get a double bed in my room. I use the other bed to hold my suitcase and Kay my clothes out on it first the next day. I Lysol everything. I’m found the 3 oz Lysol sprays at the dollar tree and brought so Kathy because I knew they weren’t going to waste. My alcohol wipes are a must too. I found some on Amazon. They were a little more pricey but use them to wipe the tub, sinks, counter tops, desk, remote, curtain stick, door knobs and light switches. Everything. Then I repeat the same process when I return to the room. thanks you for sharing. P.S. I’m with you on the house shoes. LOL.
I check the Bed sheets, and cover, to make sure that it is fresh. Because IVE heard that sometimes, that they don't wash covers every time someone get through using the Room.
So true. I was in housekeeping, and you have time limits. Took off the top bedspread, place on chair. Then, remove the cotton cover and sheets. Put clean ones on and place the top bedspread back on them. That's why you should spray them. Then, fold them and put them on the chair. Check the corners of the mattresses well and dresser drawers. I tried my best to be as efficient as can be. You have so many travelers coming in and from various places, bugs are hitchhikers and come with them.
My number one priority to moving any luggage into the room is a Bed bug scan I look at the mattress, box spring and behind headboard etc … AGAIN, Before moving in!!
Sometimes you are so tired by the time you get int a hotel-room. All you want is sleep. You forget all about these facts. You just trust that for the money you pay, the hotel is clean and healthy to live in. Thanks for the informative tips.
I actually bring my own cleaning supplies and clean hotel rooms like I clean at home. We travel alot, my cleaning ritual initially annoyed my family, but now, they expect it! Thanks for sharing this info. There are people who don’t do anything when they stay in hotels. Some hotels are cleaner than others, but I prefer to clean my hotel room. Side Note - I don’t have house keeping come in during my stay because my room is clean.
Another set of reasons why I hate traveling! I have a set of traveling flip-flops in my suitcase (in a plastic bag). I don't use them at home (I have another set for that).
I haven't used a hotel wash cloth and towel in over 10 years .. simply because I know what I've used them for...and I work in hotels so ...yeah bring your own wash rags
Bed bug check. We always do this check prior to sitting on the bed or even lay things on it. It’s very simple to do, lift the sheets and bed cover up and search around the beads of the mattress. Pull the beads up and down while searching, bed bugs love to nest in the mattress beads.
Thank you for your video! I also buy a new toothbrush and use a toothbrush cover when I travel, just in case it falls on the counter top, etc.. And I bring a bar of my favorite soap, because the hotel soaps are usually tiny. I discard them both when I leave, as I have my "home" toothbrush and soap back home. Thank you again for your helpful tips! 💚
