How to Sanitize Your Hotel Room in 9 Easy Steps

by Dr. Jen Caudle

Traveling can be exciting, but staying in a hotel room that isn’t clean can put a damper on your trip. Ensuring your space is sanitized and comfortable can make all the difference. Here are nine straightforward steps to help you sanitize your hotel room effectively:

1. Start with Hand Hygiene

Before you begin cleaning, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Clean hands will prevent the spread of germs and ensure you don't transfer any contaminants to the surfaces you’re about to clean. Just make sure you're washing your hands correctly because believe it or not, there is a right and a wrong way to do this!

2. Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and remote controls are prime spots for germs. Use disinfectant wipes or a cloth dampened with a disinfectant solution to thoroughly clean these areas. (Click here for a video on how to make disinfectant at home.) Pay special attention to the TV remote, which is often overlooked but frequently touched.

3. Sanitize the Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the germiest places in any hotel room. Use disinfectant cleaners on the toilet seat, toilet handle, sink faucet, shower, tub, and any other frequently touched surfaces. Did I mention there's a difference between cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing? Read here for more info on that.

4. Clean the Telephone and Alarm Clock

Telephones and alarm clocks can harbor a lot of germs due to frequent use. Wipe them down with a disinfectant cloth, making sure to get into any crevices where germs might linger.

5. Disinfect Light Switches and Thermostats and Doorknobs

Light switches and thermostats are often touched but rarely cleaned. Use disinfectant wipes or a spray cleaner to sanitize these items, as they can be hotspots for germs.

6. Spray and Wipe Down Hard Surfaces

Clean all hard surfaces such as tables, countertops, and nightstands with a disinfectant cleaner. Be sure to wipe down all areas, including corners and edges where dust and germs can accumulate.

7. Address the Bed Linens

While you might not be able to change the bed linens yourself, you can make sure to request fresh bedding from the hotel if needed. Also, many of my social media followers have said that they either bring their own sheets to a hotel or buy disposable sheets. Do you do this?

Do You Buy Disposable Sheets for Hotel Stays?

• 0%Yes
• 0%No
• 0%I didn't even know this was a thing!

8. Sanitize the Carpeted Areas

Carpets can be a breeding ground for germs. If you have access to a vacuum, use it to help pick up any dust and debris otherwise simply wear house shoes to protect your feet while in your room.

9. Ventilate the Room

After cleaning, open the windows if possible to let fresh air circulate. This helps to improve overall air quality in the room.

By following these nine easy steps, you can help ensure that your hotel room is as clean and comfortable as possible. Safe travels and enjoy your stay!

-Dr. Jen

Dr. Jen Caudle is a board-certified Family Physician, Associate Professor at Rowan University,  tv health expert, and video creator. I invite you to subscribe to my Meditation Channel on YouTube.  Also, follow me on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.