There’s a certain comfort in collapsing onto crisp white sheets after a long day of travel. But before you get too cosy in your hotel room, hygiene experts suggest taking a closer look at some of its less obvious corners.

While the bed may appear freshly made and the bathroom sparkling, not all is as it seems beneath the surface. In fact, some of the most commonly used items in your room could be covered far more than a little dust. To help travellers avoid finding a nasty surprise and potential risks associated with it, experts at Locksmith Dartford have put together a list of the often overlooked areas of hotel rooms that guests should treat with caution.

1. Bedspreads and decorative pillows

At the top of the list are those plush-looking throws and cushions you likely toss aside before getting into bed.

According to Locksmith Dartford, these are rarely, if ever, washed between guest stays. Unlike bedsheets, which are typically changed daily, “bedspreads, decorative pillows, and throws often go unwashed for weeks – or even months.”

An ex-hotel cleaner candidly revealed on Reddit: “Most hotels do not wash the big duvet, they only wash the sheets. At one hotel I worked at, they would only wash the duvet that was white if it had an actually dirty-looking spot on it.”

Others admitted it gets worse: “The hotel I just started at is even worse. They have brown duvets that literally never ever get washed.”

2. Telephone handsets and TV remote

It’s the first thing many travellers reach for upon entering their room – the TV remote or the phone to order room service. Unfortunately, these are some of the most contaminated items in a hotel. Swab tests have identified everything from E. coli to traces of faecal matter on high-touch surfaces like remotes and phones. One particularly worrying finding included Bacillus spp., a bacteria tied to respiratory and gastrointestinal infections.

An ex-cleaner explained why: “Even a really high-end place won’t spend more than 30 min cleaning a room… Those glasses by the sink? They’re probably not fresh. Housekeeping most likely rinsed them out in the sink, then wiped them down… Is the remote clean? Honestl,y I doubt they’ve wiped it down since they got the TV.”

3. Bathroom

Despite their gleaming appearance, hotel bathrooms can be breeding grounds for bacteria. Showerheads, for instance, have been found to contain 25,000 times the bacteria of a toilet seat, while bathtubs and shower curtains aren’t far behind. And what’s even worse: improper cleaning techniques can lead to contamination across surfaces.

4. Ice buckets

That innocent-looking ice bucket beside the minibar has its own hygienic risks. According to the report, many guests have used them as makeshift vomit containers after alcohol-fueled nights out. Since they’re usually just rinsed and returned to service, lingering germs can remain for weeks.

The experts advise skipping the bucket unless it comes with a plastic liner – or better yet, getting your ice straight from a sealed bag at the bar.

5. Coffee makers and glassware

In-room coffee machines are a caffeine lover’s best friend, as they can help them start off the morning with energy without spending a fortune outside. However, without routine deep cleaning, the warm, moist conditions inside can become a breeding ground for mould and bacteria. “Leftover coffee oils can turn rancid,” the safety team warns, which must not taste nice when mixed with a morning brew.