Hey Guys! here at NoCarpetHotels, these thoughts always enter our minds every time we’re about to check into a hotel:
- When’s the last time these floors have been mopped or vaccumed?
- I wonder who stayed in this room just before me
- I hope there’s no Bed Bugs
- Should I wipe everything down?
With this blog, I’ve got you covered with these 5 steps for cleaning your hotel room like a pro.
Step 1: Wipe down all surfaces
Grab some disinfectant wipes (I prefer the ones with essential oils to give a fresh scent) and start wiping down all surfaces, including the nightstand, desk, dresser, TV remote, light switches, and bathroom counter. You never know what kind of germs may be lurking, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Plus, this step helps eliminate any lingering smells from previous guests.
Pro tip: If you forgot your disinfectant wipes, you can make your own using a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of tea tree oil. I always pack an empty 100ml spray bottle just for this purpose!
Step 2: Use a black light
This step may seem a little extreme, but trust me, it’s worth it. Invest in a portable black light and scan your hotel room for any spots or stains that may have been missed during cleaning. You’ll be surprised at what you find, from hidden bodily fluids to remnants of old food. Once you locate any problem areas, use a disinfectant spray and wipe down the area until it’s completely clean.
Pro tip: You can purchase portable black lights on Amazon for around $20.
Step 3: Check the bedding
Strip the bedding down to the mattress and check for any signs of bed bugs or stains. If everything looks good, go ahead and make the bed with fresh sheets. If you notice any issues, call the front desk immediately and request a room change. Although tedious at first, dealing with bed bugs are 100x worse!
Pro tip: Bring your own pillowcases and a travel-size pillow to avoid contact with any potential allergens or germs. If you’ve used the pillow for the plane or train ride, make sure to give it a wipe down!
Step 4: Sanitize the bathroom
The bathroom is one of the most germ-ridden areas in a hotel room. Start by wiping down the sink, toilet, and shower with disinfectant wipes. Then, take it up a notch by using a handheld steam cleaner to kill any remaining bacteria (I’ve only done this once during a road trip in 2020). Finally, spray a disinfectant spray around the bathroom to freshen up the air.
Pro tip: If you’re in a rush and don’t have time for a full bathroom deep clean, at least throw some toilet cleaner tablets in the bowl to keep things fresh throughout your stay. Nothing provides better and easier peace of mind than a clean scent.
Step 5: Bring in the air purifier
This step may not be necessary for everyone, but if you have any allergies or respiratory issues, it’s worth it to bring along an air purifier. Plug it in and let it run for a few hours to filter out any dust, pollen, or other allergens that may be present in the air. There are many portable options on Amazon that can work perfectly in a small hotel room.
Pro tip: If you don’t have an air purifier, crack open a window and let some fresh air in to help circulate and refresh the air.
Bonus Step: Portable Vacuum Cleaner
While we always try to stay at hotels and airbnbs without carpet, sometimes there really isn’t an option. In these situations, we bring a super portable vacuum cleaner, similar to the ones used for cars. Nothing calms the mind more than hearing dust and particles getting sucked up!
By following these 5 steps, you can ensure a clean and comfortable stay in your hotel room. Trust me, your health and peace of mind are worth the extra effort.