Grubby secrets of a guest room
What terrifying secrets lurk in your guest rooms? With COVID-19 still a threat it's time to look closer at your cleaning routine
Anyone who’s watched an episode of Gordon Ramsey’s Hotel Hell knows the terrifying secrets lurking in some guest rooms.
Studies have consistently shown that guest room cleanliness can be less than desirable. With COVID-19 remaining a threat, it may be time to look closely at the cleaning routine at your accommodation.
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A 2015 study by the University of Houston found that the cleanliness of a room is generally judged by staff and management visually, leaving room for error.
“Hoteliers have an obligation to provide their guests with a safe and secure environment,” researcher Katie Kirsch said.
“Housekeeping practices vary across brands and properties with little or no standardisation industry-wide.
“The current validation method for hotel room cleanliness is a visual assessment.
“Visual cleanliness is aesthetically important, but it doesn’t necessarily reduce the risk of infection.”
However, Dr Kirsh acknowledged that housekeeping staff work within short time frames, and have to prioritise tasks.
To help housekeeping staff ensure a clean and sanitised space for guests, she suggested identifying a checklist of high-risk surfaces for staff to target.
“Identifying high-risk items within a hotel room would allow housekeeping managers to strategically design cleaning practices and allocate time to efficiently reduce the potential health risks posed by microbial contamination in hotel rooms,” Dr Kirsh said.
To help housekeeping target their cleaning routine, AccomNews has curated a list of the germ hot spots in hotel rooms and communal spaces.
1. Elevator buttons
The average hotel elevator button has 1477 times more germs than a domestic bathroom door handle. Ensuring housekeeping staff give the elevator button a quick wipe down is sure to wipe out any lingering germs. Alternatively, place a hand sanitizer dispenser next to the lift button, so guests can do their part to minimise the spread of germs.
2. Light switches
Light switches are a high-touch area and a hot spot for bacteria in your hotel room. Ensure to give a quick wipe-over when turning over the room, don’t forget to include bedside lamps and other light fixtures.
3. TV Remote
The TV remote in hotels has been found to be the worst offender when it comes to cleanliness. Alarmingly, scientific studies have identified fecal matter and other unmentionable bodily fluids on hotel TV remotes. Often overlooked when cleaning, request housekeeping staff use rubbing alcohol on a clean cloth to gently sanitise the remote.
4. Hotel room phone
With people holding the phone up to their face, unsurprisingly, the room phone is a hotbed for germs. In addition to adding the phone to the cleaning checklist, consider allowing guests to order room service online or via an app. Many hotels are now offering room service menus via QR codes or a customized hotel guest app.
While embracing new technology could help elevate the high-touch nature of the hotel room landline, industry reports suggest mobile solutions can also increase order amounts by up to 20 percent.
5. Empower your housekeeping team
Time Magazine reported that housekeepers’ carts can contain high levels of bacteria. Items such as sponges, mops, and cleaning cloths pose a high risk of cross-contamination if used across multiple rooms.
To alleviate these concerns, ensure cleaning supplies are replaced regularly to avoid becoming havens for bacteria. Equip housekeeping carts with ample cleaning products including antibacterial cleaners, and rubbing alcohol to sanitise high-touch areas.
Additionally, ask your housekeeping staff what they need to perform their job at the best level possible. Is it extra time, additional staff, or more resources? Work together to find solutions that help them perform their job to the best of their ability, and ensure a comfortable and clean stay for guests.
AccomNews is not affiliated with any government agency, body or political party. We are an independently owned, family-operated magazine.
