A hotel housekeeper recently shared an essential tip that all travelers should remember when checking into a hotel room. This advice involves the use of an electric kettle, a standard amenity in most hotel rooms, whether budget or luxury. The housekeeper’s suggestion? As soon as you check in, you should boil a full kettle of water and pour it into the toilet immediately. While this may sound odd, there are practical reasons behind it that can enhance your hygiene and safety during your stay.

At first, this tip may confuse some people. Typically, we’re advised to check for things like hidden recording devices, the cleanliness of sheets, slippers, and towels, or whether the room’s phone, TV, and WiFi are functional. However, Sohu, a popular Chinese website, highlights that not all hotels can meet 100% sanitary standards, which can be a concern for travelers. While we often focus on the visible cleanliness of the room, the toilet remains one of the most bacteria-prone areas in a hotel.

So, why should you pour boiled water into the toilet? According to the hotel staff, boiling water acts as an effective disinfectant. Since the toilet is a major source of germs, pouring hot water into it can help reduce potential bacterial contamination left by previous guests. This simple action may lower your risk of exposure to various bacteria and diseases that could be lurking in the bathroom.

Beyond disinfecting the toilet, this method also serves another purpose: cleaning the inside of the electric kettle itself. Guests often use kettles to boil water for drinking, but the cleanliness of the kettle can be questionable. Previous guests may have used the kettle for purposes other than boiling water. For instance, some travelers use kettles to cook noodles, make soup, or even prepare seafood. There have been unusual reports of people using kettles to wash socks or underwear, leading to contamination that’s not always visible.

By boiling water in the kettle as soon as you check in, you are essentially “sterilizing” it for safer use. This step ensures that any lingering bacteria or germs are killed off before you use it to boil water for drinking. While bringing bottled water is an option, many hotel refrigerators stock bottled tap water that can be expensive or potentially contaminated. Therefore, many travelers prefer to boil tap water themselves.

For those without a power source, boiling water becomes even more important. Carrying a portable kettle can be a good solution, especially if you’re concerned about using communal appliances. But, if you rely on the provided electric kettle, boiling a full pot of water at the start of your stay can help ensure its safety for use.

Another factor to consider is that some hotel cleaning staff may not thoroughly clean or sanitize the kettle between guests. If the kettle isn’t cleaned regularly, it can accumulate significant filth and bacteria, making it a potential health hazard. Boiling water in it not only disinfects the kettle but also provides a sense of security, knowing that any potential germs have been neutralized.

While these measures may seem drastic, they’re crucial, especially in less reputable hotels. If you suspect that a hotel room has not been properly cleaned, look out for warning signs such as strange odors, dirty corners, or visibly unclean appliances. Additionally, if you have the space, pack personal hygiene items like disinfecting spray, bottled water, and even a travel kettle to maintain a higher level of personal cleanliness and safety.

In conclusion, boiling water and pouring it into the toilet upon arrival serves a dual purpose: it disinfects one of the dirtiest spots in the room and sanitizes the kettle, a crucial tool for safe drinking water. While it may seem unusual, this approach is a proactive way to minimize the risk of germs and bacteria during your hotel stay. Ultimately, selecting reputable hotels with high cleanliness standards is the best way to ensure your health and safety. However, when in doubt, a quick boil of water can be a practical, last-resort solution to prevent unpleasant surprises.