For many travellers, the first order of business upon entering a hotel room is flicking on the kettle for a restorative cup of tea or coffee. However, a wave of recent reports and a viral segment on ITV’s This Morning suggests that this seemingly innocent appliance might be the most unhygienic item in your suite.
Laundry hack no one asked for
The primary concern isn’t just limescale or old water. According to travel experts and hospitality insiders, a small but significant number of guests have been using hotel kettles for the purpose of washing their clothes, rather than for the intended purpose of beverage making.
As highlighted on This Morning, guests have been known to boil their dirty underwear and socks inside the kettle to sanitise them when they don’t have access to a laundry service. While the guests might think the boiling water cleans their garments, the practice leaves behind a bacterial soup for the next occupant.
Experts warn that while boiling water kills many pathogens, it may not reach a high enough temperature for a long enough duration to eliminate certain heat-resistant bacteria or chemical residues left behind by soiled clothing.
The view from the housekeeping staff
A housekeeper has further cemented this story at a luxury accommodation, who shared the grim reality of what happens behind closed doors. Speaking about the hidden habits of guests in high-end rentals and hotels, a cleaner based in Manchester provided a sobering look into what really goes on:
“You’d be surprised at how many treat the kettle like a general-purpose pot because they don’t want to use the sink. Unless there’s a complaint, kettles are usually just wiped on the outside and left in place.”
This revelation points to a major gap in hotel cleaning protocols. While sheets are laundered and surfaces are disinfected, the internal components of small appliances are rarely deep-cleaned between stays unless they are visibly filthy or reported as broken.
Should you be worried?
Well, what do you think?? While the idea of underwear tea is enough to turn anyone’s stomach, the actual health risk varies. Most bacteria are indeed killed at 100°C, but the psychological ick is hard to ignore.
The story has prompted frequent travellers to bring their own collapsible, food-grade silicone kettles to ensure their morning brew is actually fit for consumption. If you aren’t ready to pack your own appliance, travel experts suggest inspecting the inside of the kettle for any unusual residue or odours or sticking to the sealed coffee machine in the lobby.
Next time you’re in a five-star suite in Africa or beyond, you might want to think twice before hitting that switch. It goes without saying that if you didn’t bring it, you don’t know what’s been in it.
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