Expert warns against using common hotel appliance, saying it's 'dirtier than you think'
While all hotel rooms are (hopefully!) cleaned between hotel, there are some items that might be skipped over by housekeeping, an expert has warned.
The TV remote is a common item that people are told to be careful of, as they tend to be havens for germs.
But now there's one more item you need to be wary of: the hairdryer.
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Hotel hairdryers can be full of germs. Getty
Trichologist Jacqui McIntosh focuses on diseases related to the scalp and hair, and told The Mirror that travellers should avoid hotel hairdryers at all costs.
According to the expert, there's a high chance there are bacteria and germs lurking inside the appliance.
"Using a hairdryer riddled with bacteria and germs does pose health risks and can be detrimental to your hair health," she told the UK publication.
A 2009 study found that hairdryers - along with in-room menus and ice buckets - are often missed by cleaning staff.
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While hotel rooms are always cleaned, some items are missed. Getty Images/iStockphoto
McIntosh says when the microorganisms inside a hairdryer make their way onto your hair and scalp, "they can spark infections and irritations, disrupting your hair follicles and slowing down healthy growth."
Even without the worry of bacteria and germs, there's a chance of dust and mould lurking inside the appliance, which she says are "troublemakers for your scalp".
Some people may notice scalp irritation, dandruff, dullness, frizz, and even hair loss as a result.
Also, not every hairdryer is created equal - too much heat and you could increase the chance of burning your scalp or damage your hair.
"Neglected hair dryers are time bombs waiting to go off. Debris buildup inside the device spells overheating, increasing the risk of singeing your hair or scalp," she explained.
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Be wary of remotes, ice buckets, and blankets, too. Getty Images/iStockphoto
It's not just hairdryers to be wary of - many other things in your hotel room could be sneaky germ traps.
For example, extra blankets stored in hotel room cupboards, as they're often used for random purposes. "They usually don't get washed and then people put their luggage on there, shoes, and god knows what [on it]," former hotel worker Christophe Lambert told Yahoo! in 2020.
Ice buckets are also a no-go - Lambert calls them "vomit buckets".
"I wouldn't use those unless you have a liner and this is regardless of the calibre of hotel you're staying at. Just don't touch it," Lambert revealed.
He also suggests washing mugs and cups, or literally anything you plan to put your mouth on in a hotel.
