When travelers check into hotels, they often expect a clean and comfortable stay. However, there’s an unusual yet important tip that could enhance your safety: boiling a pot of water and pouring it into the toilet. According to Sohu, a hotel housekeeper recently shared this tip to help hotel guests protect themselves in ways they might not have considered before. This seemingly strange recommendation involves an electric kettle, a common appliance found in most hotel rooms, whether they are budget motels or luxury resorts.

So, why should you boil water and dump it into the toilet upon checking in? This suggestion has puzzled many travelers, especially since most guests are usually preoccupied with more obvious tasks like inspecting the room for cleanliness, checking for hidden cameras, and ensuring the functionality of basic amenities like the TV, Wi-Fi, and room phone. While these are all essential steps, Sohu emphasizes that not all hotels maintain ideal sanitary conditions, making extra safety precautions necessary.

The toilet is one of the dirtiest places in any hotel room, harboring a high concentration of germs and bacteria from previous guests. By pouring boiling water into the toilet, you can help kill off some of these lingering germs, reducing the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria. It’s a quick and simple way to make the bathroom safer to use, especially in hotels where cleaning standards might be less than satisfactory. While boiling water can’t guarantee 100% disinfection, it certainly helps minimize risks associated with insufficient cleaning.

Aside from disinfecting the toilet, boiling water serves another important function: cleaning the inside of the electric kettle. While many travelers rely on hotel kettles to boil tap water for drinking, the history of these kettles is often unclear. In many cases, previous guests may have used them for non-standard purposes, such as cooking noodles, making soups, or even boiling seafood. Some individuals have even reportedly used hotel kettles to sterilize clothing items like socks or underwear, making the kettle a potential source of contamination.

Boiling water as soon as you check in not only helps to sanitize the kettle for safe use but also offers peace of mind. If you plan to use the kettle for drinking water, this step becomes even more essential. Many travelers avoid bottled water from hotel minibars due to the cost or concerns about potential contamination. As a result, boiling tap water becomes the most practical option, but only if the kettle has been thoroughly cleaned. Boiling water in the kettle can help remove bacteria or other residues left behind from previous misuse.

Of course, this precaution is only one aspect of ensuring a safe hotel stay. It’s also wise to check the room for other hygiene concerns, such as strange odors, dirty bedding, or suspicious stains. If you notice any of these issues, it’s best to request a room change immediately. Furthermore, choosing reputable hotels with positive reviews can reduce the likelihood of encountering serious hygiene problems.

For those who prefer to travel with added peace of mind, consider packing personal hygiene items like disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, and even a portable kettle if you have the space. Bringing bottled water is also a good idea, although it may not always be feasible depending on your travel plans.

In conclusion, while boiling water and pouring it into the toilet may seem like an unusual ritual, it serves a vital role in reducing potential exposure to germs in hotel rooms. It’s a simple, proactive measure that can contribute to a safer stay, especially in unfamiliar or less reputable hotels. Though it’s always best to book rooms in hotels known for their cleanliness, this precaution can act as a last line of defense to ensure your personal safety.