It Turns Out That Budget Accommodations Have Better Hygiene Than Expensive Hotels
So you finally get to take a break and have enough to opt for a fancy five-star hotel, a luxurious escapade in a better location with a bigger space together with a broad spectrum of amenities and think you have all in your control for your a trip of a lifetime.
Hold on. There is an issue out of your control! A survey by Travelmath that gathered sample evidence from 36 hotels revealed that colony-forming units (CFUs), (viable bacteria cells ratios) of samples found that 3-star hotels displayed fewer germs than 4 and 5-star hotels.
The tested surfaces revealed hotel rooms are more germ-contaminated than typical homes, schools or airplanes. Remote controls and bathroom counters have the biggest invasion.
Bathroom Counters
Bathroom counters[1] are the most contaminated. Countertops and faucets are far more soiled with germs as this is where washing up is done and the easiest ways bacteria can gain entry with bruises and cuts. Touch surfaces like handles, light switches, and door knobs are where bacteria congregates. Rubbing our eyes, touching our mouths or scratching our noses ease pathways for the entrance of germs.
- 3 Star hotels – 320,007 CPU per square inch
- 4-star hotels have an average of 2,534,773 CFU per square inch
- 5-star hotels have an average of 1,011,670 CFU per square inch
Travelmath research revealed found 3-star hotels were cleaner than the higher ranking hotels. It is speculated that designer sinks with artistic sculptures may be harder to clean than average three-star hotel bathroom counters Bathrooms need to be cleaned regularly to eliminate the propagation of germs.
Desks
Desks[2] in 4-star and 5-star hotels get really germ infested according to the travel math study.
- 3-star hotels – 4,687 CFU per square inch
- 4-star hotels an average of 1,800,003 CFU per square inch
- 5-star hotels an average of 40,030 CFU per square inch
Once again 3-star hotels made it rank the best in cleanliness. 4-star hotels were the dirtiest. The issue of business travelers may be the contributing factor here The desks may remain unused in 3-star hotels. This may be due to the fact 4-star hotels usually host business travelers eating and drinking accompanies working at the desk.
Remote Controls
- 3-star hotels have an average of 232,733 CFU per square inch
- 4-star hotels an average of 1,400,027 CFU per square inch
- 5-star hotels an average of 2,002,300 CFU per square inch
The more luxury the hotels are, the dirtier the remote controls are. People decide to spend more time changing channels in the lap of luxurious 5-star settings.
Phones
Travelmath found that phones in hotels:
- 3-star hotels have 11,403 CFU per square inch
- 4-star hotels an average of 137 CFU per square inch
- 5-star hotels an average of 1,217 CFU per square inch
The smallest germ colonies were found on hotel phones, probably because people use mobiles except for room service. This is where three-star hotels rated the highest in germ collection. Many bacteria types do not really pose health risks, but it is best to stay prepared. Hand washing reduces respiratory infections. When you stay at any hotel, wash your hands all the time and disinfect surfaces before you touch them.
Humans and Their Connection to Germs
The human body is like a breeding ground for bacteria. These living things are so minute that the naked eye cannot see them. They are everywhere and can only be seen with a microscope on books, clothing, food, dust particles in the air.
The ranges of germs found were linked to various kind of infections. By keeping a healthier focus, your body can fight off contaminated bacteria. This harmful bacteria can also be halted from affecting your body with disinfectants applied on doorknobs, faucets, counters, light switches, telephones, and remotes.
Minimize risks of illnesses by washing hands on a frequent basis. Take along disinfectant sprays, and wipes to frequently disinfect touched surfaces, such as desks, counters, phones and bathroom counters.
The Popularity of Luxury Hotels
The spokesperson for Travelmath, Chelsea Freeburn, stated that
we were surprised the findings revealed that five-star hotels had more germs than others because you pay higher rates and you expect higher quality levels in cleanliness.
Luxury hotels are extremely popular. Even the masses of various germ creeds prefer to check in at four and five-star hotels. Maybe think twice before you decide to check in at a luxury hotel and hang out with the unseen miniature inhabitants. Details of the findings can be found here: Hotel Hygiene Exposed.
Featured photo credit: TravelMath via travelmath.com
Reference
| [1] | ^ | These Are the Germiest Surfaces In Hotel Rooms, Lifehacker |
| [2] | ^ | These Are the Germiest Surfaces In Hotel Rooms, Lifehacker |
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