Shark Tank Investor Issues Hygiene Warning for Hotel Stays
American television personality and entrepreneur Lori Greiner, best known for her role as an investor on the hit show Shark Tank, has shared surprising advice about the hidden hygiene risks in hotel rooms. With extensive travel experience for business, Greiner recently highlighted three common hotel items that she strongly recommends avoiding to protect your health.
The Problem with Refillable Soap Dispensers
In a video message, Greiner emphatically stated, 'Never ever use these three things in a hotel room.' Her first warning targets the wall-mounted refillable containers for soap and shampoo that have become standard in many hotel bathrooms. While these dispensers appear safe, clean, and sealed, Greiner revealed alarming research findings.
A study analysing refillable dispensers from 20 hotels discovered that 75 percent contained bacterial levels significantly exceeding safe limits for skin contact. The issue stems from how these containers are maintained; they are typically refilled without proper cleaning, allowing bacteria to accumulate inside over time.
Many hotel chains have adopted these dispensers as an environmentally friendly alternative to mini plastic bottles, reducing waste while cutting costs. However, public health professor Dr Alex Sundermann summarised on TikTok that over 70 percent of samples in the study contained bacteria. The research examined 40 rooms across 20 three- and four-star hotels, noting that cross-contamination occurs during refilling as new product is added without thorough sanitisation.
Avoid the Hotel Hair Dryer
Greiner's second item to avoid is the hotel hair dryer, which she describes as 'one of the most handled and least disinfected items in the entire room.' Guests frequently touch these dryers with unwashed hands and place them on bathroom surfaces, yet they rarely receive deep cleaning between stays.
Scientific testing has confirmed that bacterial levels on hotel hair dryers are substantially higher than on personal dryers used at home, making them a potential health hazard for travellers.
The Kettle Controversy
The third and perhaps most disappointing item on Greiner's list is the humble hotel kettle. 'Did you know that some guests have used the kettle to wash socks and small undergarments? Ew!' she exclaimed. These kettles are almost never fully sanitised between guests, posing a risk for anyone wanting to make a hot drink.
Greiner advises travellers to request fresh hot water from the front desk instead of using the in-room kettle. She concluded her video with a cautionary note: 'Think twice before using what looks clean. Share this with someone who travels a lot.'
Greiner's Background and Success
Lori Greiner is renowned as a 'shark' investor on Shark Tank, appearing alongside fellow investors like Daymond John, Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, and Robert Herjavec. One of her most successful investments came in 2012 when she invested $200,000 for a 20 percent equity share in Scrub Daddy, a cleaning product that has since achieved remarkable success, reporting revenue of $340 million in 2024.
Her travel hygiene warnings stem from both personal experience and research, offering practical advice for frequent travellers concerned about cleanliness and health during their stays.
