Entrepreneur and television personality Lori Greiner has warned hotel guests to steer clear of three common items found in rooms, claiming they can be riddled with bacteria. Greiner, who rose to fame on QVC and as an investor on ABC's Shark Tank, shared her advice in a TikTok video to her 2.5 million followers.
Refillable Soap and Shampoo Containers
Greiner first cautioned against using wall-mounted refillable containers of soap and shampoo. While they may appear clean, she said researchers have found that around 75 percent contain levels of bacteria unsafe for skin. "Most of the time, they are just refilled - not cleaned out - which means bacteria can build up inside," she explained.
Hairdryers: A Hidden Hazard
Another item to avoid, according to Greiner, is the hotel hairdryer. "It's one of the most handled and least disinfected in the entire room," she noted. Guests touch it with unwashed hands, place it on bathroom counters, and it rarely gets deep cleaned between stays. Greiner added that researchers have found hotel hairdryers harbor significantly higher levels of bacteria than personal-use hairdryers at home.
Kettles Used for Laundry
Greiner also flagged kettles as a potential hazard. "This one is rough," she stated. "Did you know some people have used the kettle to wash socks and small undergarments?" She said kettles are "hardly ever fully sanitised" between guests and advised calling the front desk for hot water instead. Greiner concluded her clip by urging viewers to "think twice before using what looks clean."
