I never touch hotel bathroom products—and here’s the shocking reason experts warn against it

Why Hotel Bathroom Products Aren’t as Innocent as They Seem

When you stay at a hotel, it’s undeniably tempting to make use of the shampoo, shower gel, and lotion supplied in the bathroom. After all, isn’t that what they’re there for—making guests’ lives easier? However, one hospitality expert emphatically warns against using those free toiletries. According to her, the products—whether in large dispensers or unassuming little bottles—could pose real risks.

A former hotel manager, now making waves on TikTok under the handle @travelinghotelmanager, recently shared a video that sheds light on a rather surprising dimension of these hygiene products. Her advice is clear: don’t use the shampoo or shower gel you find in hotel showers. Why? Let’s just say security standards often fall short of what you’d hope for.

The Hidden Dangers Inside Those Bottles

This TikToker explains that hotel hygiene products are often poorly protected. The bottle or dispenser openings are rarely sealed, which means anyone could tamper with them. She gives a chilling example: a malicious individual could pour a chemical—even something toxic—into a bottle, creating a very real health hazard for unsuspecting guests. This vulnerability has been corroborated by several industry professionals, who stress how crucial cleanliness and hygiene are in the hotel sector.

The video quickly went viral, racking up over 600,000 views in no time. While this warning may sound extreme, it raises a valid question about hygiene practices in some hotels.

Practical Advice for Safer Hotel Stays

Given these concerns, the former manager has a practical tip: she never goes on a trip without bringing her own hygiene products. To dodge any nasty surprises, she opts for compact formats—less than 100 ml (that’s about 3.4 oz)—making them easy to carry in her luggage. This simple precaution lets her avoid potential risks while ensuring she’s caring for her skin and hair, without relying on possibly sketchy hotel freebies.

In short, if you’re keen to steer clear of unwanted germs, it’s wise to travel with your own personal care items. Plus, you can be certain about the quality and ingredients in what you’re using.

Don’t Forget the Glasses!

But @travelinghotelmanager’s advice doesn’t stop there. She also warns about using the glasses you find in your hotel room. In another TikTok video, she reveals that these glasses—whether for water or wine—are often not properly cleaned. According to her, nine times out of ten, housekeeping staff simply dust them off with pillowcases or other linens that may not be disinfected. The result? These glasses can become true breeding grounds for germs, hardly reassuring in a place where hygiene should be a top priority.

“Nine out of ten times, hotel room glasses are just dusted off with pillowcases or whatever linen is at hand—not exactly what you want to hear when you’re hoping for a clean sip of water!”

Staying Safe Without the Stress

If these revelations have left you wide-eyed, you’re not alone. But before you swear off hotels forever, remember: there’s no need to panic. What matters is adopting a few simple precautions during your stays.

• Bring your own personal care products—compact travel sizes are your friend.
• Give those in-room glasses a rinse with hot water, or better yet, use your own bottle or disposable cup if you’re feeling extra cautious.
• Pay attention to the condition of other in-room accessories—if something looks off, trust your instincts.

Travel, after all, is about looking after yourself—and that starts with taking a little care. Your skin (and your peace of mind) will thank you!