The Surprisingly Common—and Unhygienic—Practice of Using Hotel Kettles

For many travelers, a hotel kettle is a welcome sight, offering a quick and convenient way to make a cup of tea or coffee. However, a growing number of reports suggest that these seemingly innocuous appliances are frequently misused, raising hygiene concerns. While experts say the risk of serious illness is low, the practices some guests engage in are, to place it mildly, unsettling.

What Guests Are Actually Doing with Hotel Kettles

Recent reports indicate that hotel guests are using kettles for far more than just beverage preparation. Stories from hotel staff reveal that kettles are often employed to cook rice, warm towels, and even wash underwear and socks . One hotel worker in Amsterdam shared that guests “almost exclusively use the kettle for purposes other than making tea” . This behavior is often driven by a desire to avoid using the bathroom sink.

The Hygiene Concerns

The primary concern isn’t necessarily the boiling water itself—which reaches temperatures high enough to kill most common germs . Rather, it’s the residue left behind from these unconventional uses. If guests are washing clothing or cooking food in the kettle, they may not be bringing the water to a full boil, leaving behind potentially harmful bacteria . Many hotels don’t have a protocol for “deep cleaning” kettles , meaning these residues can linger and pose a risk to subsequent guests.

What Experts Say

Despite the unsettling nature of these reports, experts generally agree that the health risk is relatively low. The high temperatures achieved during boiling effectively eliminate most pathogens . Hotels typically descale kettles regularly . However, the psychological impact of knowing what others may have done with the appliance is enough to deter many travelers.

How to Stay Safe

If you plan to use a hotel kettle, a quick visual inspection is advisable. Look for any visible residue or signs of previous misuse. If the kettle appears unclean, it’s best to err on the side of caution and request coffee or tea from the hotel restaurant or use your own travel kettle.

While the risk of contracting an illness from a hotel kettle is likely small, awareness of these practices can facilitate you make an informed decision and protect your health while traveling.