Comfortable hotel beds are great, especially if they come with fluffy comforters to cuddle up in. Are those comforters or duvets washed between visits, or do you curl up in a comforter used dozens of times over the last few months?
This article examines whether hotels wash their beds between guests. Hotel employees can provide many data points that could send chills down your spine. If this is a concern, I have some tips to help you sleep better.
Is the bedding washed between stays in hotels?
Many hotels don’t wash comforters, duvets, or bedspreads between guests. It is shocking, however. The sheets and pillows should be changed between each stay.
Below are some quotes from hotel employees that will give an idea of how hotels wash your bedding. It’s not pretty, so you might only want to continue reading if you’re interested in knowing the truth about your bedding’s state.
Comforters, duvets, and blankets
Different hotels use different bedding arrangements. It will allow you to understand the terminology used for various bedding articles.
Guests may find throw blankets and pillows on hotel beds that they instinctually toss once they are settled. These blankets and pillows are often colorful and oddly shaped.
These items are not washed in hotels. Most people are aware of this fact.
A comforter, duvet, or bedsheet may be found in a hotel room.
We are most concerned about these types of bedding because they are used and pose the most significant hygiene risk.
I have described each type of bedding via The Spruce to clarify it.
- Comforter: “Thick bedding top filled with a down or synthetic substitute. Comforters can be sewn through or quilted to hold the filling in place. However, unlike a quilt’s quilting, comforters’ stitching is not intricately patterned.
- Duvet: A comforter that is usually white and filled with down. The duvet cover, which is made of fabric, is the fabric covering that covers the duvet. It closes one side with buttons, ties, or zippers.
- Bedspread: “Bedspreads, single-layer bedding covers that cover the entire bed down to the floor, and often cover the pillows too, are called bedspreads. Some bedspreads are decorated with corduroy, pompom, or chenille, while others have fringe along their bottom edges.
All three terms will be mentioned below. This article will focus on the “blanket” that covers your hotel bed when it is opened.
How can we tell if comforters have not been cleaned?
It is common for hotels to claim that they don’t clean their comforters after each stay. This issue is not always straightforward, and getting clear hotel responses can be challenging. We are left with our personal experiences and the public posts of hotel employees.
Personal experiences
It would be best if you also thought about your personal experience while staying at hotels. What do you often see in the hotel’s hallways?
You will usually see towels, sheets, and possibly pillowcases. If you see oversized comforters or duvets being moved around, it is typically a sign that they need to be replaced between cleanings.
Hotel employees can have personal accounts.
Here’s a list of personal accounts of hotel employees to give you an idea of what goes on when cleaning hotel bedding.
It’s not pretty, but it is a property governed by their policies.
It does not necessarily mean that every chain or brand will be represented the same way you have seen them make statements about it.
These are also statements made anonymously by internet users.
Although some of these statements may be faked, I found them consistent with hundreds upon hundreds of forum posts I have reviewed. It tells me that unless there is some mass conspiracy, this consensus shows what hotels are doing.
The bottom line is that comforters are not cleaned between guests in many properties unless there’s a noticeable stain or pungent smell.
Your sheets and pillowcases must be washed during every stay, although there have been some reports that this is not happening.
Expectations and chains of hotels
Several hotel chains might have general guidelines that apply to all hotels that belong to that chain. Hilton may have a policy that all Hilton hotels must clean their duvet covers. Franchise properties may not be subject to this requirement.
As you might expect, cleanliness standards are higher for more expensive properties.
If you’re staying at Ritz-Carlton, you can expect that your comforters will be cleaned between stays.
Arguments for and against
Many travelers believe they should have the right to clean their bedding before every stay.
It is very disgusting to come in contact with a duvet or comforter that has had bodily fluids on them for several weeks or months.
Daily cleaning opponents point out the difficulty of washing comforters for every guest. It is impossible for smaller hotels because of the lack of laundry facilities.
Housekeeping workers point out that changing a duvet cover can be time-consuming and need more time.
Some claim that touching a used comforter is similar to getting into touch with seats in a car rental or other public transport.
They also noted that these comforters had been used for many years by people without any significant issues.
What to do if you aren’t feeling comfortable
There are several options if you are less than 100% comfortable in a hotel bed with a used comforter.
Request a new comforter
You can request a new comforter or duvet when you check-in.
They may need more time to deliver your item. It could be worth the wait, even if it takes several hours or until late at night.
The hotel will trust you and send you a clean duvet. You can check by sniffing it.
The extra blanket can be used.
Many hotels will allow you to store an extra blanket in your hotel room’s closet. It is a problem because these blankets can be difficult to spot.
These blankets are also likely not used often, which leads you to wonder when they were last washed.
Bring a blanket
Many travelers prefer to take their sleeping bag or blanket, so they don’t get in touch with the comforter.
When arriving at a hotel, these germ-conscious travelers throw their comforters in the corner of the closet. They then use only hotel sheets and blankets.
You can always buy a comforter or blanket at the destination if you wish to avoid bringing one. If you don’t wear it much or stain it, it can be returned before you leave.
Although this adds time and stops to your travel, it can be worth it if you want the best rest without worrying about what your body comes in contact with.
Take a sheet
Comforters and blankets are often too heavy or take up so much space that you might need help to bring them along with you on the road.
It is much easier to bring a sheet. The sheet can be used to protect you from the comforter.
Some people have trouble sleeping. Simply because you put a sheet between your sheets and your comforter doesn’t mean you won’t get snoring in the middle of the night.
Pajamas
A good pair of bottom and top pajamas can reduce contact with your comforter.
The final word
Many hotels don’t wash your comforter or duvet covers. If you want peace of mind while you sleep, it is best to eliminate your comforter and use one of the other methods.