We have an immune system for a reason.

I always wonder what the disinfect-everything people do when they visit friends. Do they refuse to sit on the couch in case the upholstery hasn't been cleaned? Do they wipe down the bathroom before using it? Do they rewash all of the plates and glasses? Or do they just cross-examine their friends to make sure that everything has been cleaned up to their standards?

FWIW, as a budget traveller I've done quite a number of homestays, bedding down on peoples' spare beds and using their kitchens and bathrooms. Other than the normal handwashing and showering, I have no particular sanitizing regime, and yet I'm seldom ill at home or on the road. By far the worst infectious disease I've ever had was an antibiotic-resistant bug that I got while in the hospital for a broken bone.

Hotels use white sheets and white towels because they can be washed with chlorine bleach which kills germs, bacteria, and molds, and then dried in a high temperature dryer which kills any bedbug that didn't drown.

A few wet wipes in individual foil packets are incredibly handy for washing hands, wiping off sticky stuff, sanitizing whatever you have doubts about. You can wash the hotel glasses in hotel soap or shampoo and hot water. Unless it is a Kuerig, it is a good idea to wash the coffee maker's slide out tray and run a cup of the hottest tap water through the cycle before you make any coffee. Don't put your piece of pizza down on the surfaces, obviously.

Thank goodness so many hotels are using white duvets or white double sheeting instead of those colored patterned spreads that hid stains.

I once stayed in a hotel in Pointe-Noire that had a hole in the wall apparently made by a cannonball and , when I turned it to see, I discovered mushrooms growing on the underside of the mattress.

Luckily the 1L tetrapak of red wine at dinner was drinkable, or at least the second half of it was.

I carry a wash cloth, small towel (per OP's suggestion) and a bar or two of soap (in my carry-on)--BUT, not for the reason he suggests; many times I've arrived late at night and found the housekeeping staff was lax in maintenance.

Thanks to those who understood what I was saying. Your support is always appreciated!

With regard to items a hotel maid will find under the hotel bed on any typical day:
1. used condoms
2. used vibrators (no -not the kind for your sore neck!)
3. dirty socks
4. dirty underpants
And, yes peeing on the wall seems to be a necessary accomplishment for some gentlemen!

I once was called to a dirty room by one of the maids. I could hardly push open the door for the trash on the floor. The mattresses were pulled off the bed--the drawers broken and trashed as was the tv. Blood on the walls. The intimate dinner for two from the night before was dumped all over the floor, along with the pot of coffee. The shower rod pulled out of the wall, anything and everything that could be done to that room had been done. Would you care to know who the occupants were who did such damage?
A young professional couple in their early 30's very well off (large BMW in garage). Very well dressed checking in and checking out. Fortunately we had video of them checking in/out. They had just walked away from the front desk when I got to the desk to report the damage. There were no visible bruising--but somebody got smacked around, in my opinion it was both of them. Naughty games are best played in someone else's backyard!

I think everyone understood what you were saying - I certainly did.
I just found your precautions vastly exaggerated.

As to leaving a mess in the room : I find it totally unacceptable to expect other people to pick up such things as you mentioned. It shows a lack of regard for other people.

HELOSC: I am so glad you find this behavior unacceptable. Our agreement as to this does not guarantee that others do--most do. But, because it is a hotel and as such is vulnerable to those who do not agree with us.

Here, here and truthfully I am one of those who carry wipes and take the time to wipe surfaces down not only in the hotel but on the plane.
I also travel with a 3 oz bottle of Dawn detergent so I can clean all glasses before using them. I just try to do what I can to minimize what I may come home with..... LOL Fortunately, since starting this I haven't been sick and that is the last couple years now. Luck of the draw I guess.

so this guy was Director of Housekeeping - new whats going on - doesn't like it at all and never changed the way they clean? Maybe that's why he is not a Director of Housekeeping anymore?

This thread reminds me of one I accidentally started a few years ago...possibly the grossest thread in FT history

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/women...ler-thing.html

I no longer drink out of glass glasses in hotel rooms and wash my hands quite a bit but beyond that, I guess it's a matter of giving my immune system a work-out

Never thought about wiping the sinks, etc.

My wife is a clean freak, but even she assumes everything is relatively clean when we first walk into the room. A primary reason why I insist we travel, as she is very careful at home.