We’ve all been there. You’re staying at a hotel and you’re getting ready to settle in for the night. You pull back the comforter and…eeek! Is that a stain? A hair? Something worse?! It’s enough to make you never want to stay in a hotel again. But have you ever stopped to wonder if hotels actually wash their comforters? The answer might surprise you.
Do Hotels Wash Their Comforters?
Contrary to popular belief, hotels do not regularly wash their comforters. In fact, most only wash them once a year or when they are visibly soiled. This is because comforters are big and bulky and take a long time to dry. That’s why, if you’re ever concerned about the cleanliness of your hotel room, it’s best to stick with a lighter blanket that can be easily washed and dried.
What About the Sheets?
While hotels may not wash their comforters as often as we’d like, they do wash their sheets much more frequently.
In most cases, sheets are changed after every guest checks out. However, if a room is rented for multiple nights in a row without being cleaned, the sheets will usually be changed at least once during that time period.
So, if you’re staying in a hotel for an extended period of time, don’t be afraid to request fresh sheets mid-stay.
Which Items on a Hotel Bed ACTUALLY Get Washed?
As mentioned above, hotels don’t wash their comforters/bedspreads as often as you might think. However, there are several bedding items that are usually changed after each guest checks out, including:
Pillowcases: Since pillowcases come in direct contact with guests’ faces, hair, and skin, they tend to get soiled pretty quickly. And the fact they are the smallest piece of bedding, hotels will typically change pillowcases after each guest with fresh and clean ones. Some higher-end hotels may even replace the entire pillow after each guest as well.
Top Sheets: As we mentioned, hotel sheets are usually changed after each guest checks out. However, if a room is rented for multiple nights in a row without being cleaned, the sheets will usually be changed at least once during that time period.
Blankets: Unlike comforters/bedspreads, blankets are often washed more frequently since they are smaller and take less time to dry. In most cases, they are changed after each guest, but some hotels may wash them more or less depending on their policies.
Bottom Sheets: These are the sheets that actually go on the mattress and, as such, tend to get pretty dirty over time. That’s why most hotels will change them after each guest. However, some hotels may reuse bottom sheets if they feel they can still be used.
Mattresses: Mattresses are never washed, but they are usually vacuumed to remove any dirt, dust, or other debris that may have accumulated over time. In some cases, hotel mattresses may also be treated with special chemicals to help prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Hotels typically replace their mattresses every few years, but some may last longer depending on the quality of the mattress.
Can You Bring Your Own Comforter to a Hotel?
Yes, you can bring your own comforter to a hotel. In fact, many people do this for a variety of reasons, including allergies, cleanliness concerns, or simply because they prefer their own bedding.
Even though comforters are usually large and bulky, there are many that are lightweight and easy to travel with. You can even use a vacuum-sealed storage bag to compress the comforter and make it even easier to pack.
If you do bring your own comforter to a hotel, be sure to use a duvet cover and wash it between each use. This will help protect the comforter from any dirt, dust, or other debris that may be in the hotel room.
Conclusion
While hotels may not wash their comforters as often as you’d like, they do typically wash their sheets after each guest.
So, if you’re concerned about the cleanliness of your hotel room, it’s best to stick with a lighter blanket that can be easily washed and dried. And in case you decide on bringing a comforter along with you to a hotel, be sure to use a duvet cover and wash it as soon as you get home.