Motel bedspreads = germs and more!
 

Does anyone else put the bedspread in the closet or some other out of reach area so that I don't come in contact with it? If you think about it, the sheets, etc are chaged before you arrive, but who knows if the bedspread was pulled up to some guy's chin the night before and was a receptacle for saliva. Or was sat on by a naked body either before or after a shower. Or was under a gal whose partner was too excited to pull the covers off the bed. Am I paranoid? I'm an ordinary person not particularly concerned with germs at home, but this is a pet peeve of mine. Any comments?

Sure: Stay Home

Comment: <BR>I can honestly say that I have never put a bedspread in a closet or some other out of reach area so that you don't come in contact with it.

You're going to get a lot of guff about this, Chelsie, but you aren't wrong about the dirtiness of hotel bedspreads. A CBS investigator (60 Min? Evening news?) did a study of surfaces in several hotels, from gold-level luxury to Motel 6. He found some pretty 'orrible things on spreads and blankets, and the expensive chains were no better (sometimes worse than the ma-and-pa places). <BR> <BR>I usually get too cold in over-airconditioned places to take the bedspread off, but I usually leave it folded so it's only about half-way across the bed and then use the extra blanket in the drawer/closet. I tell myself -- and this is pure rationalization because there's not much you really can do about this -- that the extra blanket is not used as often and there's a limit to how long beasties can survive. <BR> <BR>But tell me, if you don't use the spread, aren't you kidding yourself, similarly, about the blanket? And/or how do you keep warm? (Turning off the airco is not an option in some of these places.)

Chelsie, <BR>I'm with you. I heave that thing into the closet as soon as I get into the hotel room. Partly 'cause of the germs, and partly 'cause it's usually made of some horrible 100% polyester material. But let's face it -- sitting on the <BR>bedspread isn't really too different than sitting on an upholstered sofa or chair from some other part of the hotel room. Just don't want that bedspread near my face when I'm sleeping! <BR> <BR>By the way, no matter what kind of note I leave to the housecleaners, or how deeply I've stashed the bedspread in the closet, it always shows up on my bed the next day. Oh well.

You're not paranoid, and you probably can't be too careful. I hated hearing recently on the NPR Dr. Zorba Pastor doc/call-in show, that it is possible to contract body lice from motel bedding. Something I just don't want to think about.....

Why not just live your entire life in a Chemturion suit & be done with it ?

Well I have BAD news for you Chelsie. <BR>Your life will become extremely limited after you read this. After all, if you feel so strongly about beds in hotels, what about: <BR>airline seats...imagine what kind of filth builds up there...think they're ever thoroughly sterilized? Think of the gases, sloghed skin, bacteria laden food particles and dirt that build up on the material. <BR> <BR>Taxi cab seats, theater seats...same thing as above <BR> <BR>Handles on doors to go into restaurants, cabs, hotels, museums, theaters, etc etc. Try getting in without ever touching a handle. <BR> <BR>Faucets in bathrooms...which people touch right after they use the facilities. <BR> <BR>Want to hear about what's in the air you're forced to breathe in a plane...especially overseas? Do you realize how much of the air is recirculated and how little is 'fresh', meaning that all the garbage which is coughed/sneezed/hacked/flicked into the air has a chance to go right in your mouth? Recent studies reveal a truly disgusting picture. Amazing more of us don't get sick. <BR> <BR>What's the REAL point here? <BR>There are tons of things you'll be exposed to which are annoying which you can't change. Stop sweating the small stuff and get on with living and enjoying life. <BR>If you continue obsessing you'll end up on antidepressant meds or in a mental health unit somewhere. And you'll drive evryone around you crazy. <BR> <BR> <BR>

Another narsty corner heard from. "Dr. Welby," I suspect, is closely related to all those other posters using phrases to create a pseudonym -- all of whom are masters of put-down. All criticize the questioner and have nothing more to contribute than belittling the post and the poster -- even better if it's a woman. The phrasing in a number of them is so similar that... could it be? .... have we ever seen them together in the same place??..... <BR> <BR>Anyway, it really isn't worth arguing the "merits" of his case too extensively, but bedspreads are both more "intimate" and less likely to be cleaned than a number of other things people have mentioned. The public health hotel inspection department in New York is beginning to consider this very issue, as it happens, largely because of the TV program someone mentioned. <BR> <BR>No, I don't put it in the closet, but I've long made a point of making sure the sheet came between me and it. The odor of cigarette smoke and cigarette burns were my first clue that maybe I should think twice about the fact that bedspreads are never washed or changed.

When you as a stranger first enter a strange hotel room what on earth do you do? Do you strip naked and fling yourself onto the bed, the chair, the television? For God's sake, have a little common sense. <BR> <BR>No, I would not eat my room service meal directly off the bedspread, nor would I lick the lavatory in the bath. Give me a break. <BR> <BR>Most normal people take normal recautions against such things. It will not keep me from traveling, though. I have come across a soiled bedspread, which I have asked to be replaced and it was. <BR> <BR>Use some common sense and powers of observation. We've all had our own experiences of roach motels and we certainly wouldn't go back but I don't think anyone has died from hotel filth. <BR> <BR>If you are that worried about it, stay home or at the very least don't travel with my group. We execute whiners. <BR>

Put it in the closet? No, but I do throw it on the floor in the corner. I'm not paranoid, but I do recall that when the investigators in the Mike Tyson rape trial examined the bedspread from the hotel room where the alleged rape occurred. They were looking for Tyson's "DNA"...and they found specimens from at least 8 different men. <BR>Sounds like urban legend but it's true. <BR>j.

Strangely enough, that is the ONLY fetish I seem to have - motel bedspreads! Airline seats, bathroom faucets, even money - not a bother! I've been pretty much all over the world - from New Zealand to Russia (talk about dirty, visit Russia!) But like a previous poster said, that bedspread is a little more intimate. Almost like sharing a stranger's undies. I imagine the sheet and blanket present with the same problems, but I seem to be able to overlook that. Maybe it's because most bedspreads don't LOOK all that crisp! And NO, I'm not staying at the economy chains. Mostly middle of the road ones - Hampton, etc.

YUCK! I've always checked out the sheets for stains or hair, but never thought of the bedspread! I'm with you on this!!

Chelsie: Girl, I am speechless! I have anti-bacterial everything and friends who say "be careful, don't use too much of that, it becomes non effective"...I still keep sprayin'. <BR>Rebecca must be my twin, cause I thought the "hair check thing" was really doing something... <BR>What is worse is that we LEAVE in a matter of hours...where am I gonna' find a HUGE lysol spray can that will fit in my purse???? <BR> <BR>Lawd-have-mecry!

Oh, my bad spellin'...thats MERCY for those who have put me in check. (for cryin' out loud, its just the internet...) <BR> <BR>As usual: BIG GRIN!

Hello All, Oaktown Traveler: very funny stuff, just wish they had Lysol with just a bit less medicinal smell! Chelsie: I really think if I thought about all the perils that can befall a person, I would never leave the house. I just banish those unruly thoughts to the closet with the bedspread. Judy :-)

Good god almighty! Everything I've ever been told about Americans being hygiene freaks is true. I mean, to be fair, I'm always glad of it when visiting the US because your public toilets are wonderfully clean in comparison to those in Europe (especially the UK).But for crying out loud, you people are fretting about something over which you have NO control!

I ALWAYS put the bedspread in a corner or in the closet when I get to my room. Hey, if it makes me feel better about sitting or sleeping on the bed, what's the problem?

I always toss the comforter, as they are never cleaned. I don't really want to come into contact with some other guy's "remains". If it's so cold that I have to use the spread, I simply make sure the sheet is turned down over it, so I don't come into contact. <BR> <BR>Also, I would never step barefoot in a hotel or gym shower. I used to, and then spent several months having warts fried off my feet. Not a fun experience. I now wear flip-flops in every shower except my own, so I don't contract, and I don't spread. Any podiatrist will tell you the same. <BR> <BR>

I also used to take showers fully nude but no more! These days with disease spreading like Madonna's legs, I take precautions wherever I go. <BR>First: in the shower, I wear thigh-high golloshes to protect my feet and knees. I only use my own shampoo and soap made from free-ranging goat milk. I don't use the hotel towels (you don't know where they've been) <BR>Next: In bed, the comforter in the room is folded and placed the closet next to the ironing board. But not before I wear my hypo-allergenic, powder-free, latex examining gloves to keep from touching the synthetic fibers of the blanket (it can harbor all sorts of germies) <BR>Third: I never let any part of my body touch the floor which means I always wear sandals in the room. <BR>Last: Before I go to bed, I take off my filtration mask (see Michael Jackson style) and wash my face with my pre-packed Evian spring water. I use only a scour pad and some dial soap but it does wonders for the skin. A little chafing here and there but at least I'm clean. <BR> <BR>Hope this helps.....

I own a B&B in New Orleans and use mattelasse coverlets rather than comforters or bedspreads so they CAN be washed between guests. (I don't know why more hotels don't do the same!) I worked for Omni, Intercontinental and Westin in my earlier days and do agree that blankets and bedspreads are not changed nearly often enough! However, I don't worry about it. It's not much different than airline seats, rental car seats or any other "fabric" which is used by many people.

Cheslie, are you reacting from your own experiences? I found them to be a bit too starnge to be of much bother. But good luck to you ... I believe you'll need it.

Some people go overboard, some consider any reaction is going overboard. I'm somewhere in the middle. As long as you realize how nasty bedspreads can be - and that the nastiest surface in the bathroom is the sink faucet - (I could go on and on) - you are prepared in advance. <BR> <BR>I get too cold to ditch the bedspread, but as long as it's not in my face, I'm not going to worry about it. If I sit on it, I'll be fully clothed. I always use the clean cloth bath mat to step on, but don't shower in flip flops. Using a public restroom, I flip the seat up and NEVER sit. If I can turn the faucet off with the towel I just used to dry my hands, I will. Also use it to open the bathroom door, and while propping it open with my foot, toss the towel in the trash. If I can't do that, I won't obsess. It's just a little bit more germs to build up my resistance. <BR> <BR>FYI, the amount of water thrown up into the air when you flush the toilet is unbelievable! And we're not talking about the fresh water coming into the toilet. The worst possible place you can leave your toothbrush is on the sink counter beside the toilet! Go brush your teeth in the morning thinking of all the minute fecal matter that you left on your toothbrush the last time you flushed! Have a nice day now!

Get a grip, S!! What the h*** kind of toilet do you have, a reverse action macerator?? ROFL

From what I've read, ANY toilet!

Oh, "S" is right on the mark on this one! <BR>It's a pretty impressive airborne display from the water level up! <BR>Men will tell you that the painted walls behind a urinal in an old restroom will peel and rust (if on metal) great distances away. And those flushes aren't nearly as powerful as the toilet bowl's. <BR>There's a government study on this I'd be happy to refer you to...but since it'll be dinner time soon, I'd rather not.

Seems a silly battle -- bedspreads vs. plumbing -- but for what it's worth: <BR> <BR>Maids have to clean sinks, faucets, etc. because it's very obvious when they haven't been. Also it's relatively easy: rubber gloves, some "fierce" liquid cleaner in a bucket, swip-swipe, and you're done. This happens every day, more or less. <BR> <BR>The bedspread, on the other hand, gets dropped on the floor while sheets are straightened or replaced, and sometimes it gets walked on. And yes, I've seen some pretty disgusting things on bedspreads, but it takes time to go get another one from the closet -- you don't get added tips for that, and the management often doesn't want the added laundry. If they see a bedspread in with the sheets and towels, they'll call you in and chew you out. <BR> <BR>Me, when I travel? Bedspread goes over a chair unless I can tell this is a place that washes them between guests -- which is about 1 in 50 places, often the less expensive ones, too (clue: it's not a quilted spread, so it's as washable as the sheets).

This is my first taste of the US forum - I think I'll stick to Europe!

I hate to break it to anyone but the bedspreads are generally not changed after each guest. Even in the upper-end hotels, national chains, etc. Dateline had a segment about this about a year ago. They analyzed materials found on those covers and found...you guessed it...urine, blood, feces and.. well, ya' know. Does this mean I immediately throw the thing in the closet upon entering the room? No, I don't but I just can't help pulling down the spread to look at the underside (that's usually white) to see if there are any obvious stains. Let's face it, someone else's dried urine (or whatever) isn't going to kill you but you don't have to be a germophobe to still think it's pretty yucky!

OMG! I'm gonna get fired from laughing too loud at my computer screen! I've never pulled them off b4 but after reading this gruesome series of posts will definitely start to do so, why taken any chances?

Chelsie, <BR>I find that the best way to get rid of the bedspread is to call housekeeping or get hold of the cleaning lady immediately and tell her you don't want the bedspread placed on the bed during your stay and instead please put an additional sheet on top. A tip always works.

I'm pretty careful about germs--- using a paper towel to open the door in a public restroom, taking the spread off the bed in a hotel room, etc, so it's nice to read there are others who worry like I do. Last year I was staying in a hotel in Houston, and the maid came to clean up the room while I was there. I told her to go ahead, and I chatted with her as she worked. As I was talking to her, she picked up the bathroom wastebasket, emptied it, and then proceeded to leave me "clean" towels, without ever washing her hands. I was completely grossed out, but rather than trying to explain the problem to her (she spoke poor English and I speak poor Spanish), I took the towels down to the laundry and washed them myself. Extra work for me, but at least I knew they were clean. I try not to think about the gross things that happen that I DON'T know about!

Hey Chelsie, this is pretty funny, all this talk. Actually, I freaked out sometime back when I went to this cheesy travelodge with unlimited free porn, on Tv, and next door. The sheets were pretty dirty, and the whole place had a whore-like atmosphere. I usually dont worry so much in bigger hotels. But, what you can do is, sleep with long sleeved pyjamas, socks, and put you own towel over the pillow. Just keep the sheets off your face. Then shower using your own towels. If you have to use their towels, down dry your face with it, or your private areas. Chelsie, Im your MANNN!

I just try to keep in mind that people aren't dying from unclean hotel linens, but what about Lysol? It works better than European Detox spray at killing mold and mildew, so I bring some home whenever I visit home (US). I bring it with me when traveling and always spray the bathroom areas and floor, now I'll consider the bedspread as well.

Chelsie, I thought I was the only person who ever gave thought to the germs on hotel bedspreads!!! I always fold them way down to my ankles at bedtime, pull the blanket down, turn down the air conditioning and sleep with the sheets. If I get too cold, I snuggle up nice and close to the hubby! <BR> <BR>I've seen all those 60 Minutes, etc. shows and you would be surprised how dirty hotel rooms really are! Sometimes, the maid will clean the sink with the same cloth she used to clean the toilet! I take along some small packets of antibacterial wipes and use them on the faucet handles and doors when I first get there. My husband thinks I'm nuts, but it all makes me feel a little better.

ttt, for all those extra frisky vacationers and everyone else who wants to avoid their byproducts

I will never leave the house again!

Antibacterial this, Lysol that. The recent fad is ridiculous. Can anyone quote ANY statistics that say that people who pull the bedspread off their beds and use antibacterial sprays/lotions/gels get sick any less?<BR><BR>

YES!

Hey, y'all, it could be worse. Here's a link to an Urban-Legends-debunking site that documents several real incidents.<BR><BR>http://www.snopes.com/horrors/gruesome/bodybed.htm