What’s the Most Hygienic Way to Handle Hotel Room Glasses and Coffee Makers?

You’ve just checked into your hotel after a long flight. You’re tired, thirsty, and eyeing that complimentary glass and coffee maker for a quick refresh. But before you take a sip or brew that first cup—pause.

Here’s the truth: hotel room glasses and coffee makers aren’t always as clean as they look. Even in high-end hotels, cleaning practices vary, and some surfaces don’t get the attention they deserve. Somebody may have only wiped down those glasses with a dirty rag, and that coffee maker? It could be harboring mold, bacteria, or old coffee residue from the last guest.

What’s the best way to ensure your drinking glass won’t make you sick, and your morning coffee isn’t brewing up more than caffeine? Let’s break it down.

Why You Should Be Skeptical About Hotel Glasses and Coffee Makers

Hotels aren’t required to sanitize in-room drinkware the same way restaurants do. Many times:

• Housekeeping wipes glasses with the same cloth used for bathroom surfaces.
• Some hotels skip dishwashing altogether, giving glasses a quick rinse instead.
• Coffee makers rarely get deep cleaned, leading to bacteria, mold, and leftover residue from previous guests.
• Ice buckets? They might have been used as makeshift vomit bins (yes, really).

And if you’re thinking, this probably doesn’t happen in fancy hotels—think again. Hidden camera investigations have caught even luxury hotels cutting corners.

How to Safely Use Hotel Glasses

Want to drink without wondering if you’re sipping on last night’s cleaning chemicals? Here’s what to do:

1. Bring Your Own Reusable Cup or Bottle

The safest option is to skip the glassware entirely. Bring a collapsible silicone cup, an insulated travel mug, or a reusable water bottle. Bonus: You’ll stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.

2. Wash Glasses with Hot, Soapy Water

If you must use the in-room glasses, rinse them with hot water from the bathroom tap (assuming you’re in a country where tap water is safe). Use hand soap (or bring a travel-sized dish soap) to give them a proper scrub. Dry with a clean tissue, towel, or let air-dry—avoid hotel washcloths.

3. Request Fresh Glasses from Housekeeping

Call the front desk and ask for freshly washed glasses. Specify that you want ones that have been cleaned in an industrial dishwasher, not just swapped out.

4. Use the Disposable Cups (If Provided)

Many hotels offer wrapped disposable cups, which are the cleanest option—but if they’re just sitting out in the open instead of wrapped up or closed behind a cabinet, they might not be much better than the glasses.

How to Safely Use Hotel Coffee Makers

That coffee maker might look fine, but behind the scenes, it could be harboring:

• Mold in the water reservoir
• Bacteria from old coffee residue
• Dust and grime from months (or years) of neglect
• Much worse…like roaches…yeah.

Here’s how to avoid a side of germs with your morning brew:

1. Run a Cleaning Cycle First

Before brewing coffee, run a full cycle with just water. Fill the reservoir with hot water (or bottled water if you don’t trust the tap). Run it through without coffee to flush out any buildup. If you’re staying in an apartment rental or longer-term hotel, you might consider picking up some white distilled vinegar and running a cycle with a bit of that mixed in.

2. Wipe Down the Exterior

Use a disinfecting wipe or a tissue with hand sanitizer to clean the buttons and handle—aka, the most-touched but least-cleaned areas.

3. Use Your Own Coffee and Filters

Some hotels reuse the coffee filter holder without cleaning it, and those pre-packaged coffee pods? They might be sitting there for months. Instead, bring your own coffee and filters, or use instant coffee or tea bags if you don’t trust the machine.

4. Skip It and Get Coffee Elsewhere

If the coffee maker looks suspect, consider grabbing a coffee from the lobby, a local café, or bringing your own travel kettle for hot water on demand.

What About Ice Buckets?

The hotel ice bucket is possibly the most unhygienic thing in the room. Why? It’s rarely cleaned properly, some guests use it for things other than ice (don’t think about it too much), and the plastic liners don’t always prevent contamination.

Instead of using the ice bucket:

• Get ice from the hotel bar, where it’s been handled more carefully.
• Use a clean, resealable bag as a liner inside the bucket.
• Bring a small insulated travel cup for ice instead.

Stay Smart, Stay Safe

Your hotel room might look spotless, but when it comes to glassware and coffee makers, a little caution goes a long way. Taking a few extra steps can save you from an upset stomach—or worse.

And don’t let that stop you from fully enjoying your trip! Happy travels and stay safe!

About the Author

Originally from Indiana, Heather believes every destination has a story worth telling and a reason to visit. With a deep love of adventure, history, and psychology, she shares travel trivia, tips, and inspiration to encourage you to explore the world with curiosity and optimism. Read her other articles on Frayed Passport here.

Featured image by Pasi Mämmelä from Pixabay