You walk into a hotel room and everything looks spotless. Crisp sheets, a tidy bathroom, that faint fresh scent in the air. It all whispers clean and safe. But some of the things you'll touch most during your stay quietly slip through the cracks when the room gets cleaned.
According to experts, one of them might be sitting right on the desk: the in-room coffee maker. The reason is simple — its inner parts are hard to clean, and they stay warm and damp, which is exactly what microorganisms love.
Why the hotel coffee maker can be a problem
Coffee makers can create an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive. Because the water tanks, tubes and internal parts stay moist, over time they can develop what's known as biofilm — a thin, sticky layer where different microorganisms settle in. And a quick rinse isn't always enough to remove it.
Dr. Simran Malhotra, a physician and founder of Wellness By LifestyleMD, told Travel+Leisure that appliances in regular contact with water are especially prone to building up these bacterial layers. In one small study, researchers analyzed the water reservoirs of several coffee machines — and every single one contained a varied community of bacteria.
One reason, the expert notes, is that the inside of these machines is hard to reach. So during routine cleaning, the focus tends to land on the visible surfaces instead.
Why it's worth watching for hidden risks
It's important to stress that hotel coffee makers are not automatically dangerous, and hygiene standards vary from one place to the next. Hotels follow different cleaning protocols, and many put real effort into keeping guests safe.
Still, it helps to know there are small, easy-to-overlook spots worth a quick check when you travel — especially if you're more prone to infections.
Dr. Nneoma Oparaji, a physician and lifestyle medicine expert, points out that a disinfecting wipe works well on buttons, handles and outer surfaces — but it can't reach the tubes and water tanks deep inside the machine, where residue tends to build up.
How to use the hotel coffee maker more safely
If you don't want to give up your morning coffee on the road, a few simple steps can lower the risk:
- Before your first cup, run two full cycles of hot water through the machine with no coffee.
- If the machine has removable parts, wash them in warm, soapy water.
- Wipe down the buttons, handles and outer surfaces with a disinfecting wipe.
- If you're unsure about the cleanliness, don't hesitate to ask the hotel staff for help.
Dr. Malhotra adds that this extra caution matters most for people who catch infections more easily or have a more sensitive immune system.
It's not just the coffee maker
Hotel rooms have plenty of surfaces that lots of people touch, yet we rarely think about them. A few examples:
- light switches
- door handles
- the phone
- the fridge handle
- the remote controls
- the coffee cups
Giving these high-touch surfaces a regular wipe is a simple but effective travel habit. Some research suggests that disinfecting wipes can significantly reduce viral contamination on surfaces like these.
A little caution goes a long way
Good hygiene is a key part of healthy travel — but it shouldn't steal the joy of exploring. Experts say the simplest habits do the most work: washing your hands often, avoiding touching your face, and keeping hand sanitizer handy while you're out and about.
So the hotel coffee maker isn't a reason to skip the trip or give up your morning brew. Think of it instead as a small reminder that a few mindful steps can make your days in unfamiliar places even more comfortable and safe.
Are hotel coffee makers actually dangerous to use?
Not automatically. Hygiene standards vary from hotel to hotel, and many put real effort into keeping rooms safe. The concern is that the machine's inner parts are hard to clean and can build up bacteria over time.
How can I clean a hotel coffee maker before using it?
Run two full cycles of hot water through it with no coffee, wash any removable parts in warm soapy water, and wipe the buttons and outer surfaces with a disinfecting wipe.
Why can't a simple rinse clean the coffee maker properly?
Because the tubes and water tanks inside can develop biofilm — a thin, sticky layer where microorganisms settle. A quick rinse or a wipe on the outside won't reach those inner parts.
What other hotel room surfaces should I pay attention to?
High-touch spots like light switches, door handles, the phone, the fridge handle, remote controls and coffee cups. A regular wipe-down of these is a simple, effective habit while traveling.
