The Hotel Room Habit That Sounds Smart—but You Should Think Twice Before Trying It

Checking into a hotel usually means one thing: dropping your bags, taking a breath, and finally relaxing. But there are a few small things experienced travelers often do before settling in—and one unusual hotel-room tip has recently attracted plenty of attention.

The idea is simple: boil water in the room’s electric kettle and then pour the hot water into the toilet.

It sounds like a clever way to make use of the kettle while supposedly improving hygiene. But there is an important problem with this advice: boiling water is not a reliable way to disinfect a hotel toilet, and pouring very hot water into a toilet can potentially damage the porcelain or plumbing.

So what should travelers actually do when they arrive?

Why Hotel Kettles Deserve a Quick Check

Electric kettles are common in hotel rooms, from inexpensive accommodations to upscale properties. They are convenient for making tea, coffee, or hot water.

However, unlike dishes and cups that are normally washed between guests, the inside of a kettle may receive less frequent attention.

That doesn’t mean every hotel kettle is dirty or unsafe. It simply means travelers should use common sense.