1 week Ago By Milad Sherzad
TRAVELLERS have been advised to avoid using this common item found in hotel rooms for a very grim reason. Hotel goers may be tempted to use them on arrival, but these appliances have been revealed to be used for strange reasons far beyond their original purpose. 1 Hotel irons could be harbouring bacteria Credit: Getty Hotel irons have trended on TikTok for their alternative uses, but some of these techniques could leave the devices filthy.
Content creators and travel enthusiasts have shown a variety of unconventional uses for hotel irons, turning them into makeshift kitchen appliances for cooking meals. This includes anything from heating up pizza slices to grilling sandwiches, and even attempting to cook a steak. While these viral food hacks may seem clever at first, they raise serious concerns about the hygiene and safety of using hotel irons.
Read More on Travel COOL OFF Ex-hotel manager reveals why you should avoid using item found in every room WATCH OUT Little-known 'shoulder-surfing' we all do on plane - even though it's annoying Using the devices in this way could leave behind food residues, oils, and even bacteria on the iron’s surface. This filth, if uncleaned, could then ruin your clothes when you attempt to iron them. Clothing experts from Stock have highlighted the risks associated with using hotel irons.
One the experts said: “Hotel irons may not always be as clean as you’d hope, potentially transferring residues from previous uses onto your clothes. Most read in Travel COOL OFF Ex-hotel manager reveals why you should avoid using item found in every room PASS IT ON Travel warning for passengers - the passport mistake that causes issues SAD SIGN Council installs 'do not use as toilet' sign at Scots beauty spot SUPER SUITE Mega party hotel suite in the UK has 24 beds and in-room pool "Using them for non-ironing purposes can damage the appliance and leave unsavoury smells on your garments.” Beyond the risk of food residues, there’s also the issue of cleanliness.
Mega party hotel room in the UK with an in-room pool and 24 beds Hotel staff may not always have the time or protocols in place to thoroughly clean these appliances between guest uses. As a result, travellers could end up using an iron that’s harbouring dirt, grime, or even rust. An unclean or rusty iron can leave stains or marks on clothes that are difficult to remove, ruining garments rather than refreshing them.
On top of this, using irons in this way could break them altogether. The appliances are not designed to withstand the heat required to cook food, nor are they equipped to handle the oils and fats that come with it. When an iron is used to cook, it can cause damage to the internal components, leading to malfunctions or even safety hazards, according to magazine Travel and Tour World .
One of the most significant dangers of using a hotel iron improperly is the risk of fire. The devices generate high levels of heat, and when used incorrectly, they can easily ignite flammable materials. Read more on the Scottish Sun HOME WIN Rangers star James Tavernier splashes out £1million for flat in pricey city spot SCHOOL’S OUT I’m marrying my teacher - pals still call her ‘miss’ & telling mum was hard Even if a fire doesn’t occur, the misuse of an iron can lead to burns, electrical malfunctions, or damage to the hotel room, all of which can result in costly consequences.
We reveal some safer options below to ensure your clothes remain wrinkle-free Safer alternatives for wrinkle-free clothes on holiday HERE are some safer alternatives for wrinkle-free clothes when travelling, according to magazine Travel and Tour World. Travel Steamers: One of the most popular alternatives to hotel irons is a portable travel steamer. Travel steamers are compact, easy to use, and effective at removing wrinkles from clothes without the need for direct contact.
Simply hang your clothes, and the steamer will release a gentle mist of steam that smooths out wrinkles and refreshes the fabric. Because steamers don’t require a heated surface to touch the clothes, they eliminate the risk of burns or stains. Wrinkle-Release Sprays: Wrinkle-release sprays are another convenient solution for travellers.
These sprays work by relaxing the fibres in the fabric, allowing wrinkles to fall out naturally. All you need to do is spray the garment, smooth it out with your hands, and let it hang to dry. This method is quick, easy, and safe for most fabrics.
Packing Techniques: Prevention is better than cure, and using smart packing techniques can help minimize wrinkles in the first place. Rolling clothes instead of folding them, using packing cubes, or placing tissue paper between layers can all help reduce the likelihood of wrinkles forming during transit. Additionally, unpacking and hanging clothes as soon as you arrive at your destination can allow any minor wrinkles to fall out naturally.
Using the Bathroom Steam: Another simple yet effective method is to hang your clothes in the bathroom while taking a hot shower. The steam from the shower can help release wrinkles from the fabric, leaving your clothes looking fresher and more presentable. This method is particularly useful for delicate fabrics that might not withstand direct heat.
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