When guests check into hotels and motels, the reception staff often reminds them to check the sanitation, property, and equipment in the room. Sometimes, guests are also advised to hang a wet towel on the doorknob. Few people know why they do this.
Why do hotel doorknobs hang wet towels?
Covering your nose and mouth with a damp towel or cloth can help you escape a hotel fire safely, according to experts from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Cover your mouth with a tissue and keep your nose open, as breathing through your mouth can burn your airways. In the event of a fire, a damp towel hanging from a hotel doorknob can be a lifesaver.
If a sudden fire occurs in the hotel, you can immediately flee and use the wet towel hanging by the door to cover your mouth.
This way, you won't need to spend 2-4 minutes running to the bathroom to wet the towel, which could cause you to miss the crucial window for a timely escape.
The main purpose of hanging wet towels on motel doorknobs is to keep guests safe in the event of a fire. The biggest threat to hotels and motels is fire since this is a multi-occupancy place that is prone to fire incidents. In a fire, more people die from smoke inhalation than from burns.
Another reason to hang wet towels on hotel doorknobs is that it helps dehumidify the room. Usually, guests will turn on the air conditioner to make the air in the room drier. Wet towels will evaporate, replenishing moisture and making you feel more comfortable.
Whatever the reason, it is very practical and useful to hang wet towels on doorknobs. Plus, it's easy to do and won't take much of your time. No matter how tired you are, you should take a few minutes to do this before you rest.
6 things to do after entering a hotel room
Ensure a safe and comfortable stay by promptly completing these tasks as soon as you enter your hotel room.
Check the mattress or bed
When you arrive at a hotel, your first task should be to check the beds. Look under the mattress and pillows for any foreign objects or signs of pests. If you find anything suspicious, make sure to notify the front desk immediately.
Sanitize essential items
Another important step is to quickly clean the most commonly touched objects in the house, such as doorknobs, wardrobe handles, and TV remotes, as these contain a lot of germs.
Check room keys and key cards
When you check-in, be sure to check that your hotel key cards are valid and, more importantly, understand how they work (they usually include instructions). Plus, learn how to properly lock your door and see if the lock is malfunctioning.
Lock windows and balcony doors
If you have small children, please lock the windows and balcony doors, especially if your room is on a higher floor. Kids can be very curious, so these surfaces tend to harbor a significant number of germ
Check the air conditioner's temperature
Maintaining a balanced room temperature is essential for a comfortable and restful stay. Upon entering your hotel room, verify the functionality of the air conditioning and test its temperature settings.
Review the exit map and locate the nearest exit
Exit maps are often located behind your hotel room door, yet only a few individuals take the time to study and remember the nearest emergency exits. Some hotels even display evacuation plans in their lobbies. Various scenarios such as fires or natural disasters could arise."
