Why You Should Never Put Your Clothes in Hotel Dressers, According to Experts

Laura Beck
·4-min read

Getting ready for a vacation is one of the most exciting things there is. Planning your itinerary, picking out your outfits and packing your bags all help to put you in that fabulous out-of-office mode. But what about when you get to your destination and it’s time to unpack those bags? Well, that’s where things get a bit more complicated.

Before you unpack at your dream destination, read these tips from experts on how to keep certain pests at bay and your belongings safe during your travels.

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You might be tempted to unpack your suitcase and settle into those hotel dresser drawers, but experts warn against this common practice.

Chad L. Cross, PhD, Professor in Residence at the School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics at UNLV, explains why: "Dressers in hotels, along with other hotel furniture, tend to provide great hiding places for bed bugs."

He adds, "Even though furniture tends to represent relatively low presence compared to bed areas, it is worthwhile to be proactive and cautious about where you store your clothing."

Dr. Eve Elizabeth Pennie, general practitioner and medical contributor for Drugwatch, echoes this concern, explaining: "Hotel dressers might seem convenient. Still, they can harbor bed bugs, especially if the room has been infested. Bed bugs are excellent at hiding in cracks and crevices, including those found in wooden dressers. Placing your clothes in a dresser increases the chance of bed bugs hitching a ride home with you."

So if the dresser is off-limits, where should you keep your belongings? Both experts agree that elevation is key.

"The best place to store luggage in a hotel is on a surface that is not porous or that otherwise provides good hiding places for bed bugs," advises Cross. "Hard or elevated surfaces tend to be safest. These include foldable luggage racks kept away from the bedroom—for example, placing luggage in the bathroom or on a tiled surface near the door area if it is tiled tends to provide the lowest probability of bed bug exposure."

Dr. Pennie concurs, recommending "a luggage rack, ideally placed away from the bed and walls."

She adds, "Some travelers even put their suitcases in the bathroom, as bed bugs are less likely to be found there."

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Preventing bed bugs from coming home with you is more important than picking the perfect souvenirs for your friends.

Cross advises, "You should be cautious after staying in hotels—if you believe there may have been bed bugs or if you detect bites, do not bring your suitcases into the home." He suggests sealing your suitcase in a large, black trash bag and leaving it in a hot area for several days, then laundering your clothing in hot water with a hot dryer cycle.

Dr. Pennie offers similar guidance: "Once you return home, don't immediately unpack your suitcase. Instead, inspect your clothes and luggage for any signs of bed bugs. Wash all your clothes in hot water, even if you didn't wear them, and dry them on high heat to kill bugs or eggs."

Both experts stress the importance of vigilance. "You can limit the spread of bed bugs by being diligent and inspecting for them in the hotel room before you unpack," says Cross. "Check bed areas around the mattress and pillows and look for bed bug fecal material."

Dr. Pennie advises, "Always inspect the hotel bed and surrounding areas for signs of bed bugs before settling in. Look for tiny reddish-brown spots on the mattress or sheets, and check the seams and corners of the mattress."

Cross also mentions a specialized tool for the particularly cautious traveler: "Though not generally for the casual hotel guest, there are specialized light kits that use UV lights in combination with yellow-lensed glasses that allow for visual inspection, as bed bug feces (and sometimes the bugs themselves) will reflect light."

Finally, Cross shares an important point: "The most important piece of advice is simply to be diligent. Bed bugs can be found anywhere, and do not always represent a pest only found in low-end hotels."

By following these expert tips, you can enjoy your travels with peace of mind, knowing you're doing your best to avoid unwanted hitchhikers. Safe travels!

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