When it comes to packing for a holiday, no matter how we fold our clothes, they always seem creased on the other side of the journey.
However, before turning to your hotel’s iron to remove those creases, you might want to think twice as it may have been to places that you might never have imagined.
In the age of viral TikTok hacks and unconventional uses for everyday appliances, the humble hotel iron has often found itself in the spotlight – and often for all the wrong reasons.
Weirdly enough, it’s not just being used for smoothing out wrinkles anymore.
TikTok content creators touting alternative uses for regular household appliances are, in a lot of cases, creating these ‘hack’ videos not at home, but in hotel rooms.
So when you’re entering a freshly-booked hotel room, you have no idea what the provided appliances might have been used for by previous guests.
However, clothing experts Stock have revealed information about why you should avoid hotel irons.
Why avoid hotel irons?
Hotel irons get passed around by countless guests, and not everyone uses them for just clothes.
Some guests have taken to using them to heat food items like pizza and sandwiches, and one TikTok user even tried cooking a steak with one.
A quick Google search also reveals several travel blogs advocating for this hack. It’s a surprising and cautionary revelation about the potential misuse of these appliances.
A travel website even suggested using an “ironing board as a hot plate” and the iron itself as a heat source.
Beyond their unintended culinary adventures, hotel irons pose several risks.
One Stock expert explained: “They may not always be as clean as you’d hope, potentially transferring residues from previous uses onto your clothes.
“Using them for non-ironing purposes can damage the appliance and leave unsavoury smells on your garments.
“Moreover, irons can be old and rusty, risking stains that are tough to remove.”
What to do instead
Stock offers the following unconventional yet practical alternatives to hotel irons.
Steam it out
Leave the iron in the closet and use the steam in your hotel bathroom. Hang your clothes close to the shower and let the steam work its magic to release wrinkles.
Quick steam with water
Fill a spray bottle with clean water and lightly mist your clothes. The heat from your body will help dry them quickly, smoothing out wrinkles naturally.
Inspect before you iron
Always check the iron’s condition before using it. Look for any visible dirt or rust.
Test it on a hidden part of your clothing to ensure it’s clean and won’t damage your outfit. If the iron leaves any unpleasant marks or smells, it’s best to avoid using it.