The surprising thing that hotel housekeepers wish you wouldn't do

A hotel chambermaid has revealed that guests’ making their beds perfectly before checking out is actually not as helpful as you might think.

The reason for this is that they have to change the sheets to get ready for the next guest(s) anyway, so it’s easier if it looks like it’s been slept in. Speaking to Insider, the former worker at an Australian hotel had this to say.

"If you've slept in your bed, you don't need to make it when you leave. If we think you haven't used the bed at all, we may not change the sheet. So it's better if it looks slept in."

We know it might seem like the polite thing to do, as we all (usually) make our beds in the morning, but it can actually be pretty unhygienic if the sheets are left unchanged.

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There are definitely things you can do to help though, if you want to. Another housekeeper shared their thoughts on what guests can do to make their job easier.

"It's not necessary or expected, but it's really sweet when a guest takes apart their bed before they leave because you have to clean so many rooms in a certain amount of time. It helps a lot. Also, put all your used towels in a pile together on the floor."

So ironically, it’s more helpful to leave your room messy with all your bedding stripped and towels on the floor, instead of trying to make things look pristine. It might feel strange doing it, but don’t worry, you’ll be helping!

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We all try to be the courteous hotel guests, so why not try this simple thing before you check out? Your hotel will thank you for it.

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Lucy Buglass is a Digital Writer specialising in TV, film and lifestyle content and has written for What's On TV, GoodtoKnow and Whattowatch.com. She's passionate about entertainment and spends most of her free time watching Netflix series, BBC dramas, or going to the cinema to catch the latest film releases. In her spare time, she writes film and television reviews for JumpCut Online and her own blog, Lucy Goes To Hollywood.