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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
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
HERE are some safer alternatives for wrinkle-free clothes when travelling, according to magazine Travel and Tour World.
