In reality, most people are more likely to use the kettle for its intended purpose - making tea or coffee! It's important to remember that hotel kettles are shared items and should be treated with respect so as not to put other guests off using them.

While most people use hotel kettles for their intended purpose of making tea or coffee, they are unfortunately the subject of several unhygienic "travel hacks" that have become infamous in the hospitality industry. Some travelers use kettles to cook food, such as boiling eggs, heating up hot dogs, or even making rice directly in the basin, which can leave behind food particles and odors that are difficult to clean. Even more disturbingly, social media "tips" have suggested using the boiling water (or the kettle itself) to wash underwear or socks to "sanitize" them, a practice that is considered extremely unsanitary for subsequent guests. Other more benign uses include using the steam to get wrinkles out of clothes or to humidify a dry room. In 2026, due to these "kettle horror stories," many high-end hotels have started replacing traditional kettles with pod-based machines like Nespresso, which are harder to misuse. If you are concerned about cleanliness, experts suggest running a "clean cycle" by boiling plain water once or twice before use, or simply avoiding the room kettle altogether and getting your hot water from the hotel's dining area or a nearby cafe.