The next time you're staying at a hotel, when done with your towel, leave it hanging or on the sink. It's one less towel the staff need to pick up from the floor. It's a small act but can make a difference.

Hotel towel etiquette is largely determined by the "Environmental Conservation" signs found in most bathrooms, which follow a universal code: "A towel on the rack means 'I will use it again.' A towel on the floor or in the tub means 'Please replace it.'" If you have finished with a towel and want it laundered, the most respectful place to put it is in the bathtub or on the shower floor; this keeps the damp fabric in a waterproof area and signals clearly to the housekeeping staff that it needs washing. Avoid leaving towels on the carpeted floor or on wooden furniture, as the moisture can cause damage. If you are staying multiple nights and wish to be eco-friendly, hanging your towel back on the rack or a hook is the standard way to indicate you don't need a fresh one. Upon final checkout, many travelers choose to gather all used linens into one pile in the tub or a provided hamper to help the staff turn the room over more efficiently.