Ask most people what the dirtiest part of a vacation rental is, and they’ll say the toilet. But research—and countless guest experiences—tell another story. The real germ hotspot is sitting on the coffee table: the remote control.
Why the remote is dirtier than the toilet
Unlike toilets, which get scrubbed at every turnover, remotes rarely make the checklist. Guests handle them daily with sunscreen-covered hands, after meals, or even while sick. The buttons trap oils, crumbs, and bacteria that linger long after checkout.
What guests actually see
- Smudged buttons with sticky residue.
- Dust trapped around controls.
- A greasy shine under the TV light.
One glance, and guests instantly feel the space is less hygienic—no matter how clean the bathroom is.
The psychology of disgust
Bathrooms come with expectations of cleaning. But when a guest touches a dirty remote, it feels like neglect. It’s unexpected, intimate, and personal. That shock factor makes it worse than seeing a less-than-perfect toilet.
The ripple effect on reviews
Guests often mention details like “remote was sticky” in reviews. These small notes hit hard, because they suggest invisible dirt elsewhere. A dirty remote makes guests wonder about sheets, kitchens, and overall hygiene.
How to keep remotes from killing your reputation
- Disinfect at every turnover: Use alcohol-based wipes safe for electronics.
- Wrap or sleeve remotes: Disposable or washable covers show extra care.
- Rotate deep cleaning: Scrub around buttons weekly to prevent buildup.
- Test guest experience: Pick up the remote with bare hands—if it feels sticky, it’s not ready.
Pro insight from Sharky
At Sharky, we treat remotes as “critical touchpoints.” They get sanitized every time—because guests may forgive a missed speck of dust, but never a sticky button.
Closing thought
In Destin rentals, the dirtiest thing isn’t the toilet. It’s the one object everyone touches without thinking. Keep your remotes spotless, and you’ll protect trust, ratings, and reputation.
— Andrey Zhilin, Cleaning Expert at Sharky
Read also: Why Dirty Coffee Makers Are the Silent Reputation Killers in Destin Rentals
