Many people enter a hotel room after a long trip and immediately lie down on the bed, charge their phones, or take a shower.

However, experienced travelers say there is one simple thing they often do first: pour hot water into the toilet.

Hotel bathrooms are not always used regularly, especially in rooms that have been vacant for days.

As a result, the toilet pipes and drainage systems can sometimes develop unpleasant odors or attract insects.

Pouring hot water into the bowl may help reduce bad smells, loosen buildup, and flush away hidden bugs.

Hygiene experts note that hotel bathrooms can contain large amounts of bacteria because they are used by many different guests.

High-touch areas that harbor germs include the toilet seats, flush buttons, sink handles, and bathroom floors.

Because of this, many experienced travelers prefer to quickly flush the toilet and rinse surfaces before settling in.

Careful guests also inspect bedsheets, pillowcases, towels, air conditioning vents, and hidden corners for insects.

While hot water alone does not completely sterilize a toilet, it improves drainage flow and helps the room feel cleaner.