The last thing travelers want who started off a trip with the purchase of cheap airplane tickets and discount hotel rooms is to get sick while traveling. Extensive studies have shown that TV remote controls in hotel rooms often contain the most germs in a hotel room.
Experts recommend that guests wash their hands each time after using a hotel TV remote control. E. coli has been found on some remotes. Many travelers who want to avoid germs either do not use TV remotes or cover them with things such as shower caps or other germ-proof items.
DIRECTV, a satellite TV provider, has come out with an easier, more sanitary solution. DIRECTV is testing an anti-microbial remote control coated with a germ resistant finish as part of its new Residential Experience for Hotels package. The new coating will not change the feel of the remote, but according to DIRECTV, will offer up to 99.99 percent protection from harmful organisms such as bacteria, mold and fungi.
Currently the remotes are being tested in select rooms at Homewood Suites in Rockville, Maryland and at the Aloft Harlem hotel in New York City. The new package spread out to additional hotels in August.
Experts say they will be interested in seeing the test results of this remote control anti germ device. While anti-microbials have often been placed into objects in the past, follow up has not occurred to see how well they actually work on the treated object.
Until follow-up testing proves definitively the effectiveness of antimicrobial remote controls coated with a germ resistant finish, users are advised to clean TV remotes with an antibacterial wipe or cover it with a plastic bag prior to touching it. www.cheapfares.com