Your hotel bathroom may look spotless, but one travel expert is warning against using one common item. For many travellers, using the hotel’s complimentary toiletries feels like part of the experience, a small luxury included in the price of the room. But Denise McCabe, a seasoned traveller at Ireland Prestige Tours, has revealed that these toiletries should actually be avoided.

Refillable shampoo, conditioner, and shower gel dispensers have become increasingly common, largely due to environmental concerns. While the intention is good, Denise says the reality can be unsettling, explaining: "Once a bottle has been opened and refilled multiple times, there’s always a question mark.

"I’ve heard and seen enough over the years to know it’s not just shampoo that ends up in those bottles.

"I’ve come across dispensers that smelled wrong or had a strange texture, and colleagues have told me about finding things like hair removal cream or other products mixed in. Once that thought is in your head, you can’t unthink it."

However, while these bottles may be best left unused, Denise adds that some are perfectly safe. There are dispensers that are clearly designed to prevent tampering - these are usually wall-mounted and require a specific key to open them, which guests don’t have access to.

Explaining that these are typically safer, Denise says: If you can see that the bottle is securely locked and can only be opened by staff, then it’s much less likely anyone has interfered with it. In those cases, I’m far less concerned because the contents are controlled by housekeeping."

However, some bottles may look secure and locked when they aren't, so if you're unsure, it's better to err on the side of caution.

For Denise, the solution is simple and gives her peace of mind wherever she stays. "I always travel with my own miniature toiletries. A small bottle of shampoo, conditioner and body wash takes up very little space and removes all the guesswork."

Travel-size products are easier to manage, and you don't need to worry about taking full-sized bottles with you when you jet off on holiday.

If you can't find your usual choices in minitaure, you can instead purchase empty bottles and decant a few days' worth from your larger bottles.

Denise also points out another benefit: "Using your own products means you’re not suddenly switching brands or formulas, which can irritate your skin or scalp. That’s especially important if you have sensitive skin or allergies."