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Your hotel bathroom might appear immaculate, but a travel expert is issuing a caution about one seemingly harmless amenity. For countless holidaymakers, making use of complimentary hotel toiletries feels like a little treat that comes with the room.

However, Denise McCabe, an experienced traveller at Ireland Prestige Tours, has urged guests to think twice before reaching for them.

Refillable dispensers containing shampoo, conditioner, and body wash have grown more prevalent in recent years, primarily driven by environmental considerations.

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Whilst the eco-friendly motivation is admirable, Denise warns the truth behind them can be rather disturbing, stating: "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."

That said, whilst many of these containers should perhaps be given a wide berth, Denise acknowledges that certain ones are entirely safe to use. Dispensers that are clearly built to resist interference - typically wall-mounted units requiring a specific key that guests cannot access - are generally trustworthy.

Denise, explaining that these are generally safer, advises: "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 arecontrolled by housekeeping."

However, some bottles may appear secure and locked when they're not, so if you're uncertain, it's best to play it safe.

For Denise, the solution is straightforward and provides her with peace of mind wherever she lodges. "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-sized items are more manageable, and there's no need to fret about carrying full-sized bottles when you're off on your holidays.

If you can't locate your regular products in miniature form, you can instead buy empty bottles and decant a few days' worth from your larger containers.

Denise also highlights another advantage: "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."