How Often Are Sheets Really Cleaned in Maine Hotels?

We’re not trying to give anyone the 'heebie-jeebies,' but this information is certainly good to know.

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Folks often get hotel rooms for a break from their daily routine, whether on a business trip, a vacation, or even for a 'staycation' in the area. It's a chance to clear your mind and enjoy some time away from home.

Hotels provide a comfortable and relaxing environment where you don't have to worry about chores or responsibilities. You can just relax and unwind, knowing that everything is taken care of.

However, something that generally doesn’t come to mind is that hotels or hotel-adjacent businesses such as motels, bed and breakfasts, cottages, or any type of commercial lodging are heavily regulated with rules and regulations.

So, what are some of the Maine state laws regarding hotels and their upkeep?

One law, Title 28-A: LIQUORS, subsection '§1061. Hotels,' pertains to the issuance of liquor licenses to hotels for the sale of spirits, wine, and malt liquor to be consumed on the premises. Hotels must meet certain requirements, including not allowing minors in a hotel lounge where liquor is served unless specific conditions are met.

Additionally, at least 10% of the hotel's gross annual income must come from the sale of food, unless exempted by having additional licenses. Also, the number of rooms required for a hotel is based on the population of the municipality in which the hotel is located.

Maine law also allows innkeepers and campground owners to refuse accommodations or eject individuals from their premises under certain circumstances.

These 'certain circumstances' include if a person is unwilling or unable to pay, if they are a minor (unless specific conditions are met), if they bring in dangerous possessions, if they exceed the occupancy limit for a room or site, or if they violate laws or rules that endanger others. However, this law does not permit discrimination prohibited by the Maine Human Rights Act.

Further, there are laws in place to differentiate and make sure that innkeepers and certain campground operators are not considered landlords in Maine.

Now, believe it or not, not every state has laws protecting hotel guests from unsanitary sheets. Maine, however, as 'Vacationland,' for the most part, takes care of its vacationers.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, Bureau of Health, Division of Health Engineering and their 'Rules Relating To Lodging Establishments,' sheets and pillowcases, when provided, shall be clean. In no case shall sheets or pillowcases, after once being used by any guest, be used for or by another guest without having been thoroughly cleaned. This would be a critical violation.

Additionally, any torn and/or soiled bedding, mattresses, sheets, or pillowcases shall not be used.

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