Travelers know that when it comes to their safety and security, no expense should be spared. But as lockdown restrictions become more lax worldwide, eco-conscious travelers may face a dilemma: how do you keep yourself safe without wasting precious resources?
Fortunately, there is an answer – using an everyday household item like an ironing board to reinforce the door of your hotel or accommodation!
In this article, we’ll discuss why securing a hotel room door with an ironing board makes sense for both practical and environmental reasons while offering step-by-step instructions on how to effectively set up this critical layer of protection against intruders.
Keep reading if you want to discover exactly why and how to secure hotel door with ironing board!
What Will You Need?
To secure your hotel door with an ironing board, you will need the following items:
- An ironing board (preferably one with a strong metal frame)
- A door wedge or stopper
- A rubber band or bungee cord
Once you have these items, you’re ready to start securing your hotel door!
Why Use an Ironing Board to Secure Your Hotel Door?
It’s no secret that hotels can be prime targets for theft and intruders. With a constant flow of guests and sometimes lax security measures, it’s essential to take extra precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of your belongings.
Using an ironing board is a great way to reinforce the door because:
- It’s Portable: Ironing boards can easily be transported in luggage or carried by hand, making it a convenient and space-saving option for travelers.
- It’s Discreet: Unlike other security devices, an ironing board can be easily hidden in your room without drawing attention to potential intruders.
- It’s Versatile: An ironing board can be adjusted to fit different door widths, making it suitable for most hotel room doors.
- It’s Sturdy: Most ironing boards have a strong metal frame that can withstand significant force, making it difficult for intruders to push open the door even if they bypass the lock.
Now that you know why using an ironing board to secure your hotel room door is a good idea, let’s follow the steps to set it up.
8 Easy Steps on How to Secure Hotel Door With Ironing Board
Step 1. Position the Ironing Board:
Extend the ironing board to its full length and position it horizontally against the door from the inside of your room. Make sure the ironing board’s flat side is facing the door, and the legs are on the floor or carpet. If your ironing board has a lock, secure it in place.
Step 2. Secure the Ironing Board:
Use a sturdy rubber band or a bungee cord to secure the ironing board against the door. Loop the band or cord around the doorknob and then around the ironing board, creating firm tension. The band or cord should be tight enough to prevent the ironing board from moving but not so tight that it distorts the shape of the board. This will make it more difficult for potential intruders to push the door open.
Step 3. Add Layer of Security:
For an extra layer of security, place a door wedge or stopper under the bottom edge of the door. This will help to hold the door firmly in place and make it even harder for someone to force it open. Ensure that the door wedge is securely positioned and that the door cannot be pushed open even with a bit of force.
This step effectively doubles your security, using the ironing board as a barrier and the door stopper as an extra anchor. Now, you can rest easier knowing your room is well-secured with your makeshift security system.
Step 4. Test the Setup:
Once you have everything in place, it’s essential to test your setup to ensure its effectiveness. Try to open the door from the inside without removing the ironing board or the door stopper. The door should resist your attempts to push it open, indicating that your security system is functioning as intended. If the door opens easily, check your setup and make the necessary adjustments.
Once you are satisfied with the resistance level, your room is secure. Now, you can enjoy your stay with peace of mind, knowing you’ve taken additional measures to ensure your safety.
Step 5. Regularly Check Your Setup:
An essential aspect of maintaining the security of your room is to check your setup regularly. Periodically throughout your stay, test the effectiveness of your ironing board barrier and door stopper. If you notice any loosening or shifting, make the necessary adjustments to ensure they remain firmly in place and function as intended. This regular check will help you to maintain a high level of security during your hotel stay.
Step 6. Dismantle Your Setup:
When you’re ready to leave your room, remember to dismantle your setup and return all items to their original places. To do this, start by gently removing the door stopper. Then, carefully untie the rubber band or bungee cord around the doorknob and ironing board. Once these are removed, you can fold the ironing board back to its original state if it is adjustable.
Check your surroundings for leftover items to ensure you’re not leaving anything behind. This step is as important as the setup to leave the room in its original state and ensure no harm or damage has been done to any items used.
Step 7. Consider Other Precautions:
While the ironing board and door stopper setup offer an additional layer of security, it’s also important to consider other precautions when staying in a hotel.
Ensure all windows and connecting doors are locked, and utilize the room safe for valuables whenever possible. Additionally, it is beneficial to let a trusted person know your whereabouts and expected return date. Remember, your safety is paramount!
Step 8. Keep Keycard Secure:
Your room keycard is a crucial component of your hotel room security. Keep it with you, and do not leave it unattended in public places. Avoid sharing your room number, and do not allow strangers to escort you to your room. If you lose your keycard, contact the front desk immediately to have your lock reprogrammed.
By keeping your keycard secure, you add an extra layer of security, ensuring that only you have access to your room.
Following these simple steps, you can secure your hotel room door with an ironing board and enjoy your stay without worry. With a bit of creativity and resourcefulness, you can enhance the security of your room and protect yourself and your belongings.
5 Additional Tips and Tricks
- Choose a Strategic Location: Position the ironing board to add an extra layer of security to the door. This can be done by wedging one end of the board against the door while the other is firmly planted on the floor.
- Use Additional Objects for Support: If available, use other furniture pieces like chairs or tables to support the ironing board. This will make it harder for the door to be forced open.
- Check Stability: After setting up the ironing board, ensure it is stable and can withstand pressure. You can test this by gently pushing against it. If it moves quickly, you need to increase its stability.
- Ensure it Can be Removed Quickly: While it’s essential to secure the door, it’s equally important to ensure that the ironing board can be removed promptly in case of emergencies. Always have a plan to remove the blockade swiftly.
- Complement With Other Security Measures: Using an ironing board should be a last resort. Always complement this with other security measures like using the door lock, door stopper, or even a portable door lock if you have one.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can effectively secure your hotel door with an ironing board.
5 Things You Should Avoid
- Avoid Unstable Setups: Do not rely on an unstable setup that can easily be pushed over. The ironing board should be firmly wedged and supported by other furniture if necessary.
- Don’t Ignore the Door’s Existing Security Features: Pay attention to the built-in security features of your hotel room. Always use the door lock and peephole in addition to your ironing board setup.
- Avoid Blocking Emergency Exit: Ensure your setup doesn’t block emergency exits. You need to be able to remove the ironing board quickly in case of emergencies.
- Don’t Compromise Your Safety: Do not risk your safety by attempting to secure your door if you feel the situation is dangerous. If you feel unsafe, contact hotel staff or local authorities immediately.
- Avoid Leaving the Room Unattended for Long Periods: Do not leave your room unattended for long periods if you’ve secured the door with an ironing board. This could prevent hotel staff from accessing your room in case of emergencies. Remember, this method should complement, not replace, standard security measures.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll ensure that your ironing board setup effectively secures the door without compromising your safety.
What are the Other Best Ways to Secure a Hotel Room?
While using an ironing board to secure your hotel room door can be a quick and effective solution, there are other methods you can use for added security. Some of these include:
- Use a portable lock: Portable locks can easily be carried with you and provide an extra layer of security for your hotel room door. These locks often come with customizable codes so that only you can access your room.
- Use a door wedge: Door wedges are small and lightweight, making them convenient to carry with you while traveling. They can be easily placed under the door, making it difficult for anyone to enter your room.
- Use a portable door alarm: Portable door alarms can be attached to any type of door and emit a loud noise when triggered. This can be a deterrent for potential intruders.
Always remember to check with the hotel before using any additional security measures, as some hotels may have policies against these types of devices.
Why Do People Put Towels Under Hotel Doors?
Putting towels under hotel doors is a common practice, especially for those concerned about safety and security. This method is usually used as a quick solution to prevent anyone from entering the room while the guest is inside. However, this method may not be as effective as using an ironing board or other security measures.
Additionally, placing towels under doors can damage the door or cause noise complaints from other guests. It’s always best to use proper security measures that will not disrupt your stay or potentially cause damage.
Overall, securing your hotel room door is essential for your safety and peace of mind. Using an ironing board, in addition to other security measures, can be a quick and effective solution. However, always remember to prioritize your safety and use caution when attempting to secure the door on your own.
Conclusion
Ultimately, securing your hotel room door with an ironing board doesn’t have to be a daunting task. It can be done quite easily, quickly, and cost-effectively. Not only will it give you peace of mind while traveling, but it also allows you to save money on additional security measures that can sometimes be costly.
Hopefully, the article on how to secure hotel door with ironing board has provided you with useful information and tips on how to enhance your hotel room security. Remember to always prioritize your safety and use common sense when securing your door, and you’ll have a worry-free stay at any hotel.
So don’t let worries over your safety take away from the fun of your vacation – follow these simple steps and secure your hotel door with an ironing board today! With the help of this guide and a little effort on your part, you can make sure that no one is getting in when they’re not supposed to – so get out there and enjoy your travels with confidence!
