If you’ve ever stayed in a hotel, you’ve likely noticed the long, narrow strip of fabric stretched across the foot of the bed. While it may seem like nothing more than a decorative touch meant to add color or elegance to the room, that little runner actually serves several practical purposes—ones that many hotel guests aren’t even aware of. Frequent travelers might already know its function, but for those who think it’s just a visual enhancement, there’s more to it than meets the eye. This fabric strip, often referred to as a bed runner, is more than just a stylistic choice.

One of its main purposes is to protect the bedding underneath. Think about what most people do the moment they enter a hotel room: they toss their suitcase or travel bags on the bed. Some even throw their coats, purses, or other personal items on top. That bed runner acts as a barrier between the luggage and the clean bed linens, helping prevent stains, dirt, or wear and tear on the white sheets and comforters. Since these runners are often made in darker colors or patterns, they’re much better at hiding dirt or marks than pristine white sheets. Another reason for the presence of bed runners has to do with food. Many hotel guests choose to eat in their rooms—whether it’s room service or a quick snack picked up from the lobby or a nearby store. Placing food directly on the bed might sound risky, but putting it on the bed runner helps reduce the chances of spilling or getting crumbs on the clean linen. It creates a designated area for items that could potentially stain the sheets, making cleanup easier and minimizing laundry issues for housekeeping. Guests also tend to rest their feet at the foot of the bed—especially when lounging without taking off shoes or socks. Again, the bed runner steps in to protect the white linens from getting dirty. Whether it’s bare feet or shoes, it serves as a buffer zone, keeping the bedding fresher between cleanings. However, there is a downside. While sheets and pillowcases are cleaned between every guest, bed runners are not always washed as frequently. Since they don’t appear to get as dirty—or at least don’t show it as much—they’re often skipped during the regular cleaning process. That means the very thing protecting the bed from dirt and germs might actually be harboring some itself.

So what should you do the next time you check into a hotel and see that runner draped across the bed? It’s perfectly okay to remove it before getting comfortable. Taking it off and placing it on a chair or dresser can ensure you’re not coming into contact with something that may not have been recently cleaned. At the end of the day, while the bed runner may look like a small detail, it plays a surprisingly important role in the hotel experience. It helps maintain cleanliness, keeps the sheets looking fresh, and offers an added touch of style. But like with anything in a shared space, it’s always wise to consider hygiene. Now that you know what that fabric strip is really for, you’ll never look at a hotel bed the same way again. And if you found this little travel insight useful, feel free to share it with your friends and family—it might help them stay a little cleaner and a little more comfortable on their next trip.