Travel Hygiene: Why You Should Clean Your Suitcase

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For most of us it’s quite common now travel with hand sanitizer, wet wipes, and maybe even a face mask to stay clean healthy while you are on the road.

But there is one important thing that most of us overlook.

When was the last time you cleaned your house? suitcase?

A colorful backpack and a small suitcase end up on a roller conveyor after being scanned in an X-ray machine for safety. A plastic container for it. 3/4 length shot.
Your bags can pick up a lot of germs and bacteria. (Getty)

Sure, maybe you’re one of those industrious people who unpack as soon as they get home. However, experts advise that we should also take the extra step of cleaning your suitcase ourselves as well.

Cleaning your suitcase isn’t just about making it look good, it’s also an important step in keeping you healthy and warding off germs. 

“Your luggage picks up more dirt and germs than you might realize, from conveyor belts to hotel rooms,” says Courtney Landry, product development manager at Norwex, according to HuffPost.

“The outside of your suitcase becomes a host to millions of bacteria when you travel, collecting dust, dirt and debris.”

Lost luggage at an airport
The handles and wheels are especially dirty. (CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Image)

Microbiologist Jason Tetro, also known as “The Germ Guy,” told the publication that luggage is a common vehicle for the spread of infections.

“Luggage touches everything during the trip, so the best thing you can do is keep the surface clean and safe.”

“Put it this way, ask yourself if you cleaned your hands before touching your face,” he said. “Most likely, the answer is no. What was on that handle that could possibly make you sick? You won’t know. No one can, actually. So it’s best to take the precaution and make sure you don’t get yourself endangers.” .”

The best way to clean the outside of your suitcase is to use warm, soapy water and a soft cloth or scrub brush and wash it all off. If you have a soft suitcase, use a little less water, but enough to make foam.

Pay close attention to the wheels and handles, as these contain the most bacteria.

You can also use a spray and wipe product to disinfect your suitcase.

Unrecognizable white male disinfecting a suitcase in a hotel.
It’s a good idea to clean your suitcase between vacations. (Getty)

The inside of your suitcase can also become dirty. 

The shoes and clothes we wear on vacation can carry dirt and bacteria with them. That is why it is wise to also clean the inside of your luggage. 

Start by using a hairdryer or small vacuum cleaner to remove any debris (such as sand or dirt), then use a disinfectant wipe or spray to go over the interior fabric.

You can also spray rubbing alcohol on the surfaces and let it dry, which acts as a disinfectant.

Then leave your luggage open to air dry and prevent moisture build-up.

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