Is Your Luggage Making You Sick?
Monday, September 23, 2024
Traveling can be an exciting adventure, but have you ever thought about what your suitcase picks up along the way? From airplane cabins to hotel floors, your luggage may be exposed to various bacteria, viruses, and germs. It’s no surprise that your suitcase can carry these harmful microbes back home with you, potentially affecting your health.
WHY do you need to sanitize your luggage after every trip?
Research has shown that travel can significantly increase our exposure to germs and pathogens, causing nausea, vomiting, stomach issues, respiratory problems and other.
- Germ Contamination in Airports: high-touch surfaces in airports, like check-in kiosks, security bins, and even luggage, carry a considerable microbial load. In fact, it’s not uncommon for luggage wheels and handles to test positive for bacteria that can cause illness
- Luggage and Illness Transmission: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that items frequently touched by others can become contaminated with germs. Given that luggage often interacts with multiple surfaces in public areas, it serves as a perfect vector for carrying germs back home
- Mold and Mildew Growth: As we know mold can thrive in damp environments, making suitcases vulnerable if they come into contact with moisture during travel, which happens at too many hotels!
- Allergens and Irritants: Travel can expose individuals to various allergens. Dust mites, pollen, and other irritants can accumulate in luggage, making sanitization essential for those prone to allergies
- Our luggage is touched by many hands: Just think about all the places your suitcase "touches" the moment you leave your house and all the hands that touch your suitcase. Can you count them all?
10 Steps to Clean and Sanitize Your Suitcase After Travel
1. Empty Your Suitcase Completely
Before cleaning, make sure to remove everything from your luggage, including any hidden compartments. This ensures that no belongings get in the way of proper cleaning.
2. Vacuum the Interior
Use a handheld vacuum to remove crumbs, dirt, and dust from inside your suitcase. Pay special attention to corners, pockets, and zippers, where debris tends to accumulate. Portable vacuum cleaners
3. Clean the Interior Lining with Mild Soap
Mix warm water and mild hand soap. Use a soft cloth to gently wipe the interior of your suitcase. Avoid soaking it, as too much moisture could lead to mildew Hand Wash With Botanicals
4. Disinfect the Exterior Shell
For hard-shell suitcases, use disinfectant wipes or a spray cleaner designed for plastic or metal surfaces. For fabric suitcases, you can use fabric-safe antibacterial sprays. Always test a small area first to avoid damage Travel Sanitizing Wipes
5. Sanitize Handles and Wheels
These areas are the most exposed to germs and dirt, so they need extra attention. Wipe down handles, zippers, and wheels with a disinfectant wipe or spray. TSA Approved Travel Size Disinfectant Spray
6. Spot Clean Stains
These areas are the most exposed to germs and dirt, so they need extra attention. Wipe down handles, zippers, and wheels with a disinfectant wipe or spray. Dry Stick Spot Cleaner
7. Tackle Mold and Mildew
If you notice any mold or mildew, clean the area with a mixture of vinegar and water. Vinegar is a natural disinfectant and deodorizer Mint Vinegar Cleaning Spray
8. Air Out Your Suitcase
After cleaning, leave your suitcase open in a well-ventilated area for a few hours to allow it to fully dry. This helps prevent mold and keeps it smelling fresh Portable Fan
9. Use a Deodorizer
Place an odor absorber, like baking soda or activated charcoal, inside the suitcase to eliminate any lingering smells Travel Size Odor Absorber
10. Store in a Clean, Dry Place & Use Suitcase Cover Protectors
Before storing your suitcase, make sure it’s fully dry. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and consider using a suitcase cover to protect it from dust and dirt TSA Approved Three Pieces Luggage Cover Protectors
10. Store in a Clean, Dry Place & Use Suitcase Cover Protectors
Before storing your suitcase, make sure it’s fully dry. Keep it in a cool, dry place, and consider using a suitcase cover to protect it from dust and dirt TSA Approved Three Pieces Luggage Cover Protectors
Keep Your Luggage (and Yourself) Safe and Clean
Your suitcase is more than just a travel companion; it’s a carrier of memories, experiences—and sometimes, germs! Sanitizing it after every trip ensures your health and well-being are protected. By following these 10 steps, you can keep your luggage in tip-top shape for all your future adventures.
Need the right cleaning supplies? Check out the products I’ve recommended, easily available on Amazon, to help you take better care of your suitcase and yourself. Now that you know how to clean your luggage, your next journey can start on a fresh note!
More Resources? No Problem!
THE ULTIMATE AFTER-TRAVEL CHECKLIST
Grab the Ultimate After Travel Checklist today and make your post-vacation life just as smooth as your time away!
You’ll feel organized, stress-free, and ready to dive into your next trip. Because let’s face it: the faster you get through this, the sooner you can start daydreaming about your next adventure! And for that we have a treat for you: The Travel Readiness Checklist!
Follow us on social media @finellefab for more traveler well-being tips!
Where Beauty Meets Travel®
Where Travel Meets Beauty®
Hi, I'm Edyta
America's Travel Wellness Expert
Thank you for joining me here. If you want to learn all my secrets to health, wellness, 10-years-younger looks and more, you are truly in the right place!
Please don't hesitate to leave your comments and reach out with questions. I will answer them through my blog.
AND if you are as passionate about travel and wellbeing as me and would like to contribute articles, please definately let me know. I am always in the lookout for inspiring content that will benefit us all!
Thank you!.
Get Our Best Selling Product!
BEAUTY AND THE TRAVEL BEAST ebook..
Super excited about this product? We are, too! And so are hundreds of other travelers who buy it everyday!
Ready to buy it?
Get access to the ebook here for just $10:
*Disclaimer: Edyta Satchell, Satchelle Global, Finelle are consulting companies providing health and wellness consultations to individuals and corporations. We make no claims or representation that by using our services you will earn money or make your money back. Testimonials shown are real experiences from paying users. Their results are not typical, and your experience will vary based upon the effort and education of you, your employees and management, the business model that is implemented, and market forces beyond anyone’s control. The information contained in or made available through the sites and programs cannot replace or substitute for the services of trained professionals in any field, including, but not limited to, financial, medical, psychological, or legal matters. In particular, you should regularly consult a medical doctor in all matters relating to physical or mental health. Neither we nor our partners, or any of their affiliates, will be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages that may result, including but not limited to economic loss, injury, illness or death. You alone are responsible and accountable for your decisions, actions and results in life, and by your use of the sites, you agree not to attempt to hold us liable for any such decisions, actions or results, at any time, under any circumstance.