As a frequent traveler, I can attest that keeping my luggage clean is the last thing on my mind when it comes to traveling. Even after splurging on a high-end luggage set, baggage carousels and dirty airport floors can leave even the nicest of bags looking pretty grimy. Not to mention, luggage is a breeding ground for bacteria we can’t see with the naked eye.
Juan Phillips, VP of Product Design & Innovation at TravelPro, shares what you need to know about when (and how) to keep your luggage clean and free of grime.
When to clean your luggage after traveling
After any long-haul trip, such as a trip to Europe or Asia, Phillips recommends giving your luggage a deep clean. However, when to clean your luggage is often dependent on the trip.
“I’ve done quick overnights to New York and still needed to clean my bag afterward, thanks to rain, snow, or just messy city streets,” says Phillips.
“A good rule of thumb is to give your luggage a thorough cleaning at least once a quarter, depending on how often you travel and the time of year. I also like to freshen mine up if it’s been stored for a while – a quick wipe-down and some air can make a big difference in keeping it looking and smelling great,” he says.
Realistically, Phillips acknowledges that not every traveler will want to clean their bag after every trip. However, he recommends a good cleaning every once and a while to keep your bag in tip-top shape.
“It only takes about 10 minutes to give your bag a quick refresh, and it’s an easy task to check off before your next big trip of the year, he says. “If you’ve had a particularly messy journey, say rain, sand, or snow, it’s worth giving your luggage an extra wipe-down sooner. But in general, seasonal cleaning keeps it looking good, helps it last longer, and makes packing for that next adventure a little nicer.”
Common germ hotspots on luggage
Per Phillips, the wheels are often one of the dirtiest parts of your suitcase since they collect dirt and grime from the ground.
“It’s worth giving them a quick clean – simply place an antibacterial wipe on the floor and roll your suitcase over it before storing. Handles also tend to be overlooked, but they collect bacteria from frequent handling. Wipe them down after each trip with an antibacterial wipe or a 50/50 mix of alcohol and water,” he mentioned.
While it’s easy to focus on cleaning only the exterior or main compartments of your suitcase, he urges travelers not to forget about debris and germs that collect in tucked-away areas like around telescoping handles, zipper tracks, and interior straps.
“These spots can easily trap dirt from airport floors and other surfaces. Wiping down handles, straps, and zippered areas helps keep your bag cleaner overall, while removing dust or crumbs from interior pockets ensures your next trip starts fresh,” he says.
Tips for drying after cleaning
- Let your bag air dry in an open space rather than putting it right back in a closet or basement, that’s when mildew and odors can sneak in.
- Make sure all the compartments are unzipped so air can circulate.
- If it’s a nice day, you can let your bag dry in the sun for a bit, which allows the fabric to dry faster and acts as a natural disinfectant
