Your luggage is disgusting. Here's how to clean it. - San Diego Union-Tribune

By Stacey Colino

For The Washington Post

Every time you travel, your luggage can pass through many hands, including the flight crew, a taxi or bus driver, a bellhop, or a tour operator.

"Think about all the places you drag your suitcases (on the street and in different environments) and how many people touch them when you travel by plane or stay in a hotel," says Jan Louise Jones, Hotel Program Coordinator - and tourism management. at the University of New Haven. Contact with other people and places can cause dirt, dust and germs to build up in your bags. And who wants to touch these nasty things, let alone take them home? That's why it's important to clean your luggage.

"Cleaning your luggage isn't just a matter of appearance, it's also a matter of health," says Jason Tetro, a microbiologist in Edmonton, Alberta and author of "The Germ Code" and "The Germ Files." "Baggage is a vector for the transmission of pathogens [disease-causing infectious agents], meaning it can cause infections. »

Here you will find expert tips for properly cleaning your luggage.

How to clean the outside of your luggage

When traveling, as soon as you get to your destination, Tetro recommends at least cleaning the luggage handle—"because that's the only thing everyone touches," he says—and the zipper pulls with an antimicrobial cloth or a clean cloth or microfiber. a cloth and some disinfectant, such as hydrogen peroxide.

No matter where you stay, you should never leave your suitcases on the bed. Use the luggage rack or dresser top or place bags in the bathroom to prevent dirt and germs from spreading on the bed. And when you get home, leave your luggage on the floor or in the bathroom for the same reasons.

When you get home, clean the outside of the suitcase, including the handle and zipper pulls. "To clean hard-shell luggage, wipe it with an antibacterial cloth or a cloth mixed with a mixture of water and dish soap," says Kristin DiNicolantonio, senior director of stakeholder communications at the American Cleaning Institute in Washington, D.C. Using a sponge can help remove scratches.

Soft suitcases made of nylon, canvas or polyester "absorb more of the environment around them," says DiNicolantonio. You can use the same tools to clean: an antibacterial wipe or a mixture of soap and water and a clean cloth. "Use a soft brush, such as a toothbrush or a plastic-bristle brush, to gently work the solution into the fibers of the luggage to remove dirt and stains," he says. Then, "Wipe off any excess moisture and residue before letting the case dry in the sun or in a ventilated place."

Don't forget the bottom of the bag and the wheels. "Remove any debris such as carpet fibers, dirt and hair from the wheels so that each wheel can rotate freely on its axis," says DiNicolantonio. Everything that is there can be cut off with scissors. Once the wheels are free and clean, wipe them and the bottom of the bag with a disinfectant cleaner or antibacterial wipe.

How to clean the inside of your luggage

While traveling, you don't need to clean the inside of your luggage unless something spills. In this case, you will need to clean the liner with soap and water and a disinfectant wipe or cloth. But wearing dirty clothes and shoes can leave dirt or, even worse, a bad smell inside. Tetro recommends packing smelly items in plastic bags. This prevents odors from being transferred to other items and prevents your luggage from absorbing these unpleasant smells.

When you get home and unpack, vacuum the inside of the bag, including the pockets and corners, or remove the suitcase, open it, and shake it to remove any dirt, crumbs, or other debris. "Some companies are now using antimicrobial ingredients in their fabrics," says Tetro, which could reduce concerns about germ transmission.

Then, disinfect the inside of your luggage so your clothes don't smell musty on your next trip, says Leslie Reichert, green cleaning coach and author of "The Joy of Green Cleaning." She recommends combining 1/2 cup of witch hazel or rubbing alcohol with eight to 10 drops of essential oil (such as lavender or lemon) in a spray bottle. Spray a light mist of the solution into the suitcase or travel bag, then leave the luggage open to dry, he says.

Between trips, Reichert recommends giving the inside of your luggage a quick wipe down with a damp cloth or disinfectant every two to three months to keep it fresh and clean.

After cleaning your luggage, don't forget to wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

These measures not only help avoid contact with pathogens, but also benefit your luggage. "It helps with preservation," Jones says. "You can keep your luggage in better condition inside and out."

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