Why You Should Never Ever Put Your Suitcase on the Bed, According to Cleaning Experts

If you’ve ever tossed your suitcase onto your bed after a long trip and started pulling everything out in an effort to get the unpacking over with, you’re not alone. But it turns out this habit is a pretty unhygienic one. Just think about where your luggage has been; it gets hauled through airports, goes for a ride on a conveyor belt, rolls across dusty parking lots, is stashed into overhead bins, and is often handled by multiple people with no guarantee of clean hands. By the time you get home, it has collected a ton of bacteria, viruses, allergens, and debris. Now ask yourself: is that something you want touching your clean comforter?

We can guess you’ll probably think twice before placing it on your bed (or any piece of furniture, for that matter) in the future. The good news is that keeping your suitcase (and your bedding!) clean doesn’t require much effort, just a few good habits and the right products.

Related: Is It OK to Let Your Pet Sleep in Your Bed? Here's What Cleaning Experts Say

Meet Our Expert

Jonathan Gardiner is a cleaning expert and a research and development manager at Lysol.

Why Do Suitcases Get So Dirty?

“Throughout your travel journey, luggage can be exposed to unwanted germs, from airport security to airplanes, Ubers, and more,” says Jonathan Gardiner, research and development manager at Lysol. “Thus, it is recommended to clean your luggage after each trip, to help prevent the spread of illness-causing germs that luggage can bring into your home.”

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Suitcases go places most of us wouldn’t dream of touching with our bare hands. They’re rolled across bathroom floors, stored in public bins at TSA checkpoints, and tossed into airplane cargo holds. All of these environments can harbor bacteria and viruses that cling to the wheels, handles, and fabric.

And unlike your favorite pair of jeans or a toothbrush, your luggage probably doesn’t get cleaned often—or at all. If you haven’t been in the habit of cleaning suitcases after a trip, now is the time to start.

Related: How to Disinfect the Surfaces in Your Home

How to Clean Your Suitcase

So what’s the best way to thoroughly clean your luggage? The key is knowing which parts get the grimiest and focusing your efforts on them. Pay extra attention to the following areas:

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Focus on the handles and grips: “When cleaning your luggage, focus on exterior handles – a high-touch surface on suitcases when traveling,” notes Gardiner. These parts come in direct contact with your hands after touching germy surfaces such as tray tables, doorknobs, handrails, or your phone. They’re also the first place where germs transfer from your trip to your home. He suggests cleaning the handles and grips on the side of suitcases with a product like Lysol’s disinfecting wipes that work to kill viruses and bacteria on non-porous surfaces.

Clean the wheels: The suitcase wheels are like the bottom of your shoes, except they often go completely unchecked. They roll across sidewalks, streets, airports, hotels, and who knows what else. Then, they come in contact with your home’s floors, carpets, and - eek! - your bed. Gardiner recommends using a Lysol disinfectant spray to take care of anything the wheels could have picked up on their path.

Don't forget the interior: While the inside of your suitcase may seem cleaner than the outside, it’s still exposed to the dirty clothes you packed, shoes you wore outside, and items that might have picked up germs along the way. After emptying it, spritz the fabric lightly with a disinfectant spray safe for soft surfaces, then let it air dry before storing it. This step is especially important if your trip included visits to crowded areas, public transport, or hotels.

Related: 15 Cleaning Secrets Hotel Housekeepers Want You to Know

Hard–Shell vs. Soft-Shell Suitcases

Not all luggage materials are created equal, and using the right product can protect your investment while keeping it clean. For hard-shell luggage, Gardiner advises using disinfecting wipes for the exterior. Wipes are perfect for smooth, non-porous surfaces like polycarbonate, polypropylene, or ABS plastic, which is what most hard-shell suitcases are made of. On the other hand, he recommends using a disinfecting spray for your soft-shell suitcases, as a spray is better designed for fabric. Just allow enough time for the spray to dry before packing it away.

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If you’re a frequent traveler, consider adding a travel-sized pack of disinfecting wipes and a spray to your bags to make cleaning on the go easier. Get into the habit of wiping down your suitcase right after grabbing it off the baggage carousel or before loading it into your car.

Related: 14 Things in Your Home That Are Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat, According to Cleaning Experts

Still Want to Use the Bed? Follow These Rules

If you absolutely must unpack on your bed (hey, we get it, it’s convenient!), there’s a safer way to do it:

Lay down a clean sheet or towel first. This adds a barrier between your dirty suitcase and clean bedding.

Keep the suitcase closed while placing it, and only unzip it once it’s on the sheet or towel.

Once you’re done, toss the towel or sheet into the wash on hot water to sanitize it.

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You could also invest in a foldable luggage rack (like the ones you see in hotels), which keeps your suitcase elevated and off sleeping surfaces. Not only does it make packing and unpacking more effortless, but it also minimizes cross-contamination between your luggage and the rest of your home. It can easily be stored away in a closet, under the bed, or behind a door when not in use.

Related: 16 Guest Bedroom Ideas for a Welcoming, Restful Space

Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens