Stop Everything You’re Doing and Go Clean Your Nasty Suitcase
Your suitcase went everywhere you did on your trip to Thailand, the Maldives, or Italy. Then it followed you home and likely went straight into your bedroom or closet, still carrying all of that with it.
Most people unpack and forget about their luggage until their next trip. But experts in microbiology and travel hygiene agree: leaving your suitcase dirty can spread germs and shorten the life of the bag. This is why maintaining it after every trip has now become the bare minimum.
Here’s how to clean your suitcase the right way.
Set It Down Somewhere That Isn’t Your Bedroom
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When you come home from a trip, the first thing you want to do is roll your suitcase straight into your bedroom and start unpacking. While that may be tempting, resist the urge. Your bag just went through airports, hotel hallways, and taxi trunks, so it’s better not to take it into your main living space until it’s good as new.
Leave it in the garage, on the porch, or in another utility space. Travel gear expert Michael Hodgson suggests treating luggage as if it’s been through a high-contact zone—which it has. Unpack clothes directly into a laundry basket or the washing machine instead of piling them on the floor.
If you used packing cubes, take them out and either hand-wash them or let them air out separately. For cubes that look dirty or were used in humid conditions, give them a full wash before setting them aside to dry completely.
Wipe Down the Touch Points First
It’s also important to wipe down the touch points. Focus on handles, zippers, and wheels before doing anything else. Use disinfecting wipes with at least 60% isopropyl and let the surface stay wet for 30 seconds or longer to give the disinfectant time to work. According to Jason Tetro, a microbiologist, these areas carry the most bacteria, especially after travel through crowded public areas.
If you have tight spots that wipes can’t reach, use a spare toothbrush or an old one from a travel amenity kit. This works especially well around seams, telescoping handle edges, and textured grip areas.
Clean The Exterior Without Ruining the Material
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For soft-sided luggage, use only warm water and a little bit of detergent, lathered on a sponge or soft brush. Gently scrub the exterior, but make sure not to oversaturate the fabric. Avoid harsh agents, bleach, or anything abrasive that might damage the fibers. Rinse with a damp cloth and allow the suitcase to dry fully before moving on.
For hard-sided cases, you can use a microfiber cloth and soapy water or a mix of baking soda and water to address stubborn marks. Magic Erasers work well for scuffs, but test a small area first. Isopropyl solution or a small amount of glass cleaner can also help lift sticky spots without leaving residue behind.
Wipe The Inside Just as Carefully
Maintaining the exterior of your suitcase is necessary to make it look presentable, but the inside matters just as much. Dirt, moisture, and even bacteria can collect in the lining after a trip, especially if shoes or damp clothes were packed inside. Start by vacuuming the interior with a crevice attachment to reach corners where crumbs, lint, or sand may hide.
After vacuuming, take a damp cloth dipped in some mild soap to wipe down the lining. Keep the suitcase propped open in a ventilated spot until it dries fully. If it still carries an odor, sprinkle baking soda inside, then vacuum it out for a neat finish after a couple of hours.
Let It Breathe Before Putting It Away
Image via Getty Images/Nicola Romano
When everything’s dry, the last thing to do is to place the suitcase in a closet or garage. Try to store it in a large, sealed bag to ensure dust and pests stay away. With the cleaning done, your suitcase is ready to be stored until the next adventure.