Suitcases harbor more bacteria than public restroom seats, reveals recent research.
### Title: Reducing Bacteria on Travel Bags: Expert Advice for a Cleaner Journey
Travel suitcases, particularly the wheels and base, have been found to harbour significantly more bacteria than public toilet seats, according to a recent study by InsureandGo and microbiologist Amy-May Pointer[1][2][3]. This alarming discovery highlights the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices when it comes to our travel bags.
#### Key Findings
The research revealed that the wheels of suitcases are the dirtiest part, with up to 58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat[1][2][3]. The bases, especially on soft-shell bags, are also highly contaminated, serving as a "kingdom" for dirt and bacteria[1][3]. The handles carry significant *Staphylococcus* contamination[1]. The types of bacteria found include those that cause infections, food poisoning, urinary tract infections, and respiratory issues[1][2][3].
#### Practical Cleaning Recommendations
To minimize the risk of contamination and potential illness, it's crucial to follow these expert-backed steps:
1. **Regular Maintenance**: Disinfect the wheels and base after each trip using disinfectant wipes or a soapy cloth[3]. Periodically, give your suitcase a thorough cleaning. For hard-shell bags, wash with soap and water and dry thoroughly. For soft-shell bags, check the manufacturer's instructions—many can be spot-cleaned or, if fabric, washed on a gentle cycle[3]. Try to avoid placing luggage on beds or tables until it has been cleaned[3]. Regularly disinfect the handles, which are frequent carriers of *Staphylococcus* bacteria[1].
2. **Choosing and Caring for Your Bag**: Prefer hard-shell bags, which are easier to clean and less likely to trap moisture and bacteria than soft-shell ones[1][2][3]. After cleaning, ensure your bag is completely dry before storing it to prevent mold growth[3]. Consider luggage covers or protectors to reduce direct contact with contaminated surfaces.
3. **Travel Hygiene**: Use luggage mats or covers when possible, placing a mat or plastic bag under your suitcase in hotel rooms or at home to prevent transferring bacteria to surfaces[3]. Wash your hands after handling your luggage, especially before eating[2].
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By making these cleaning routines part of your travel habits, you can significantly reduce the bacterial load on your bags and minimize the risk of bringing unwanted germs into your home or hotel[1][2][3]. By taking these simple steps, you can ensure a cleaner and healthier journey, leaving the harmful microbes behind.
- To maintain a cleaner journey during travel, regular maintenance of your suitcase is essential, as the wheels and base contain up to 58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat.
- Incorporate hard-shell bags into your travel essentials, as they are easier to clean and less likely to trap bacteria compared to soft-shell bags.
- Implementing travel hygiene practices such as using luggage mats or covers, and washing hands after handling luggage, can help prevent the transfer of bacteria from your travel bags to surfaces.
- Adopting eco-friendly practices in your travel lifestyle, such as utilizing reusable water bottles and skin-care products with sustainable ingredients, can contribute to a healthier planet on your journey.
- Maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle during travel, with a focus on nutrition, fitness-and-exercise, and health-and-wellness, can help boost your immunity and overall wellbeing on your journey.
