It’s time to upgrade your post-travel routine.
Afew years ago, on a trip with a few friends, we were lounging about the hotel when one of my buddies rolled her suitcase out of the closet to grab something—no big deal. However, instead of opening it on the floor or using the luggage rack, she plopped it onto the bed. Pretty gross, right?
But it also made me realize something about myself: When was the last time I thoroughly cleaned my luggage? Between the numerous ride-share vehicles, shared airport luggage carts, and countless hands, my carry-on, and checked suitcases have encountered all sorts of bacteria, unclean areas, and contaminated surfaces. Again, this is pretty gross. This realization empowered me to up the ante on my travel hygiene and luggage care, a feeling I’m sure many of you can relate to.
How Often Should You Be Cleaning Your Luggage?
Across the board, luggage makers and travel experts recommend cleaning your luggage after every trip. Returning from a trip already has a list of cumbersome tasks like unpacking and doing laundry, but while you’re at it, add this critical task, too. If you cannot fully clean your luggage when you return home, give it a quick “clean” with Clorox Disinfecting Mist or Lysol Spray. These come in TSA-approved travel sizes as a convenient solution, relieving you from the burden of carrying ample cleaning supplies and making it easier to keep your luggage clean on the go. It is handy for me on back-to-back trips, and I can clean my luggage after arriving at my hotel.
In a blog post with Eagle Creek, globetrotter Michael Hodgson also suggests leaving your luggage outside the house until you can clean it. “Whenever I return from a trip, he says, I place my suitcase and carry-on “in quarantine” in the garage until I have unpacked it and cleaned all luggage surfaces properly.” Hodgson recommends leaving your luggage on your front or back porch or any storage area for travelers without a garage.
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Tips for Cleaning Your Luggage
Now that you know how often you should clean and disinfect your luggage, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: the cleaning part. Review the care instructions before washing your suitcases, totes, and travel accessories. These can be found sewn onto a tag, in the original packaging, or even on the manufacturer’s or brand’s website. These instructions will help you clean your items effectively without causing any damage. For instance, a leather duffel bag would have different cleaning instructions than hard-sided luggage.
Ash Sharma is the co-founder of the travel brand CINCHA. She shared that scuffs on hard-shell luggage are inevitable, but a magic eraser and a damp cloth keep it looking clean without damaging the finish.
Travelite, a well-known luggage brand, suggests cleaning soft side luggage with a damp cloth and a soft-bristle brush. They also recommend using lukewarm water and mild soap. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum on the fabric while spot-cleaning any stains.
Be sure to use a leather cleaner and conditioner on leather luggage. This will help it stay pristine and prevent cracking.
If you travel extensively, the inside of your suitcase has probably collected dirt and small debris. You can clean it out using a vacuum’s hose attachment and a mild soap to spot clean.
Remember to clean your travel accessories, such as packing cubes. At some point during your travels, they will go from organizing your outfits to storing wet swimwear, sweaty hiking suits, and other soiled items. Again, be sure to check the inside tag for cleaning instructions. I typically hand wash them with a mild soap, leaving them to air dry or dry them with a microfiber cloth.
INSIDER TIPYour suitcases and bags should be completely dry before you zip them up or put them in their storage spaces. A wet interior can cause mildew and unwanted odor.
Does It Matter How You Store Your Luggage?
Long story short: yes, it matters. I place my luggage back into their dust bags after they’ve been cleaned. This simple step keeps them clean and prevents bugs and insects from getting inside that can eat away at the lining of suitcases. Proper storage also prevents scratches and moisture and helps the luggage maintain its shape, giving you a sense of security and confidence in your luggage care. You can grab some from Amazon if your luggage has no dust bag.
Climate control storage is your best bet to preserve your suitcases between uses. For luggage made out of sensitive materials like leather, you want to store them in cool and dry areas away from sunlight or heating sources. Similarly, you’ll want to avoid damp or extremely humid places for soft side and fabric pieces to prevent mold.
