How to Disinfect Your Luggage After Traveling

With everyone being extra cautious when it comes to the transmission of germs, traveling has become a little bit more complicated these days. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up travel completely. It just means you need to be a little more diligent during your trip. One of the best ways to help protect yourself from germs is to sanitize your luggage. Sanitizing your suitcases will ensure you eliminate all the germs and bacteria lingering on your luggage from your travels. Here are some tips on How to Disinfect Your Luggage After Traveling.

How to Disinfect Your Luggage After Traveling

Clean the Handles and Wheels

Two of the dirtiest spots on your suitcase are the handles and wheels. Before bringing your luggage into your house, start by wiping down those germy spots. Use a disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth and disinfectant cleaning spray to clean the handles and the wheels of your suitcase. Make sure to rotate the wheels as you clean to get all sides of each wheel.

Unpack Everything

Once those germy spots have been cleaned, you can bring your suitcase inside to finish sterilizing. First, unpack everything inside your suitcase. Be sure to check all the pockets and pouches to ensure you have everything removed from the suitcase. Place all your clothing in the washing machine to wash. Then, wipe down all other items with a disinfectant wipe or disinfectant cleaning solution before returning them to your home.

Disinfect the Exterior

The best way to disinfect the outside of your suitcase is with a disinfectant wipe. Both fabric and hard-sided luggage can be sanitized by thoroughly wiping down the exterior of the suitcase with a wipe. Hard-shell luggage can also be cleaned with disinfectant spray. Be sure to spot test an area of your suitcase before cleaning the rest of the case to ensure the cleaner won’t damage the exterior of the luggage.

Clean the Interior

After the exterior of your suitcase is clean, it’s time to tackle the inside of the luggage. Grab your vacuum and use the crevice attachment to clean along the inside of the suitcase, paying attention to the corners, edges, and zippers where crumbs and debris often get stuck. Finish by wiping down the interior of your luggage with a damp cloth and spraying with a fabric-safe disinfectant spray, like Lysol.

Set It in the Sun

Allow your luggage to air dry in the sun to help kill any remaining germs as the suitcase dries. The sun will help dry any wet spots in the luggage and the heat can kill germs and bed bugs that may still be hiding inside your luggage.