Expert reveals the VERY common travel item that's 58 times dirtier than public toilet seats - and how to clean it properly
Ever get home from a holiday and throw your suitcase on the bed to unpack?
You'll live to regret it, according to an expert, who claims that suitcase wheels can carry more germs than a public toilet seat.
As part of a new study, researchers swabbed a suitcase's wheels, base and trolley handle to test for bacteria.
And it's not good news.
A suitcase's wheels can carry almost 58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat, according to the research.
Microbiologist, Amy-May Pointer, says: 'Your suitcase wheels could harbour more bacteria than a public toilet seat, and the underside of your bag isn't far behind.'
The wheels are the dirtiest due to their constant contact with pavements and toilet floors, but the base of a suitcase is also pretty filthy. Researchers found that black mould could easily hitch a ride on a holidaymaker's luggage.
'Suitcases, especially their wheels and bottoms, are germ magnets that can out-germ even a toilet,' explains Amy.
'Yet with basic hygiene steps, you can prevent these travelling microbes from joining you in bed or on the dinner table.'
How to keep your suitcase clean
Store it correctly
The expert recommends always using a hotel's luggage rack to store your bag. If the hotel doesn't have one, tourists can put plastic shower caps on the the bag's wheels.
Amy adds: 'Covering those wheels can stop them from spreading bacteria across your carpet or bedding.'
Steer clear of obvious muck
They can be tricky to avoid if you're in a mad rush to the airport, but try to steer clear or wheeling your case through a puddle.
'The less gunk your wheels pick up, the less you'll have to worry about,' advises Amy.
Wash your hands after lugging bags
Suitcase handles can easily pick up germs during a handle. The easiest way to avoid this is to make sure your hands are clean and washed at all times.
Amy says: 'Treat your hands as if you just touched those surfaces, because indirectly, you did.'
Wipe your suitcase
The minute you get home, Amy recommends cleaning your suitcase with a disinfectant wipe or soapy cloth.
Clean bags
Many suitcases have detachable wheels. Tourists can soak this in warm soapy water and wipe hard cases with 'mild bleach'.
Fabric bags can be cleaned with a vacuum or scrubbed with a cloth. Baking soda can help to banish mould.
The research, carried out by InsureandGo, tested how many harmful bacteria were found on each area of a suitcase.
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