Why you should be cleaning your luggage
Before heading out for the holidays, you might want to clean your luggage.
December is here, and many South Africans are preparing to travel to holiday homes, Airbnb rentals, and family gatherings.
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If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your luggage, it’s probably a good idea to do it now.
Whether you’re flying or driving, your luggage is handled by various people and travels through different locations, picking up dirt along the way.
You never know how clean someone’s hands are – even your own – which can lead to a buildup of dirt, grime, and bacteria on the handles and other parts of your luggage.
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Here are some tips to help keep your luggage clean:
· Wipe down the exterior
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, wipe down the outside of your suitcase or bag.
For hard cases: Use antibacterial wipes or a mixture of water and liquid hand soap on a soft cloth. A sponge can help remove stains.
For soft cases: Use antibacterial wipes or a mixture of water and liquid hand soap on a soft brush or toothbrush. Scrub gently, and be thorough in getting into the fabric to remove dirt. Wipe away excess moisture and let it dry in a sunny or warm area.
· Clean the bottom and wheels
Check the bottom of your suitcase and clean the wheels, as they can pick up all sorts of debris, such as hair and fibres along the way. You may need to trim away any tangled fibres with a pair of scissors.
· Vacuum the interiors
Use a vacuum cleaner or dust buster to clean the interior. Make sure you get into all the corners and pockets, and go over the lining a few times.
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· Wash removable liners and pockets
If your suitcase has removable liners and pockets, take them out and clean them with water and liquid soap or disinfectant wipes.
· Focus on the handles
The handles of your suitcase are among the dirtiest parts. Extend them to their full length, then wipe them down with a mixture of water and liquid soap. Use a soft cloth or paper towels to dry them before giving them a final wipe with a disinfectant wipe.
· Avoid bed contact
It may seem obvious, but keep your suitcase off your bed when travelling.
· Store dirty items properly
Keep dirty clothes and other non-clothing items in bags inside your suitcase to protect your clean clothes from odours and damage.
· Consider suitcase covers
Investing in suitcase covers can be a good idea. Many of these covers are washable and some even offer built-in bacterial protection.
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