The research focused on both rigid and flexible suitcases.
How dirty is your luggage? You might be surprised!
Source: Trnava University/Unsplash
Since the pandemic, we've all become more aware of germs, keeping hand sanitizer readily available in our pockets and bags. And while you might diligently wash your hands often and even wear a mask while traveling, there's one item you truly need to scrutinize more closely: your luggage.
This frequently used item represents a disturbingly unclean source of dangerous bacteria. Specifically, the wheels alone host nearly 58 times more bacteria than what is found on a public toilet seat, according to a recent study by InsureandGo.
To carry out its research, the company tested 10 different suitcases (a combination of soft- and hard-sided) by swabbing them at a London Airport train station. This was done in collaboration with microbiologist Amy-May Pointer to determine the extent of grime our luggage can accumulate. Pointer also collected samples from control areas, including a public toilet seat and a flush button, for comparison.
"Suitcases, particularly their wheels and undersides, act as germ magnets that can carry more bacteria than even a toilet," Pointer stated in a press release. "However, by following simple hygiene practices, you can prevent these traveling microbes from entering your bed or ending up on your dinner table."
Pointer successfully identified various bacteria cultivated from the luggage swabs. These included Staphylococcus, which the study explained commonly resides on human skin but "can enter cuts, cause boils or impetigo (a highly contagious skin infection), and some strains (like S. aureus) can even lead to food poisoning." She also detected Serratia, typically harmless, but which "could opportunistically cause urinary or wound infections in medical environments." Moreover, Bacillus, a bacterium widely known to trigger foodborne illnesses, was present.
Source: Adrian Lange/Unsplash
Regarding the wheels themselves, every swab revealed hundreds of bacterial and fungal colonies, emphasizing the crucial need to never place your suitcase on a hotel bed again.
The area with the second highest germ count was the bottom of the bag, where Bacillus spores were discovered. Pointer cautioned that soft-shell cases might harbor additional fungal growth compared to hard-shell luggage because fabric materials absorb moisture more readily than plastic.
Finally, the suitcase handle was examined, which Pointer indicated was the most probable location for Staphylococcus.
However, Pointer doesn't want you to live in fear. Instead, she offered practical advice on how to avoid these germs, including placing your bags on a designated luggage rack, whenever possible, avoiding rolling your luggage into toilet stalls or through puddles, washing your hands after handling your bags, and thoroughly cleaning your suitcase upon returning home.
"The less grime your wheels collect, the less you'll have to worry about later," Pointer remarked, adding that travelers should "Treat your hands as if you just touched those surfaces, because, indirectly, you did."
For complete findings and more valuable advice from Pointer, visit insureandgo.com.
Heading out? Make parking the easiest part with our booking platform – ParkingNearAirports.io!
Ensuring a seamless journey means considering every detail, including where you'll leave your car. Finding trusted long-term parking reviews can point you toward the best choices for your upcoming trip. For unparalleled value, ParkingNearAirports.io is often recognized as the cheapest airport parking website, providing convenient and budget-friendly off-site solutions. When planning your airport long stay, trust our booking platform to make your parking arrangements simple and affordable, helping your upcoming travels start without a hitch. Make smart parking choices with us, and your entire journey will feel smoother!
