How to Clean Your Carry-On Luggage, According to Experts

It’s virtually impossible to enjoy a long vacation without stuffing your carry-on luggage with a week’s worth of clothes, accessories, and toiletries. Overtime, however, you’ll notice that the same suitcase is riddled with scuff marks and grime after facing months (or even years) of airport security and overhead compartments. Knowing exactly how to clean your carry-on luggage can save you hundreds of dollars on repairs and replacements, and we’ve got all the information you need to get started.

Besides surface-level damage, we’re also faced with another harrowing truth: Airports are riddled with bacteria that linger on surfaces and spread through skin-to-skin contact, often without us even knowing. By effectively cleaning your carry-on luggage, you’re also preserving your physical health, and that starts with taking care of your personal possessions.

How Often to Clean Carry-On Luggage
It’s best to clean your carry-on luggage between trips, according to microbiologist Shaun Veran, COO of OURA. In addition, “It’s also a good idea to give your carry-on a quick wipe-down during your travels,” he says. “A once-over with a sanitizing wipe, focusing on the handles, can help to reduce your risk of infection and a ruined trip.”

Time plays an essential role in knowing when to clean your luggage, and it’s best to conquer the task soon after a trip rather than later. Leaving your carry-on luggage contaminated for an extended period of time can increase bacterial growth and the potential for strong, smelly, and lasting odors.

Considerations Before You Get Started
Consider the Fabric
Carry-on luggage is typically divided into two categories: Soft-sided and hard-sided suitcases. Soft-sided suitcases are made from resistant materials like nylon and polyester (which is great for durability, but not so great for the planet). Alternatively, hard-sided luggage is made from lightweight materials like polycarbonate and aluminum (thus, they’re a bit more expensive).

Spot Test
Depending on the material your carry-on luggage is made from, you’ll want to spot test with each cleaning ingredient to ensure you’re not causing further damage to your travel luggage.

What You Need:
Microfiber cloth
Antimicrobial wipe
Sanitizing spray
Baking powder
Vacuum
Dish soap
How to Clean Your Carry-On Luggage
Step 1: Start With the Exterior Surface
First thing’s first: Cleaning the exterior of your suitcase. Using a damp microfiber cloth, wipe away at any surface-level stains before going in with an antimicrobial wipe—Wet Ones, Lysol, or just about any antibacterial wipe will do the trick. For soft-sided luggage, use a sanitizing spray and your microfiber cloth rather than an antibacterial wipe. Don’t forget to go over the handles!

Step 2: Wipe Down the Wheels
Use the same microfiber cloth and sanitizing spray to tackle the bottom of your luggage. Rub through the treads and crevices to thoroughly remove any bacteria.

Step 3: Wash Your Hands
Once you’ve finished cleaning the outside of your suitcase, be sure to wash your hands before moving to the next step. As Veran emphasizes, it’s important to avoid cross-contamination as much as possible.

Step 4: Sprinkle Baking Powder in the Interior
While the interior of your suitcase doesn’t harbor nearly as much debris as the exterior, it’s still important to clean the enclosed case. After you’ve finished unpacking, lay the suitcase horizontally and sprinkle baking soda across the interior to absorb overnight.

Step 5: Vacuum Thoroughly
In the morning, use your vacuum nozzle to thoroughly clean up the baking soda. You’ll want to spend some time on this—although extremely effective, powdered substances have a tendency to hide in plain sight.

Step 6: Use Wet Cloth and Dish Soap For Lingering Stains
As a final step in your bacteria-free travel routine, add some dish soap to a damp cloth and blot it across the surface area to remove lingering baking soda or any additional stains. Leave it to air dry for a few hours.

How To Maintain a Bacteria-Free Travel Routine
Moving forward, you may benefit from maintaining a travel cleaning routine so that your carry-on luggage remains bacteria-free. For example, traveling with sanitizing wipes can provide an on-the-go solution for bacteria as you travel to different locations. In addition, washing your hands frequently, not touching your face, and wearing a mask while flying can help prevent cross-contamination.

Frequent travelers may also benefit from using a clear luggage cover to protect their carry-on while moving through airports, hotels, and rideshare services. Safe travels!