Brits warned as one common travel item is 'dirtier than toilet seats'

A recent study shows that one common travel item tracks more bacteria than a public toilet seat. You’ll need to take extra care to ensure you aren’t bringing unwanted ‘souvenirs’ into your bedroom.

As part of a new study, researchers swabbed the wheels, base and trolley handle of a suitcase to test for bacteria. The results will make you think twice before dumping your suitcase on your bed post-holiday.

According to the research, the wheels of a suitcase can carry almost 58 times more bacteria than a public toilet seat. Microbiologist, Amy-May Pointer, explains that this isn’t the only part of the suitcase you need to worry about.

“Your suitcase wheels could harbour more bacteria than a public toilet seat, and the underside of your bag isn't far behind,” she states.

Naturally, the wheels are dirtiest because of their constant contact with pavements, toilet floors, and airport floors. However, the base of a suitcase can also easily track dust, dirt and germs. Researchers found thatblack mould could easily latch onto luggage. “Suitcases, especially their wheels and bottoms, are germ magnets that can out-germ even a toilet,” says Pointer.

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“Yet with basic hygiene steps, you can prevent these travelling microbes from joining you in bed or on the dinner table.” One suggestion for the expert involves using the tools at your disposal in your hotel room.

Pointer 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 bag's wheels.

“Covering those wheels can stop them from spreading bacteria across your carpet or bedding,” she explains. She also advises travellers to steer clear of dirt and puddles when possible.

“The less gunk your wheels pick up, the less you'll have to worry about,” advises Pointer. She also advises that keeping your hands clean is just as important, as suitcase handles can easily pick up germs.

Pointer says: “Treat your hands as if you just touched those surfaces, because indirectly, you did.” You should also consider that other people may have handled your luggage as well.

Many suitcases have detachable wheels to make disinfecting all the easier. Travellers can soak them in warm, soapy water and wipe hard cases with “mild bleach” or disinfectant.

The minute you get home, Pointer recommends cleaning your suitcase with a disinfecting wipe or soapy cloth. Again, be sure to avoid immediately placing your suitcase on your bed or even rolling it into your bedroom before it's cleaned.

Also important to note, you should avoid opening up your suitcase in your hotel bedroom - at least not before you’ve had a chance to inspect for bed bugs. More than a minor nuisance these pests can ruin your holiday and your clothes and becarried home with you.

They can lurk on bed frames, mattresses, clothing, furniture and even under loose wallpaper so be sure to check your hotel room or Airbnb thoroughly before unzipping your bags.