Your Suitcase Is Dirtier Than a Toilet Seat—Here’s What You Need to Know Before Your Next Trip
We all expect to encounter a few germs while traveling. But did you know the dirtiest thing you touch on your trip might be…your own suitcase? A recent study by Insure&Go and microbiologist Amy-May Pointer (BSc Hons Microbiology) found that suitcase wheels harbor up to 60 times more bacteria than the average public toilet seat. Let that sink in for a moment.
Researchers swabbed suitcases, the suitcase handles, and toilet seats at a busy London train station. What they measured was something called CFUs, or Colony-Forming Units—a scientific way to count only the living bacteria or fungi that can multiply and potentially cause infection. Why CFUs? Because not all microbes are active or harmful. CFUs tell us how many organisms are actually alive and capable of spreading. It’s a gold standard in microbiology when measuring contamination on surfaces.
Here’s what they found, per 3 cm² of surface area:
Toilet seat: ~7 CFUs per 3 cm² (Low risk - supposedly)
Suitcase handle: ~280 CFUs (~40× more bacteria)
Suitcase base: ~350 CFUs (highly contaminated)
Suitcase wheels: ~400 CFUs (~58× dirtier than a toilet)
These microbes included:
Staphylococcus aureus (linked to skin infections)
Bacillus cereus (can cause foodborne illness)
E. coli (a fecal indicator)
Fungi like Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Candida
(Source: Insure&Go “Germs on the Go” Study)
At K&I Travel, we believe great travel is more than flights and hotels, it’s about protecting your peace of mind.
Imagine this: you wheel your suitcase through the airport, over sidewalks, into bathrooms… and then place it on the hotel bed next to your kids’ clothes. Without even realizing it, you’ve invited hundreds of bacteria into your safe space.
Knowing how to avoid those risks is part of what makes our travel planning different. We think of the little details so you don’t have to.
Before your next trip, follow these simple steps to keep things cleaner and safer:
✅ Wipe down suitcase wheels and base with disinfectant wipes after arriving at your hotel
✅ Avoid setting luggage on beds or couches—use a luggage rack or keep it off soft surfaces
✅ Wash your hands after handling bags, especially before eating or touching your face
✅ Pack zippered laundry bags to keep clean and dirty clothes separate inside your luggage
Travel smart. Travel clean. Travel beautifully. We’re here to make sure your next vacation is more than just memorable—it’s safe, comfortable, and elevated. Because when you travel with us, peace of mind is always included.