Do you only do laundry when you get home from travel? Physicians warn of most forgotten bacterial clusters

Health 8:02am, 13 November 2025 124

Every time after returning home from a trip, many people tend to simply wipe their suitcases, throw the clothes into the laundry basket, and finish the job hastily. However, health experts warn that travel equipment will be contaminated with a lot of dust and bacteria during the journey, especially when flying long distances or moving across countries. The Daily Mail reports that cleaning experts point out that if not cleaned properly, luggage and travel items can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold, so a complete cleaning should be carried out after every holiday.

According to American Cleaning Institute spokesperson Jessica Ek and New York-Presbyterian Hospital physician Keith Roach, the first step is to make sure toiletries and storage bags are completely dry. "If you store items in a humid state, bacteria and mold can easily breed," said Ike. Experts recommend that when packing at a hotel for home, you should wash and dry all items before putting them in your suitcase. Additionally, neck pillows should be washed immediately after travel. Roach said: "Neck pillows will absorb skin cuticles and oils, which not only smells bad, but also affects the comfort of use." If the pillow has a removable cover, the outer layer can be washed separately; if not, the entire pillow should be washed.

The report pointed out that another cleaning point that is often ignored is electronic supplies. Ike recommends that mobile phones should be wiped with a clean cloth, then cleaned with disinfectant wipes, and finally allowed to air dry. Headphones can be wiped with a cloth or disinfectant wipe dipped in a small amount of alcohol, but be sure to avoid liquid seeping into the jack. She also reminded that you should use antibacterial wipes to wipe down the outer shell of your suitcase, and then vacuum the inside to remove dust and debris. If there is still an odor, you can use baking soda and water to make a paste and apply it to deodorize. The effect is remarkable.

Finally, Ike emphasized that water bottles must also be thoroughly cleaned. "In fact, you should clean it regularly during the trip instead of washing it after you get home." She recommends using water, soap and friction to remove difficult-to-clean residues. You can use a thin tube brush to scrub narrow areas such as straws or bottle mouths. You may even consider avoiding the use of straws. Experts remind that keeping travel products clean and ventilated can not only extend their service life, but also reduce the risk of bacteria and mold, making your journey more safe and hygienic.