How to clean the suitcase after a trip

Every time I return from a trip, the moment I open my front door marks the beginning of an intricate routine to decontaminate myself of all the dirt and germs that may have adhered to me along the way.

At the risk of dragging dirt into my apartment, I stop at the entrance, throw everything washable in the laundry basket, and clean everything else. Then comes the essential step: cleaning the suitcase itself.

I developed my routine instinctively, so I thought it was time to talk to the experts to see how legitimate my concerns were – and how to properly clean luggage.

42.—HOW TO MAKE ALL KINDS OF SYRUPS, WITH ALL SORTS OF FLOWERS. Heat in a pan half a pint of water, then put... http://tumblr.com/xj1269pcxe

— Patrick Tue Apr 19 00:25:44 +0000 2011

"Although the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) does not specifically mention suitcases as a 'high-touch surface,' it is plausible to conclude that suitcases should be cleaned and disinfected whenever possible," says Dr. Jan Jones , from the department of hospitality and tourism at the University of New Haven.

"It is conceivable that a traveler's suitcase could have been handled by multiple people multiple times during its journey from one location to another." She recommends travelers check the CDC website regularly for the latest recommendations.