Is there anything better than packing up a suitcase and traveling for a prolonged period of time? Now that more people can work remotely, it’s possible to earn a paycheck while exploring the world.

Whether planning to spend the next six months on the road or just packing up for a brief week-long getaway, your luggage will become your portable closet during your adventure. You must store it properly at home and throughout your journey to prevent mold and mildew from ruining your plans. In fact, in addition to your luggage, you might also consider testing for mold in your home just to be safe.

How Does Mold Grow in Luggage?

Mold is an essential part of our environment. Outdoors mold helps break down organic materials like dead leaves; however, if it grows on items indoors, it can cause an allergic reaction. Some symptoms of mold exposure include:

  • Irritated Skin
  • Sneezing or Runny Nose
  • Itchy Eyes
  • Asthma Attack

In the worst case, the mold on your luggage could even be toxic.

Moist or damp environments create a breathing ground for mold to grow. The mold spores in the air are attracted to the damp surface. If your luggage is at all wet, the mold spores in the air could stick there and begin to multiply. Since mold breaks things down, it will eat away at your luggage, damaging it over time.  

Avoid strolling around in the rain all day in a wet city like London by dropping your bags at Kings Cross Station luggage storage while you explore. The climate-controlled storage will keep your luggage dry and prevent mold from accumulating during your journey.

Here are five more tips to keep your luggage mold and mildew free, so you’re always ready for the next adventure.

Use a Laundry Bag to Separate Dirty Clothes from Luggage

Make an effort to keep dirty clothes separate from the soft lining of your luggage by using a laundry bag. Not only will this keep your other garments fresh, but a dry suitcase will be unattractive to mold spores. If you hand-wash any items, go for a swim, or pack a towel, let it air dry completely before packing it in your bag.

Clean Your Luggage When You Get Home

Luggage goes through a lot. It gets popped into overhead bins, thrown into the cargo hold of planes, and carted down dirty sidewalks. Even if you’ve only gone on a quick trip, your suitcase is bound to have accumulated a bit of dust and grime.

Take the time to give your luggage a deep clean once you arrive home.

Hard Shell Cases:

  • Wipe down the exterior with a cloth and gentle cleanser
  • Use a Magic Eraser to buff away any scuff marks

Fabric Suitcases:

  • Scrub with a short bristled brush and gentle cleanser
  • Rinse and repeat
  • Wipe with a damp rag to remove any excess soap

Interior

Check the inside for any toiletry item spills or damp spots. If there’s no noticeable damage, lay flat and air out overnight. Spray with a bit of Febreeze to eliminate any residual odor from your travels.

If lotion or shampoo spilled or there is residual wetness from a bathing suit, give it a cleanse.

  • Mix ½  of white vinegar with 3 cups of warm water
  • Dip a cloth in the mixture and wring out until just barely damp
  • Gently wipe the interior of your suitcase and lift any dirt or spillage
  • Let dry completely before closing

Air Dry in the Sun

After cleaning off your luggage, let it air dry outside on a warm sunny day. Sunlight is germicidal – it will kill off any lingering bacteria or mold spores your luggage may have picked up throughout your travels. If any mold spores attach themselves to your luggage, laying it out in the sun for an hour or two will kill them off before they have a chance to grow.

You can also employ this method if you didn’t get to Kings Cross luggage storage before your bags got a little wet from the rain. Let your suitcase dry out in the sun once you get to your next destination to keep it fresh as you venture from city to city.

Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Always store luggage in a cool, dry place. You want to avoid storing luggage anywhere with excess moisture or humidity. While you explore various cities, keep your luggage in your hotel room or take advantage of one-day luggage storage, like Kings Cross luggage storage.

Some of the best places to store your luggage at home include under your bed or inside a closet. Avoid basements or attics as these rooms tend to have higher moisture levels, putting your luggage at a higher risk of developing mold.

Keep Moisture Levels Low

Sometimes even a dark closet can become a moist environment if humidity levels are high. Use an electric dehumidifier to keep moisture out of the air where you store your luggage.

While you travel, tuck a few silica gel packs in the pockets of your luggage to keep it dry. This will help suck up any excess dampness while it sits in Kings Cross luggage storage or in your hotel closet.

Conclusion

Don't spend time worrying about your luggage! Instead, we hope you can spend a month gallivanting around Europe. Clock your hours on long train rides from city to city and in chic cafes in Amsterdam, Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. Take advantage of Kings Cross Station luggage storage and spend a day exploring London before heading to the continent. Happy travels!