When checking into a hotel, experts suggest an unusual yet practical tip: place your suitcase in the bathtub, not on the bed or luggage rack. While it may sound odd, this precaution is all about avoiding one of the most dreaded travel nuisances — bedbugs. The bathtub is considered a safe zone where these pests are least likely to lurk while you settle in and inspect your room.
Why should you put your luggage in the bathtub?
One simple reason: bedbugs. These tiny hitchhikers are infamous for sneaking into your clothes and luggage, traveling with you to your next destination — including your home. By placing your luggage in the bathtub instead of on the bed, you minimize the risk of them crawling into your belongings while you check for signs of infestation.
Entomologist Katelyn Kesheimer, PhD, recommends keeping luggage in the bathroom during your initial inspection for bedbugs. Once you’ve confirmed the room is clear, you can move your suitcase into the main area — just not onto the bed. Travel expert Marla Cimini echoes this advice, noting that bedbug problems are common in all types of accommodations, from luxury hotels to budget stays. According to a 2024 Orkin study, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia rank as the top U.S. cities for bedbug infestations.
Why is the bathroom the safest place for your luggage?
According to Kesheimer, bathrooms are among the least likely places for bedbugs to hide. Guests typically spend little time there, and the smooth, nonporous surfaces such as tiles and tubs don’t offer the kind of dark, textured hiding spots bedbugs prefer. In addition, towels and bathmats are routinely washed between guests, disrupting any chance of infestation.
If your hotel bathroom doesn’t have a tub, don’t worry — placing your luggage in the shower stall works just as well. Just be sure to remove it before turning the water on.
Here’s how to perform a quick but thorough bedbug check:
- Fold back the top sheet and inspect the top of the bottom sheet.
- Untuck the bottom sheet from the sides and corners to look for any traces of bugs or dark spots.
- Examine the seams and zippers of the mattress, as well as the tufts on top.
- Slide the mattress aside and inspect the box spring carefully.
- Check the headboard, especially if it’s tufted or upholstered, and look behind it along the wall.
How can you eliminate bedbugs from your items?
If you suspect your luggage may be infested, here are a few effective methods:
- Steam-clean your suitcase, whether it’s hard- or soft-sided.
- Vacuum every inch of it thoroughly.
- If possible, place your suitcase in a freezer set below 0°F.
- Leave it there for several days, then vacuum it out again to ensure all bugs and eggs are gone.
So next time you check into a hotel, skip the luggage rack and head straight to the bathroom — your clothes, your suitcase, and your peace of mind will thank you.
