When checking into a hotel room, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of exploring a new space. However, before you start unpacking, there’s one crucial step you shouldn’t skip: storing your luggage in the bathtub.
This may seem like an unusual tip, but experts agree that the bathtub is the safest place to store your luggage in a hotel room. The reason? Bedbugs.
These pesky pests are notorious for infesting hotel rooms, and they can easily hitch a ride into your luggage if you’re not careful. Bedbugs thrive in soft, warm areas like mattresses and carpets, making these spots a breeding ground for infestations.
The bathtub, on the other hand, is a bedbug-free zone. The smooth surface makes it difficult for bedbugs to climb, and hotel bathrooms are typically cleaned more thoroughly than bedroom areas.
Entomologist Katelyn Kesheimer, PhD, recommends storing your luggage in the bathtub while you inspect the room for signs of bedbugs. Once you’ve given the room the all-clear, you can safely move your luggage to a different spot.
To avoid bringing bedbugs home with you, Orkin suggests using the acronym S.L.E.E.P.:
Survey the hotel room for signs of bedbugs.
Lift and look in bedbug hiding spots.
Elevate luggage away from the bed and wall.
Examine your luggage while repacking.
Place all dryer-safe clothing from your luggage in the dryer for at least 20 minutes at the highest setting when you return home.
By following these simple tips, you can drastically reduce your risk of bringing home unwanted bedbug guests from your travels. So, the next time you check into a hotel, remember to store your luggage in the bathtub and take the necessary precautions to ensure a bedbug-free stay.
