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It might sound odd at first, but if you’re someone who travels—especially if you’re staying in hotels that aren’t five-star luxury—you may want to start placing your luggage in the bathtub as soon as you check in.
I know. It feels strange. Who puts their suitcase in the tub?
But after one unsettling experience years ago—and plenty of travel wisdom since—I’ve learned that this simple habit can protect you from some of the worst travel headaches imaginable.
Let me explain why this small, slightly unconventional travel trick might just become the first thing you do the next time you unlock your hotel room door.
The Silent Hotel Threat: Bedbugs
Let’s start with the worst-case scenario—bedbugs.
They’re small. They’re sneaky. And they’re every traveler’s nightmare.
If you’ve never dealt with bedbugs, consider yourself lucky. They don’t just bite—they hitchhike. These tiny pests cling to clothing, luggage, and fabric, following you from your hotel straight into your home.
Hotels, especially older or more budget-friendly ones, are notorious for being hotspots—even clean-looking rooms aren’t always safe.
They hide in:
- Mattress seams
- Headboards
- Upholstered furniture
- Behind curtains and wall art
The minute you set your fabric suitcase down near the bed or on the carpet, you’re giving bedbugs the perfect opportunity to crawl in and catch a free ride home.
Why the Bathtub Works
Here’s the good news: bedbugs avoid smooth, cold surfaces.
That’s why putting your luggage in the bathtub immediately after checking in gives you time to inspect your hotel room without risk.
Bathtubs are typically made of porcelain or fiberglass—materials that bedbugs can’t easily grip. Unlike beds and carpets, they offer no cozy corners to hide in. That makes them one of the safest places in a hotel room for your suitcase.
Think of it as a clean, bug-resistant island while you check the rest of the room.
It’s Also Cleaner Than You Think
Even if you’re not worried about bedbugs, there’s another practical reason to keep your luggage in the bathroom: cleanliness.
Most hotel carpets are a mystery. They may look clean, but they’ve likely seen thousands of pairs of shoes, spills, food crumbs, and worse. Even placing your suitcase near the bed can transfer bacteria from the floor to your clothing.
The bathtub, on the other hand, is one of the most frequently sanitized parts of the room. Housekeeping staff tend to scrub down the tub and bathroom surfaces between guests—especially post-pandemic.
So while it may seem unusual, the bathtub is actually one of the cleanest areas in the room to place your belongings temporarily.
Added Protection from Spills and Accidents
Besides bugs and bacteria, the bathtub can protect your luggage from one more unexpected hazard: accidents.
Imagine this:
- A drink spills on the floor
- A toiletry bottle leaks on the nightstand
- A child knocks over juice or food
- A maintenance worker accidentally leaves a mess during a visit
Your luggage—especially if it’s fabric—can absorb any of these like a sponge.
Placing it in the bathtub puts it out of harm’s way. It acts like a little luggage fortress, safe from liquids, messes, and chaos.
This is especially useful if you’re sharing a room with kids, grandkids, or anyone who’s known to be a little… clumsy.
Make It Part of Your Hotel Check-In Routine
Here’s how I do it—every time I check into a hotel:
- Open the door and walk straight to the bathroom.
- Place all luggage inside the tub—zippered shut.
- Then, begin my room inspection:
- Pull back the sheets and check along the mattress seams.
- Inspect the headboard (especially if it’s padded).
- Look behind the curtains and under the bed if accessible.
- Glance behind picture frames and lamps near the bed.
If all looks clean and clear, I’ll remove my suitcase from the tub and start unpacking or settling in.
If something seems off—especially signs of bugs—I can pick up my bags from their safe spot and head to the front desk with confidence, knowing nothing’s crawled in.
Signs of Bedbugs to Look For
If you’re new to checking for bedbugs, here are the most common signs to watch for:
- Small dark spots on sheets or mattress seams (may look like ink stains)
- Tiny rust-colored marks, which could be blood spots
- Shed skins or bug casings
- Sweet or musty odor in severe cases
- Actual bugs (oval-shaped, flat, reddish-brown, about the size of an apple seed)
Again, these don’t just show up in cheap motels—even well-rated hotels have had infestations from time to time. Bedbugs are travelers too.
But Doesn’t It Feel Weird to Put Luggage in the Tub?
Yes—at first.
But once you’ve done it a few times, it becomes second nature. I’ve been doing it for years now, and it’s given me peace of mind on every trip.
Even if the room ends up being spotless, it’s one more layer of protection that takes zero effort.
And let’s be honest: it’s much easier to rinse or wipe out a bathtub than to treat your entire wardrobe—and mattress—after bringing bedbugs home.
Extra Tips for Safer Hotel Stays
- Never place your suitcase on the bed or soft furniture before checking the room.
- Travel with a small flashlight (your phone works) to inspect dark corners.
- Use hard-shell luggage when possible—fabric cases are easier for pests to infiltrate.
- Keep your suitcase zipped closed when not in use, even in your own room.
- Wash and dry all clothes on high heat after returning home from a trip—just in case.
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