1 week ago
Travellers Tape Luggage Wheels Before Flights: Does It Work?
Some travellers are putting tape around their suitcase wheels before travelling.
The tape covers the part of the wheel that touches the ground.
It may stop some dirt and hair from sticking directly to the wheel.
A study found that suitcase wheels can collect a lot of germs and dirt.
However, the tape does not fix broken wheels or protect the parts inside them.
If the tape is loose or too thick, the suitcase may not roll properly.
Tape can also leave sticky residue that attracts more dust.
Cleaning the wheels and removing trapped hair is still the best way to care for luggage.
An Instagram trend encourages travellers to wrap tape around the ground-facing parts of suitcase wheels.
The tape creates a temporary barrier that can collect dirt, dust, hair and other debris.
A 2025 InsureandGo study found luggage wheels were the dirtiest part of tested suitcases.
Researchers recorded about 400 colony-forming units per 3 sq cm on the wheels, nearly 58 times the comparison toilet seat figure.
The hack may reduce surface grime but cannot prevent wheel damage and should be removed after the trip.
- Who
- Travellers following an Instagram trend; InsureandGo and microbiologist Amy-May Pointer conducted the cited study.
- What
- Travellers are wrapping tape around suitcase wheels to create a temporary barrier against dirt and debris.
- Where
- The study examined 10 suitcases at a London airport train station; the hack applies during travel through places such as airports and stations.
- When
- The trend is described as recent, while the cited luggage study was conducted in 2025.
- Why
- To reduce the amount of dirt, dust, hair and other grime collecting on suitcase wheels.
Key facts
- Hack
- Wrap tape around the section of the wheel that touches the ground.
- Study date
- 2025
- Researcher
- InsureandGo, with microbiologist Amy-May Pointer
- Sample
- 10 suitcases examined at a London airport train station
- Wheel measurement
- About 400 colony-forming units per 3 sq cm
- Comparison
- Nearly 58 times the public toilet seat comparison figure
- Caution
- Loose or thick tape may interfere with wheel movement and leave adhesive residue.



