There’s something in your home right now that may be dirtier than your toilet seat, and after reading this, you’ll probably want to disinfect it immediately.

Among all the grimy things in the world, this one might top the list.

While the average toilet is home to a shocking amount of bacteria, one item that could be sitting in your closet or attic right now is just as contaminated.

Scientists have found that it carries 40 times more bacteria than your toilet, accumulating germs from everyday items we touch while traveling.

You might think I’m talking about your phone, glasses, watch, or shoes, but I’m not.

This item travels with you on vacation, to out-of-town events, weekend getaways, and even to work. InsureandGo confirmed the troubling reality about how dirty suitcases can get after testing ten of them.

The team swabbed the wheels and bottoms of both soft-shell and hard-shell suitcases at a London airport rail hub to uncover the level of contamination.

Shockingly, the study revealed that each suitcase wheel harbored hundreds of bacterial and fungal colonies, which could potentially lead to food poisoning, infections, and respiratory issues.

On average, the wheels carried 400 bacterial colonies per three square centimeters. For comparison, toilet seats typically have only 10 bacterial colonies, making the suitcase’s contamination level much more alarming.

If you’re wondering which type of suitcase was the worst offender, it’s soft-shell models. The fabric tends to trap dirt and moisture, creating an ideal breeding ground for mold.

What’s even worse is that we often place our suitcases on hotel beds, tables, and in closets—places where we expect cleanliness. I've even put my suitcase on my kitchen table while packing!

Researchers found residues of human or animal feces, black spores, and skin microbes on the suitcases, which is deeply unsettling.

With 2.9 million people traveling through airports every day, as reported by the FAA, there’s no shortage of things we’re touching and sharing during our journeys.

Amy-May Pointer, a microbiologist and lead author of the study, told Travel+Leisure: "Suitcases, especially their wheels and bottoms, are germ magnets that can even out-germ a toilet." Among the bacteria discovered was Serratia marcescens, which thrives in damp areas and can cause urinary and wound infections.

Bacillus cereus was also found, a bacteria commonly found in soil and on floors that can cause food poisoning.

Additionally, the study uncovered Aspergillus niger and Penicillium, black mold types that can trigger respiratory problems.

Perhaps the most concerning discovery was presumptive E. coli, which is commonly found in feces.

Pointer recommended, “A wipe with a disinfectant wipe or soapy cloth on the wheels and base of your luggage can significantly reduce the bacterial load.”

She added, "It's a small step that prevents you from dragging bathroom-floor bacteria into your home (and onto your bed). Periodically deep-cleaning your suitcase is also a good idea."