Luggage can get dirty very quickly, whether it's from dust and mud from the pavement, dirt sticking to conveyor belts at an airport, or just a musty smell from being stored for too long. Most stains can be easily treated with soap and water, but if you want to thoroughly clean your suitcase, you'll need to choose a method that's appropriate for the type.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Cleaning the Inside of the Suitcase
Step 1. Remove all items from the suitcase
The suitcase must be completely empty before you start cleaning it. Make sure you check all removable pockets and linings to make sure no items are left behind.
Step 2. Remove any removable lining or storage bins
Some suitcases have a fully detachable lining from the suitcase and additional storage pockets. Remove all these components and set aside.
Step 3. Clean the dirt inside the suitcase with a vacuum cleaner
Clean the dirt, dust, crumbs contained in the suitcase with a vacuum cleaner. You can use a portable vacuum cleaner or a standard vacuum cleaner with a hose. Make sure you clean any pockets or lining on the inside.
Step 4. Wash the removable lining or pocket
If the label on your suitcase says you can wash it in a washing machine, do so as directed. If the label is missing or says you must wash it by hand, fill a sink with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Wash the removable parts by hand and let them air dry.
Step 5. Wash the synthetic coating with detergent and water
Nylon and other synthetic materials can be carefully washed using a damp washcloth and mild detergent. If the outside of the suitcase is made of leather, be careful not to drip water on it as there is a risk of damage.
Step 6. Clean the stains on the lining made of canvas and linen
Clean the stains on the inside of the suitcase with baking soda and water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any stains or dirt. Dry the suitcase immediately with a dryer.
Step 7. Wipe off the hard plastic layer with a rag
You can wipe off the hard plastic layer with a damp cloth and mild soap. Then, dry the suitcase immediately with a clean towel to prevent water stains from forming.
Step 8. Replace the removable components
After the suitcase and all its components are dry, put all the linings and pockets that were removed back into their original places.
Step 9. Air the suitcase
If you don't want to clean the outside of the suitcase right away, or want to wait before cleaning it, ventilate the suitcase by leaving it open for at least a day. This will prevent the accumulation of odors or mold caused by remaining moisture. Close the suitcase when you are ready to clean the outside.
Part 2 of 3: Cleaning the Outside of the Suitcase
Step 1. Clean the dust and dirt on the outside of the suitcase
Remove dirt from the outside of the suitcase by brushing it with a short broom or cleaning brush. For large suitcases with a soft exterior, a portable vacuum cleaner or a standard vacuum cleaner with a hose may be more effective. If the suitcase is not leather and is full of pet hair, lint, or other debris that is difficult to clean, use a lint roller.
Step 2. Clean the leather material with a leather cleaner
After cleaning, use leather conditioner and let the leather suitcase dry by itself and keep it away from direct sunlight. For stubborn stains, enlist the help of a professional laundromat so they can be cleaned specifically.
Step 3. Remove stains from canvas and linen
Just as you did with the inside of the suitcase, clean the stains on the outside with baking soda and water. Use an old toothbrush to brush off any stains or dirt. Dry the suitcase as soon as possible with the dryer.
Step 4. Clean the outside of the synthetic suitcase with detergent and water
Clean the suitcase carefully using a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Let dry with aerated.
Step 5. Clean a suitcase made of hard plastic with a damp washcloth and mild soap
Immediately dry the outside of the suitcase with a clean towel to prevent water stains from forming. If the suitcase is scratched, scrub it with an all-purpose cleaning sponge.
Step 6. Clean the aluminum suitcase with water
Some types of soap can leave long stains or marks on aluminum surfaces. So, just clean this suitcase with warm water. To deal with stains or chafed areas, use an all-purpose cleaning sponge. Then, dry the suitcase immediately with a clean towel to prevent water stains.
Step 7. Clean the wheels, zippers, latches, and other metal accessories
Wash the metal accessories in the suitcase with warm water, soap and a washcloth. Make sure you turn the wheel to clean the entire surface of dirt, mud, or other debris. Dry metal accessories immediately to prevent water damage. If there are scratches on metal accessories, rub them with steel wool.
Step 8. Air the suitcase
Once thoroughly cleaned, leave the suitcase open and air out for at least a day. Make sure you open your pockets and other extra storage space!
Part 3 of 3: Protecting the Luggage
Step 1. Use a fabric protective spray
If your suitcase is made of cloth, you can prevent stains or further damage by using a cloth protective spray. Make sure you read the instructions carefully before using it as fabric protection spray can damage some materials, such as leather.
Step 2. Protect metal accessories with varnish
You can protect the metal accessories in your suitcase from scratching with metal varnish or clear nail polish.
Step 3. Spray air freshener
Luggage made of cloth that has been spilled with something strong-smelling or stored for a long time often emits an unpleasant odor. You can prevent this by spraying a liquid air freshener, such as Bayfresh, on your suitcase. Be careful not to spray the air freshener directly on the leather!
Step 4. Place the solid air freshener in the suitcase
Before storing your suitcase, place a solid air freshener in the suitcase to prevent a musty smell. You can buy commercial solid air fresheners, dryer sheets, new bars of soap, pieces of cedar wood, or other similar items.
Step 5. Choose a safe area to store the luggage
Many suitcases are damaged due to improper storage. If you want to store luggage, check the area for leaks, musty odors, and mildew. You can find another storage area if necessary.
Step 6. Prevent luggage damage during storage
Do not put heavy items on the suitcase because over time it can change the shape of the suitcase. If the suitcase is made of leather, aluminum, or hard plastic, wrap the suitcase in a cloth to prevent scratches and scuffs during storage.
