How to Clean a Suitcase and Other Luggage Before Your Next Trip

Introduction

Going on a trip is always exciting, but packing and getting your luggage ready can be tedious and time-consuming. One important but often overlooked part of preparing for travel is thoroughly cleaning your suitcase and bags before packing them. A good deep clean removes dirt, germs, and odors that may have built up from previous trips. This helps keep your belongings fresh, sanitary, and odor-free throughout your journey.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide tips and step-by-step instructions for cleaning various types of luggage and travel bags. From hard-sided suitcases to duffel bags and backpacks, we cover effective cleaning methods using common household products. We also include recommendations for cleaning the interior and exterior of your bags, wheels and handles, zippers and compartments.

Properly cleaning your luggage takes some time and effort, but it is well worth it for hygienic and pleasant travels. Let’s get started with some general tips before diving into specifics for different luggage varieties.

General Tips for Cleaning Luggage

Here are some overarching things to keep in mind when cleaning travel bags:

Clear out your bags completely – Take everything out so you can access all the nooks and crannies that need cleaning. This also avoids getting your belongings dirty during the cleaning process.
Use the right cleaning products – Stick to mild, multipurpose cleaners or disinfecting wipes. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the material. Always spot test first.
Follow fabric care instructions – If available, check product labels for any special washing guidelines to avoid damage.
Disinfect high-touch areas – Pay extra attention to places like handles, wheels, and zippers which get handled frequently and can harbor germs.
Let bags air dry thoroughly – Don’t store luggage away until it’s completely dry to prevent odor and mildew buildup.
Clean bags after each trip – Don’t wait until your next journey. Freshen up your luggage right when you get home for optimal results.
Check seams and lining – Look for any stains or dirt that may have gotten embedded into tiny crevices and clean thoroughly.
Use laundry and odor eliminators – For extra disinfecting power or to remove tough odors, use laundry sanitizer or odor eliminator products.
Replace if needed – If stains or smells persist even after cleaning, it may be time to replace well-worn luggage with a new set.

Cleaning Hard-Sided Luggage

Hard-sided suitcases made of materials like plastic, aluminum, or polycarbonate are durable and easy to clean. Here are some tips for cleaning hard luggage:

Exterior

Wipe down the entire outer shell with a soft cloth dipped in a mild detergent and water solution. Scrub gently to remove built-up dirt and grime.
For tougher stains, use a disinfecting wipe or multipurpose cleaner spray. Check the care label first and test on a small spot.
Pay special attention to the corners and seams where dust accumulates. Use a toothbrush or cotton swab to scrub crevices if needed.
Spray wheel housing and grab handles with disinfectant and wipe thoroughly. These high-touch zones can harbor germs.
If the shells have glossy finish, polish with a microfiber cloth once fully dry for added shine.

Interior

Remove any detachable lining and wash with mild detergent. Let air dry.
For spots on fixed lining, use laundry pre-treatment spray or gel. Gently rub with a soft brush and wipe clean.
Disinfect the interior with antibacterial wipes or an alcohol-based cleaner. Pay extra attention to corners and seams.
Sprinkling baking soda inside can help absorb odors between trips. Vacuum out before packing.
Placing dryer sheets or sachets inside can make luggage smell fresh for longer. Replace after every few uses.

Zippers and Wheels

Use an old toothbrush and soapy solution to scrub debris from zipper teeth. Rinse and wipe dry.
Apply silicone or beeswax lubricant on zippers to keep them gliding smoothly.
Check wheels for buildup in bearings or cracks. Use cotton swabs dipped in rubbing alcohol to clean.
Wipe down wheel housings and grab handles with disinfecting wipes.
Vacuum wheel wells and casters to remove hair, dirt and debris clogging mobility.

Cleaning Soft-Sided Luggage

For soft luggage made of fabrics like nylon, polyester, canvas, etc., follow these tips:

Exterior

Hand wash using a mild laundry detergent and warm water. Use a soft brush on stains and rinse thoroughly.
Check care instructions first. Machine wash on gentle cycle if fabric allows, using laundry sanitizer for disinfecting. Line dry only.
For canvas bags, use a specialized canvas cleaner and protectant spray to keep them looking new.
Spot clean leather accents with a leather cleaner or mild soap and water. Avoid submerging.
Disinfect handles, adjustable straps, zippers, and grab points using antibacterial wipes.

Interior

Remove any detachable lining and wash according to care instructions, or spot clean by hand.
Use disinfecting wipes or spray to thoroughly clean the interior, seams, and compartments.
Sprinkle baking soda inside and let sit overnight to absorb odors before vacuuming out.
Place dryer sheets, charcoal bags, or sachets inside to keep interior smelling fresh between uses.

Hardware

Scrub zippers with an old toothbrush and warm, soapy water. Rinse and wipe completely dry.
Apply zipper lubricant like silicone spray to keep them gliding smoothly.
Use rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to clean wheels, axles, and wheel casings.
Disinfect adjustable straps and wipe down any plastic hardware like buckles and clips.

Cleaning Duffel Bags

Duffel bags see a lot of rough use, so they require a deep clean to keep them in top shape for travel and sports. Here are some tips:

Exterior

Hand wash duffel bags with a small amount of detergent and warm water using a soft brush or sponge.
For canvas, use a specialty canvas cleaner and apply a canvas protectant when dry.
Spot clean leather or suede patches gently with a special leather cleaner.
Disinfect adjustable straps, handles, zippers, mesh vents, etc. with antibacterial wipes.

Interior

Remove any detachable linings or bags and wash according to care instructions. Line dry only.
Use disinfecting wipes or sprays to thoroughly clean the lining and inner compartments, especially corners and seams.
Pour some baking soda inside and shake around to distribute evenly. Let sit overnight before vacuuming out.
Place laundry sanitizing bags, fragrance sachets, or charcoal deodorizers inside to keep smells away.

Closures and Hardware

Scrub zippers with an old toothbrush and mild soapy water. Rinse and air dry fully.
Use cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol to clean inside wheel housings on in-line skate wheels.
Apply zipper lubricant like beeswax or silicone to keep zippers gliding smoothly.
Disinfect any metal or plastic hardware like buckles, clips, or adjustable strap locks.

Cleaning Backpacks and Daypacks

Backpacks and daypacks need regular deep cleaning to eliminate odors, dirt, and germs that can accumulate after use. Here’s how:

Exterior

Spot clean stains on fabric exteriors using a soft bristle brush, mild detergent, and warm water.
For leather or suede accents, use a specialty leather cleaner and apply protector when dry.
Use disinfecting wipes on handles, adjustable straps, grab points, and harness contact areas.
Clean mesh fabric panels with a soft brush and mild soap and water solution. Rinse and air dry.
Wash exterior storage pockets or detachable components according to care instructions.

Interior

Vacuum or shake out any loose debris from the inside of the pack.
Spot treat stubborn stains on the lining using laundry pre-treatment sprays or gels.
Disinfect the interior and compartments thoroughly with antibacterial wipes, especially corners and seams.
Sprinkle baking soda generously in the main compartment. Shake pack to distribute and leave overnight before vacuuming out.
Place a charcoal deodorizer bag or scented sachet inside interior mesh pockets. Replace frequently.

Closures and Suspension

Use an old toothbrush with warm soapy water to scrub debris from zippers. Wipe dry.
Apply lubricant like beeswax or silicone to keep zippers gliding smoothly.
Disinfect harness straps and sternum clips using antibacterial wipes.
Use rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs to clean dirt from buckles and clips.

Cleaning Luggage by Material

The cleaning method depends a lot on what your particular luggage is made of. Here are some tips for specific materials:

Aluminum

Wash with mild soap and water using a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
Rinse and wipe dry with microfiber cloth. Polish with metal cleaner and cloth.
Disinfect handles and grab points using antibacterial wipes.

Polycarbonate

Wipe shells down using warm water with a few drops of mild detergent and a soft cloth.
For tougher dirt, apply multipurpose cleaner and scrub gently before rinsing. Avoid harsh chemicals.
Disinfect high-touch points like handles with antibacterial wipes.

Fabric (Nylon, Polyester, Canvas)

Handwash using mild laundry detergent and warm water. Allow to fully line dry.
Use laundry sanitizer and machine wash on gentle cycle if care label permits.
Spot clean stains with soft brush and fabric-appropriate stain remover.
Apply specialty treatments for canvas or leather accents.

ABS Plastic

Wipe down with soft cloth dampened with warm water and mild detergent. Avoid soaking.
Scrub gently with toothbrush to clean crevices and seams if needed.
Disinfect handles, wheels, and grab points using antibacterial wipes.
Stuff with baking soda overnight occasionally to absorb odors, then vacuum out.

Leather

Clean using warm water, mild leather soap and soft cloth. Wipe away suds with damp cloth.
Avoid over-wetting leather. Spot test cleaners first.
Apply leather conditioner when dry. Buff with soft cloth.
Disinfect handles and touchpoints with wipes.

Tips for Eliminating Odors from Luggage

Banish unpleasant smells from your travel bags with these handy tips:

Generously sprinkle baking soda over all interior fabric surfaces. Shake bag to distribute evenly and let sit overnight before vacuuming out. The baking soda will absorb odors.
Place charcoal bags or odor absorbing sachets in interior or mesh pockets. Replace them every few trips for maximum effectiveness.
Adding a few dryer sheets and letting them sit can make luggage smell fresh. Replace when scent diminishes.
For quick odor removal, spray vinegar and water solution inside, letting it sit briefly before wiping dry with towel. The vinegar smell dissipates as it dries.
Use an antibacterial spray containing alcohol to kill odor-causing bacteria inside seams, corners, and lining. Wipe dry.
If odors persist, wash removable lining according to care instructions or spot clean stains and disinfect interior with bleach-free cleaner.
Steaming the interior with a handheld fabric steamer can help freshen up smells.
As a last resort, replace lining or purchase new luggage if cleaning doesn’t eliminate stubborn odors.

Storing Luggage Properly Between Trips

Proper storage between trips helps keep your luggage fresh and prevents damage. Follow these tips:

Fully unpack and thoroughly clean bags immediately upon returning from a trip to prevent odors and stains setting in.
Let luggage air dry completely before storing to avoid mildew buildup. Placing near a dehumidifier helps speed up drying.
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Avoid attics, basements and garages if damp or hot.
Use luggage covers or place in dust-proof storage bags or bins to keep dirt and dust out.
Fill empty spaces with acid-free tissue paper to help bags keep their shape. Avoid using plastic which doesn’t allow breathing.
Hang upright on wide luggage racks or lie flat on shelves to prevent sagging and warping.
Sitting folded and compressed for long periods can damage framing. If stacking, don’t pile too high.
Keep away from heat sources like radiators or vents. Leather and plastic shells can crack from dry heat.
Check periodically for pests that can nibble fabric. Treat immediately if found. Place cedar blocks or sachets as repellent.
Before a trip, let bags air out for a day after long storage. Inspect for damage and do any spot cleaning needed.

When to Discard Old Luggage

No matter how well you care for your bags, they will wear out eventually. Here are some signs it may be time to replace luggage:

Broken or damaged frames, wheels, handles, or hardware that impairs functionality
Fabric that is badly stained, worn out, or has holes despite cleaning
Pervasive odors that linger after deep cleaning and deodorizing
Mold or mildew buildup on fabric or seams that can’t be removed
Torn or separated interior lining that can’t be repaired or replaced
Defective closure hardware like broken zippers that can’t be fixed
Punctures, major tears, or irreparable damage from rough handling
A makeshift, duct-taped appearance showing extensive wear and tear
Luggage with compromised structural integrity or exterior damage that impacts durability
Outdated or obsolete styles that no longer suit your needs or complement your wardrobe
Frequent problems like tipping over or items falling out while rolling

If your faithful luggage is exhibiting multiple issues or is clearly past its prime, it’s probably time to replace it with fresh new luggage suited for your packing needs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cleaning Luggage

How often should you deep clean your luggage?

For the best results, thoroughly clean your luggage inside and out after every trip before storing it away. This prevents dirt, odors, and stains from setting in over time and makes your next packing experience more pleasant.

What’s the best way to clean the inside of a suitcase?

Vacuum loose debris, then use disinfecting wipes or antibacterial spray to thoroughly clean the interior lining. Pay extra attention to seams and corners. Baking soda left overnight helps deodorize before vacuuming up.

How do you get mildew smell out of a suitcase?

Wash any removable linings according to care instructions. Spot treat the interior with laundry pre-treatment spray. Disinfect inside using bleach-free cleaners or vinegar solution. Allow to dry fully, then place charcoal bags inside to absorb residual odors.

How to clean soft side luggage?

Hand wash with mild detergent and soft brush. Use laundry sanitizer if fabric permits, and machine wash on gentle cycle. Spot clean stains. Disinfect adjustable straps, handles and hardware. Use specialty cleaners on leather or canvas accents.

What removes yellow stains from luggage?

For plastic shells, rub the yellow stains gently with baking soda paste using a soft cloth. Rinse and wipe dry. For fabric exteriors, apply laundry pre-treatment gel before washing. Bleach can also help remove discoloration on white fabrics.

Is it OK to steam clean luggage?

Using a handheld fabric steamer is safe for most materials. It helps sanitize and remove odors inside bags. Take care not to overheat leather or plastic surfaces. Vacuum first to avoid merely spreading dirt around in steam.

How do you get rid of plastic smell in new luggage?

Baking soda, charcoal, and vinegar all help absorb and cut through chemical odors in new luggage. Wipe plastics down with vinegar and water solution. For fabrics, wash with detergent and line dry outside to air out before use. The smells dissipate with proper cleaning and ventilation.

What is the best product to clean luggage?

For light cleaning, use diluted gentle detergent or multipurpose cleaner and a soft cloth. Disinfecting wipes work well for handles and high-touch areas. Use specialty leather or canvas cleaners where appropriate. Avoid harsh chemicals which can damage material.

Conclusion

Regularly cleaning your luggage is an important trip preparation task that leads to more sanitary, pleasant travels. Carefully follow fabric care instructions and use the suitable cleaning methods for your type of luggage materials. Allow all bags to fully air dry before packing or storing.

Appropriate products and some elbow grease can remove most dirt, stains, and funky odors from luggage exteriors and interiors. Take time after each journey to thoroughly clean your suitcases, duffel bags, backpacks and all travel accessories.

With our comprehensive cleaning tips, you can freshen up your luggage and keep it looking and smelling great for many trips ahead. Bon voyage!