Do you sometimes feel like you’re carrying a cabinet around with all the junk tucked away in your suitcase? The same happened to me when Last summer I came back from my mother’s house my suitcase was filled with junk. We’ve all experienced that moment sometimes in our life – where unpacking feels more laborious than packing! But before tackling the question of what to bring on vacation, let’s make sure we know how to keep our suitcase clean and free from mess and spots. In this blog post, we’ll provide guidance on the best ways to tackle cleaning your suitcase so that it stays organized and ready for its next adventure!
Cleaning your suitcase is important to maintain its appearance and keep it free from dirt and germs. Here are some simple steps to clean your suitcase:
Step1: How to Clean the Interior of the Suitcase – Soft Side or HardSide for both
Empty the suitcase:
Remove all the contents from your suitcase and discard any trash or debris.
Ensure all extra bags, such as laundry or shoe bags, are taken out of the bag and all pockets are thoroughly checked. Sometimes we forget to care for the external pockets, which can damage our important documents.
Vacuum the interior (Optional):
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dirt or dust from the interior of the suitcase. Use the brush attachment to get into the corners and seams. A vacuum is a smart option if your bag is not very dirty; you can thoroughly clean it without washing it; in this case, a vacuum will give your suitcase a neat appearance.
Wipe down the interior:
If there is only some fine dirt, you can clean it with a wet cloth or with a wipe, but if there are any stains or soiled, pay special attention to that areas, Use a clean cloth and make a solution of warm water and mild detergent to wipe down the interior of the suitcase.
Usually, the lining is not made of strong fabric, so you can easily damage it if you clean it harshly with a hard-bristled brush. For this purpose using a soft bristle brush or even an old toothbrush is also a good option.
Use a disinfectant:
If you are more likely to get bacteria or allergies, you can sanitize your suitcase or use a disinfectant spray. It will also help to avoid bed bugs.
Read Next: What To Do If Your Suitcase Has A Bad Smell
Step 2: How to clean handles, zips, and wheels of the suitcase
Cleaning the handles, zippers, and wheels of a suitcase is important to ensure that they function properly and to maintain the appearance of the luggage.
Handles:
Handles easily get filthy because a variety of people hold the handles, like airport luggage handlers, at hotel staff takes the suitcase to your room. Handle’s cleanliness is more important for overall suitcase appearance and of course it’s for your health.
Wipe down the handles with a wet cloth or sponge. For tougher stains, you can also use a mild soap solution. Be sure to dry the handles thoroughly after cleaning to prevent any water damage.
Never forget to use disinfectant on handles. It will help to kill germs.
Zippers:
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove dirt or debris from the zipper. You can also use a solution of warm water and mild soap to clean the zipper. After cleaning, wipe down the zipper with a dry cloth to remove any excess moisture.
Wheels:
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the wheels, paying special attention to the areas around the axles. To clean hard-to-reach areas, you can also use an old toothbrush. Be sure to dry the wheels thoroughly after cleaning to prevent any water damage. If you think your luggage wheels are not functioning properly, you can also lubricate the wheel.
For more detailed information on this topic, you can check our guide on fixing luggage wheels at home.
Different types of luggage materials may require different cleaning methods. Always check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer before cleaning your suitcase.
Why it is important to clean and disinfect suitcase handles
It is important to clean and disinfect suitcase handles because many people often touch them during travel and can harbor bacteria and germs. The handles are also a high-touch area that can easily transfer bacteria and germs to other surfaces, such as your hands or other items in your luggage.
Also, suitcase handles can come into contact with surfaces that may carry germs and bacteria, such as airport floors and luggage carts. Without proper cleaning and disinfection, these germs and bacteria can linger on the handles and potentially cause illness.
Step 3: How To Clean Exterior?
The cleaning process for a soft-side suitcase and a hard-side suitcase can differ due to the materials used in their construction. Softside suitcases are typically made of fabrics like polyester, nylon, or canvas, while hard-side suitcases are made of hard plastic or polycarbonate shells. Here’s how to clean the exterior of each type of suitcase
Hard Side Suitcase Exterior Cleaning:
Cleaning of Hard side exterior is easier than a fabric bag. It took less effort due to the plastic or polycarbonate material used.
Wipe down the exterior:
Use a soft, damp cloth or an old towel to wipe down the suitcase’s exterior, paying special attention to any areas with visible dirt or stains.
You can clean grease and tough stains with a soapy sponge if they are visible.
Never use a harsh chemical or bleaching ingredient; it can easily fade the color of your beautiful luggage. Never Use Chemical cleaning agents containing ammonia, acetone, and benzene it can cause surface damage.
Rinse and dry:
Use a clean cloth, sponge, or an old towel to rinse the suitcase with clean water. Allow the bag to air dry completely before storing or using it again.
Polish the exterior:
If your hard shell suitcase has a glossy finish, you can use a plastic polish or wax to restore shine. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the product you’re using.
Softside Suitcase Exterior Cleaning:
Softside luggage exterior is difficult to clean and dry compared to hard shell suitcases, but with these simple tricks, you can manage fabric suitcase washing at home.
Choose the appropriate cleaner:
If you want to maintain the color and texture of your suitcase, do not use fabric detergent or dishwashing detergent. Both have harsh chemicals that deteriorate the color of the suitcase. Always use a cleaner like sofa cleaner or car seat cleaner instead.
This happened to me when I used detergent on beautiful red color so be careful.
Make a Solution:
To make this foamy solution, mix the sofa cleaner solution with water in a ratio of 1:4.
Apply the Solution:
Now apply this foamy solution all over the suitcase and let it sit for 15 to 20 minutes. It will help to take out any hidden dirt and stains.
Use a soft-bristle brush:
After 20 minutes, rub it with a soft bristle brush or sponge. At this point, you might feel tempted to brush the suitcase more vigorously, but self-control is needed because it can damage its texture.
Rinse and dry:
Rinse the suitcase thoroughly with clean water, then use a clean cloth or sponge to dry it off. Be sure to air-dry the suitcase entirely before using it again.
Overall, the cleaning process for a softside suitcase and a hardside suitcase is similar, but the materials used in their construction may require slightly different cleaning methods. By following these steps, you can keep your suitcase looking clean and well-maintained, regardless of its material.
Related: Hardside Vs Softside Luggage – Which Is Best In 2023
How to Clean and Restore Leather Luggage step by step
Caring for leather luggage can be challenging since the material is delicate and needs specific handling. To keep your leather luggage in good shape, it must be cleaned regularly. First, dust any loose dirt off with a soft cloth or brush. Mix a few drops of mild soap in warm water for tougher stains and gently scrub the affected area with a damp cloth. Let the soap solution sit for about fifteen minutes before wiping it away. For an extra shine, apply conditioner to ensure your leather luggage looks great and stays in top condition. Regular cleaning and conditioning will help restore your beloved leather luggage to its original glory.
How To Remove Scuff Marks from Hard Shell Luggage Exterior
To remove scuff marks from the hard shell luggage exterior, you can try the following methods:
Magic Eraser:
Magic Erasers are great for removing scuff marks from hard surfaces. Use a Wet eraser to rub the scuff mark until it disappears.
Baking Soda and Water:
To make a paste, combine water and baking soda.
Apply the paste to the scuff mark and gently rub it with a soft cloth. To remove the paste, wipe it with a clean cloth.
Toothpaste:
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to the scuff mark and gently rub it with a soft cloth. Clear the toothpaste with a clean cloth.
Rubbing Alcohol:
Use rubbing alcohol swabs or dampen the cloth and gently rub the scuff mark until it disappears.
Note: Before trying any of these methods, test them on an inconspicuous luggage area to ensure they do not damage the surface.
How do you disinfect and deep clean luggage?
Deep cleaning and disinfecting your luggage with hydrogen peroxide is important to keep yourself and those around you healthy. The hydrogen peroxide molecules are strong enough to kill germs, so spraying a solution of 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide with 3 cups of water in a spray bottle is an effective way to clean spots and creases on your luggage where bacteria may hide. Moreover, leaving the bag in the sun for 10-15 minutes after spraying adds an extra layer of disinfection. Doing this simple process twice a month will help ensure your bag is free from potentially dangerous germs.
Can you soak a suitcase?
It may seem like an odd question, but can you actually soak a suitcase? The answer is yes! It is recommended to do so periodically, as it not only eliminates bacteria and odors but will also extend the life of the suitcase. Next, create a mixture of warm water and mild detergent in a large basin or bathtub, and then submerge your suitcase in the water for about 20 minutes. Afterward, use clean sponges to scrub any lingering dirt off the surface of the suitcase and wipe it dry with an absorbent cloth before allowing it to air dry. This simple and quick cleaning procedure will ensure your suitcase stays in top condition for many future travels!
How do you decontaminate bed bugs from luggage?
Luggage can be a significant risk for the spread of bed bugs, especially when traveling from infested areas. Precaution should be taken to ensure it does not bring any unwelcome visitors along. To decontaminate luggage, start by thoroughly cleaning out the case to remove any pests already there. Vacuuming the inside and wiping down with a damp cloth can help eliminate any traces of bed bugs. Keep your bag away from infested regions if you suspect they may have been exposed.
Heat treatments are also an excellent way to ensure your luggage is free of any nasty critters. Washing clothes in high heat and storing items in hot environments will significantly reduce the chance of carrying bed bugs unknowingly. When returning home, place all suitcases outside rather than bringing them inside – this will significantly lower the chances of contamination.
Related: How To Get Rid Of Bed Bugs In Clothes And Luggage – Problem Solved
Can you dry clean the inside of a suitcase?
Yes, if you can afford dry cleaning, you can go for it, especially if you have a delicate suitcase. For example, if you have one made of leather, washing it is not highly recommended.
If your luggage is expensive, it is best to have it cleaned by a professional since detergents and brushes can easily damage some materials.
Related: How To Store Luggage In A Proper Way?
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