Numerous trips have exposed your suitcase to microorganisms that could remain. Like travel journals, our suitcases include tidbits of information about every destination we’ve visited. Additionally, they acquire allergies, infections, and potentially bed bugs.
All the places that luggage rolls through and all the people who handle it while you’re traveling can leave germs on it. It’s possible that a lot of people have also touched your luggage, particularly if you checked it in at the airport. Your luggage can survive longer if it is cleaned to get rid of mold and bacteria. To make sure you use the right cleaning supplies and prevent stains, be sure to refer to the luggage brand’s care recommendations.
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How to Clean Your Suitcase After a Trip
How to Keep a Softshell Case Clean
Because the material of a softshell suitcase is more forgiving, it could be easier to fit more goods inside. A stiff brush or a mild soap and towel are needed for cleaning. Use a solution of mild laundry detergent (approximately 1 tablespoon diluted in 8 ounces of warm water) and warm water to spot-clean the area. After gently wiping the soiled area, rinse with a gentle washcloth that has been slightly moistened with water. After cleaning the outside, allow it to air dry or, if it’s a warm, sunny day, think about setting it outside to dry.
How to Keep a Hardshell Case Clean
Usually composed of plastic, a hardshell suitcase is easy to clean with a paper towel or moist cloth. To clean the outside of the luggage, wet a soft cloth with warm water and mix light detergent or gentle soap. If there isn’t a lot of dirt, you can also use an alcohol wipe. An alcohol wipe ought to be sufficient if there aren’t any noticeable stains or dirt.
Have stains or scuff marks? Use a baking soda paste or a specific cleanser made for hardshell materials [and] carefully scrub the afflicted regions with a soft-bristled brush. To get rid of any remaining soap residue, rinse the suitcase with a fresh, moist cloth.
How to Clean Inside a Suitcase
Now that the exterior of the bag is clean, you’ll want to clean the interior. Remove any stray material using a vacuum. If there are any stains from makeup or spills of liquids like lotion, shampoo, or perfume, wipe the lining using a moist cloth soaked in warm water and a light detergent. Before putting it away for your next trip, let it air dry.
Clean the Handle and Zippers
The zippers and handle are routinely touched, typically with dirty hands, and are subjected to heavy wear. However, when it comes time to clean, they might not be as noticeable. To keep zippers from sticking or stiffening, wipe them down with a dry cloth. Be sure to use soap and warm water to clean the handle.
How to Get Rid of Suitcase Odors
Sweaty garments, a moist towel, or swimwear that hasn’t dried entirely can all release a mildew odor. If, for whatever reason, your suitcase has begun to smell, apply a thin layer of baking soda on both sides and leave it for a few hours. After that, vacuum out the leftover baking soda. Another option is to use baking soda to create a sachet. “Twist a coffee filter at the top, securing it with a rubber band, and add about 2 tablespoons of baking soda.”
Prepare one or two, put them in the luggage, close it up, and let it for a day or two before taking out the sachet. The stench will be neutralized and absorbed by the baking soda.
For a quicker solution, you might use a mixture of vinegar and water to mist the inside of the suitcase. Spray it with a solution of warm water and vinegar to get rid of the smell, then let it sit for a few minutes before cleaning it. Before putting the luggage away or using it again, let it air dry fully.
Leaving your suitcase out in the sun for a few hours is an additional choice. Odors can be naturally removed by sunlight
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