How to Clean Luggage: 4 Easy Steps to Make It Look New Fast

When was the last time you gave your luggage a thorough clean? If it's been a while, or if you’ve never cleaned it at all, your suitcase might be harboring dirt, bacteria, and stains from its travels. Whether your luggage is scuffed, stained, or just in need of a refresh, following these four easy steps will help you get it looking brand new in no time.

Step 1: Clean the Handles and Wheels

Handles and wheels are some of the most frequently touched and dirtied parts of your luggage. They come into contact with various surfaces during your travels, picking up grime, bacteria, and dust. Here’s how to clean them effectively:

Disinfect Handles and Wheels:

• Supplies Needed: Disinfecting wipes or all-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloth.

• Process: Start by wiping down all the handles with disinfecting wipes or a cloth dampened with all-purpose cleaner. For the wheels, use a disinfecting wipe or cleaner to remove any built-up dirt and grime. If your luggage has wheels, they are likely to be particularly dirty from contact with floors and other surfaces. Make sure to reach into the wheel crevices for a thorough clean.

Clean the Underside (for Bags without Wheels):

• Supplies Needed: Disinfecting wipes or all-purpose cleaner.

• Process: For luggage without wheels, the bottom of the bag can be a hotspot for dirt. Wipe down the bottom area to remove any accumulated grime.

Step 2: Wash Internal Items

It's common for small items like socks or forgotten t-shirts to be left in your luggage. These can contribute to unpleasant odors and dirt buildup.

Remove All Items:

• Process: Take out all internal items, including any detachable pockets, laundry bags, or compartments.

Clean Internal Items:

• Supplies Needed: Washing machine or bowl with water, laundry detergent.

• Process: Wash these items separately in your washing machine or hand wash them in a bowl of water with a small amount of laundry detergent. This ensures that everything inside your luggage is clean and fresh.

Step 3: Vacuum the Interior

After removing all items, it’s essential to get rid of any loose debris inside your luggage.

Shake Out the Luggage:

• Process: Open your luggage fully and give it a good shake. This helps release any larger debris or crumbs.

Vacuum the Inside:

• Supplies Needed: Vacuum with a hose attachment.

• Process: Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to clean the interior thoroughly. Make sure to get into all the corners and crevices where dirt may have accumulated.

Step 4: Wipe Down the Interior Lining

Cleaning the interior lining of your luggage helps remove stains and odors, ensuring a fresh and sanitary space for your belongings.

Prepare Cleaning Solution:

• Supplies Needed: Microfiber cloth, water, laundry detergent.

• Process: Wet a microfiber cloth with water. For stained areas, mix water with a small amount of laundry detergent (a one-to-five ratio).

Clean the Interior:

• Process: Wipe down all parts of the luggage’s interior, including the lining, buckles, and straps. For stains, apply the detergent solution, scrub gently, and wipe the treated areas with a clean, damp cloth to remove any detergent residue.

Cleaning the Exterior:

Once the interior is clean, turn your attention to the exterior of your luggage. The cleaning method will vary depending on whether your luggage is a hard shell, soft shell, or leather.

Hard Shell Luggage:

• Supplies Needed: Dish soap, water, microfiber cloth, wax-based furniture polish or silicone-based auto wax (optional).

• Process: Mix water with dish soap and dip a microfiber cloth in the solution. Wipe down the exterior of the hard shell. For an added shine, buff with a wax-based furniture polish or silicone-based auto wax.

Soft-Shell Luggage:

• Supplies Needed: Water, dish soap, soft cleaning brush, fabric upholstery cleaner (optional).

• Process: Mix water with dish soap and use a soft brush to clean the exterior. For tough stains, apply a fabric upholstery cleaner, test on a small area first, and rub the foam into the stain. After cleaning, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

Leather Luggage:

• Supplies Needed: Dry microfiber cloth, leather cleaner.

• Process: Leather requires minimal water. Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dirt and dust. Apply a leather cleaner with a soft cloth for polishing. If stains persist, seek professional help for leather care.

Conclusion

Keeping your luggage clean is crucial for maintaining its appearance and longevity. By following these four easy steps cleaning handles and wheels, washing internal items, vacuuming the interior, and wiping down the lining—you can ensure that your suitcase looks and feels like new. Additionally, addressing the exterior according to its material type will help maintain its condition and functionality.

Regular cleaning of your luggage not only helps in keeping it looking fresh but also ensures a more hygienic travel experience. Make it a habit to clean your suitcase after every trip or at least a few times a year. With these simple steps, you can easily keep your luggage in top shape and ready for your next adventure.

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