How To Clean Your Luggage
Introduction
In this complete guide How To Clean Your Luggage, we’ll share tricks for keeping your travel gear in tip-top condition. Whether you have a cloth suitcase or a hard-shell one, we will guide you through the steps to ensure that your luggage not only looks clean but remains fresh and free of unpleasant odours.
Luggage, although sturdily made, inevitably accumulates dirt and wear due to the rigours of travel. It’s like a flexible shell on wheels, meant to withstand the challenges of cargo hold, airport handling and everyday use. No matter your travel style, your luggage takes a hit. But fear not, with some post-travel TLC you can keep your trusty travel companion fresh and ready for the next adventure.
Even if you’ve travelled infrequently recently, luggage hygiene needs to be a priority in today’s world, where safety and hygiene are paramount. Before the recent focus on COVID-19, most of us didn’t give much thought to making sure our suitcases were germ-free and spotless.
However, it’s important to consider all of the surfaces your bags come into contact with during travel, including interactions with airport staff, potential spills, and exposure to airport germs. Knowing how to sanitize and maintain your furniture is not only aesthetically pleasing but also promotes good health.
What You Need (how to clean your luggage)
Maintaining the cleanliness of your luggage is critical for ensuring that it remains in good condition, and free from dirt, germs, and unpleasant odours. Here’s a simple guide on how to clean your luggage, along with the necessary materials:
Materials You’ll Need:
- Vacuum Cleaner: It’s best to use a vacuum cleaner equipped with a brush attachment to effectively remove loose dirt and debris both from the outside and inside of your luggage.
- Mild Soap: Opt for a gentle liquid soap or a mild detergent to clean your luggage without causing any damage.
- Warm Water: You’ll require warm water to mix with the soap for cleaning.
- Soft Cloth or Sponge: To clean your luggage without harming the material, use a soft cloth or sponge.
- Toothbrush: A toothbrush is handy for cleaning those hard-to-reach spots like zippers and seams.
- Disinfectant Wipes: For sanitizing surfaces, grab some disinfectant wipes or make a mixture of water and vinegar to get the job done.
- Baking Soda: If your luggage has picked up some unpleasant odours, baking soda can help eliminate them.
- Vinegar: Vinegar can be used very effectively to remove bad odours and to cleaning
- All-Purpose Cleaner: Using an all-purpose cleaner is a great and convenient way to keep a bag fresh and clean
How Long Will It Take to Clean?
The time it takes to clear your belongings may vary based on a few factors. This includes how big your luggage is, how dirty it is, how detailed you want to be, and how familiar you are with the cleaning process. On average, for a regular-sized suitcase or bag, you can expect to spend about 15 minutes to 30 minutes cleaning it properly.
How To Clean Your Luggage
Cleaning Hard Sided Luggage
- Hard-shell luggage cleaning
Your trusty hard-shell luggage has been with you on countless trips, protecting your belongings and keeping them safe. But like anything else, it needs a little TLC from time to time to stay in top shape. Cleaning the exterior of your hard-shell luggage is a straightforward process that can help keep it looking as good as new.
Hard-shell luggage is a great choice for travellers as it is durable and can protect your luggage from damage. However, it is important to clean your hard-shell luggage regularly to keep it looking its best and prevent dirt and grime from accumulating.
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it: ( How To Clean Your Luggage)
Cleaning the exterior of hard-shell luggage
Hard-shell luggage is renowned for its durability and stylish appearance, but to keep it looking its best, regular cleaning is essential. Follow these steps to effectively clean the exterior of your hard-shell luggage:
Dust removal
Before getting into the actual cleaning process, the first step in cleaning your items, surfaces or even your belongings is to remove dust. Dust is that sneaky, pervasive intruder that settles everywhere. But don’t panic, getting rid of it is easier than you might think.
Start by giving your belongings a good dusting. Use a soft bristle brush or clean microfiber cloth to gently remove loose dirt, sand or any other debris stuck to the surface.
Wipe Down
Fill a bucket with warm water and add a small amount of mild soap or detergent. Dip a clean cloth in soapy water and wring it out so that it is damp but not wet, Excess moisture can damage the item. Use a damp cloth with mild soap or mild detergent to wipe the entire surface of your hard-shell luggage.
This will help remove surface dirt, fingerprints and other stains. If there are stubborn stains, use a little baking soda on a wet cloth to gently scrub the area. Avoid using abrasive sponges or harsh chemicals as they may scratch the surface.
Gentle cleaning
Now, start wiping the entire exterior of your hard-shell luggage using the wet cloth. Pay special attention to any areas with visible stains, spots, or dirt. To remove these imperfections, gently rub the cloth in a circular motion. If you notice stubborn scratch marks, sprinkle a little baking soda on a wet cloth and use it to gently rub the affected areas. You may consider using a non-abrasive cleaner for more challenging stains but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Rinse and Dry
Once you’ve finished wiping your hard-shell luggage, it’s time to wash it. Take a fresh, wet cloth and gently wipe away any remaining soap or detergent. Then, use a separate clean, dry cloth to make sure your item is completely dry. This step is important to prevent unsightly water spots from forming on the surface.
Dry thoroughly
Take a dry, clean cloth and carefully dry your hard shell items. This step is important to prevent those dreaded water spots from appearing. Afterwards, leave your item open for a while, allowing the air to dry completely both outside and inside. This way, your luggage will be in tip-top shape and immaculately prepared for your next adventure.
Inspect for Damage
We handle the bag in any way while travelling and it is prone to damage, so while cleaning the bag, apart from cleaning the bag, it should also be checked for damage. When cleaning, take a moment to check your belongings for any cracks, dents or loose parts. Fix any structural issues right away to ensure your belongings continue to function.
Interior Cleaning
Don’t forget to clean the inside of your hard-shell luggage. Empty it, shake off any loose debris, and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any remaining dirt or dust. If there are stains or spills inside, wipe it with a damp cloth and mild detergent, then let it dry completely.
How To Clean Your Luggage
Cleaning Soft Sided Luggage
Soft-shell luggage has become a favourite among travellers due to its versatility, lightweight construction, and easy fit in tight spaces. Whether you use a backpack, duffel bag or stylish soft-sided suitcase, keeping it clean is important to ensure it lasts and provides a pleasant travel experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to effectively clean your soft-shell luggage so it stays in top shape for your future travels. Let’s explore the cleaning process and learn how to keep your soft-shell luggage looking clean and ready for your next adventure.
However, it can be more difficult to clean than hard-sided Luggage. This is because soft-sided accessories are made of fabric, which can absorb dirt and stains more easily. If you have soft-sided luggage, it’s important to clean it regularly to keep it looking and smelling great. Maintaining your soft-shell luggage is essential to keep it looking fresh and ready for your next adventure.
Here are some tips on how to clean soft-sided luggage: (How to Clean Your Luggage)
Vacuum the Exterior
Grab your vacuum cleaner, preferably with a brush attachment, and give the outside of your luggage a once-over. This step is fantastic for getting rid of any loose dirt, dust or pesky bits that may have found their way in. Use a damp cloth and mild cleaner to wipe the interior surface if necessary. Pay particular attention to areas with stains or leaks.
Spot Clean Stains
If you notice any spots or stains on the fabric, create a soapy solution by mixing a mild detergent with warm water or stain remover, Dip a soft cloth or sponge in soapy water and gently rub the stained area. For stubborn stains, a toothbrush can be helpful. following the product instructions. If your item is machine washable, follow the care label instructions and use a gentle cycle.
Zipper Cleaning
Keeping the zippers and pockets of your luggage clean is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly. Over time, zippers can collect dirt, and pockets can become dusty and frayed. Here’s a simple guide to help keep these spots tidy and functional
Use a toothbrush dipped in soapy water to clean these tough areas. Make sure the zippers slide smoothly after cleaning.
Rinse off soap residue
Once you’ve gently scrubbed the problem area, thoroughly rinse the cloth or sponge you used. Then, use it to thoroughly wipe the inside and outside of your luggage. This step ensures that no soap residue is left behind, giving your accessories a nice, clean finish.
Dry Thoroughly
To avoid any mold or mildew problems, take a dry, clean cloth and give your belongings another good wipe down. It is important to make sure it is completely dry. You can also help speed up the drying process by leaving your items open for a while to let fresh air in. This keeps your gear fresh and ready for your next adventure.
Interior Cleaning
When you think about how to clean your luggage, you should clean the outside as well as the inside. start by using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment. Gently vacuum the inside of your luggage, paying extra attention to corners, nooks and crannies where dirt and debris collect.
Don’t worry if you notice any stains or leaks in your luggage. Mix a small amount of mild detergent or fabric cleaner with water. Dampen a soft brush or cloth with this mixture and gently wipe the stained area. Be careful not to use too much water to avoid damaging the fabric.
After you’ve done some spot cleaning, rinse the cloth or sponge thoroughly. Then, go ahead and wipe down the entire interior of your luggage one more time to make sure no soap residue is left behind.
Now, it’s time to let your stuff breathe. Keep it open in a ventilated place for complete ventilation. This step is essential to prevent any mould or mildew from forming.
How To Clean Your Luggage
Cleaning Handles
- Handle Cleaning
Dilute the cleaner
Add a little mild detergent or cleaner to warm water and mix to create a soapy solution. Make sure it is not too strong to avoid damaging the handle.
Dampen the cloth or sponge
Dip the cloth or sponge in the soapy solution, wringing out excess water so that it is damp but not dripping.
Clean the handle
Gently wipe the handle of your luggage with a damp cloth or sponge. Pay attention to any areas with visible dirt or stains. If there are stubborn spots, you can use a soft brush to scrub them, but be gentle to avoid scratching the handle.
Rinse and wipe
Once you have thoroughly cleaned the handle, rinse with a cloth or sponge to remove any soap residue. Then, wipe the handle again with a clean, damp cloth to make sure all the soap is removed.
Conclusion
By sticking to these steps, you’ll ensure that your luggage stays nice and clean, always ready for your next exciting trip. Plus, doing this routine maintenance doesn’t just keep your stuff looking great; This will make it last longer, which means more savings for you down the road. So, keep your trusty travel companion in top condition for all your future adventures! We hope this will give you a good idea of how to clean your Luggage.
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Also read: Are Travel Pillows Worth It? Exploring the Pros and Cons of this Travel Essential