How to deep clean a suitcase?

Deep cleaning a suitcase involves a thorough process to remove dirt, grime, and odors, ensuring your luggage is fresh and hygienic for your next journey.

How to Deep Clean a Suitcase?

Deep cleaning a suitcase requires a systematic approach, tackling both its exterior and interior to eliminate dirt, stains, and odors, preparing it for its next adventure.

Why Deep Clean Your Suitcase?

Over time, suitcases accumulate dirt, dust, germs, and even pests from various travel environments. Deep cleaning not only maintains its appearance but also extends its lifespan and ensures a hygienic space for your belongings.

Essential Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin, gather the necessary tools:

Vacuum cleaner with attachments
Microfiber cloths or soft rags
Soft brush or old toothbrush
Mild soap or detergent (e.g., dish soap)
Hydrogen peroxide (for sanitizing)
Rubbing alcohol (alternative sanitizer)
Spray bottle
Baking soda (for odor removal)
Warm water
Bucket
Leather conditioner (if applicable)
Protective gloves

Step-by-Step Deep Cleaning Process

Follow these steps for a comprehensive deep clean:

1. Empty and Prepare

Remove everything: Take out all items, including any removable pouches or straps.
Shake it out: Turn the suitcase upside down and shake vigorously to dislodge loose debris.
Vacuum thoroughly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust, crumbs, and dirt from every corner, seam, and pocket, both inside and out. Pay special attention to zippers and crevices.

2. Clean the Exterior

The cleaning method depends on your suitcase's material:

For Hard-Sided Luggage (Polycarbonate, ABS, Aluminum):
- Wipe down: Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water. Dampen a microfiber cloth with this solution and wipe down all exterior surfaces.
- Sanitize: For a deeper clean and to kill germs, fill a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide and spray liberally on the hard surface. Alternatively, fill a spray bottle about 60% with rubbing alcohol and then add water, spraying this mixture on the exterior. Let it sit for a few minutes.
- Rinse and Dry: Wipe off the cleaning solution with a clean, damp cloth, then thoroughly dry with a separate clean cloth. Ensure no moisture remains to prevent water spots or mildew.
- Restore Shine (Optional): For a glossy finish, you can use a luggage polish or a car wax product designed for plastic.
For Soft-Sided Luggage (Nylon, Polyester, Canvas):
- Spot clean stains: For small stains, use a mild fabric cleaner or a solution of mild soap and warm water. Apply with a clean cloth, gently dabbing and rubbing the stain.
- Sanitize: For overall sanitization, use hydrogen peroxide as a light mist if your luggage has a fabric surface. You can also use the rubbing alcohol and water mixture mentioned above, misting it lightly over the fabric.
- Gentle wash (if necessary): For heavily soiled fabric suitcases, you might need to gently scrub the entire surface with a soft brush or sponge dipped in mild soapy water.
- Rinse thoroughly: Wipe down with a clean, damp cloth to remove all soap residue. Repeat several times until no suds appear.
- Air dry: Crucially, allow the suitcase to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, to prevent mold and mildew. Do not store until fully dry.
For Leather Luggage:
- Dust and wipe: Use a soft, dry cloth to remove dust. Then, lightly dampen a cloth with a small amount of specialized leather cleaner or a very mild soap solution and gently wipe the surface.
- Condition: After cleaning, apply a high-quality leather conditioner to keep the leather supple and prevent cracking.
- Air dry: Allow to air dry completely.

3. Clean the Interior

Vacuum again: Even after exterior cleaning, re-vacuum the interior to catch any loosened debris.
Spot clean lining: For any spills or stains on the fabric lining, use the same spot-cleaning method as for soft-sided exteriors: a damp cloth with mild soap or a fabric cleaner. Be careful not to saturate the fabric.
Address odors:
- Baking soda: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda inside the empty suitcase. Close it and let it sit for at least 24-48 hours (or longer for stubborn odors). Baking soda absorbs odors effectively.
- Ventilation: After the baking soda treatment, vacuum it out thoroughly. Then, leave the suitcase open in a well-ventilated area for several hours to air it out completely.

4. Clean Zippers, Handles, and Wheels

These components are often overlooked but collect a lot of grime.

Zippers: Use an old toothbrush or a damp cloth to clean around zipper teeth. For sticky zippers, a little graphite from a pencil can help them glide smoothly.
Handles: Wipe down telescopic and carrying handles with an all-purpose cleaner or a damp cloth with mild soap. For telescopic handles, extend them fully to clean all segments.
Wheels: Remove any hair, strings, or debris caught in the wheels. Clean the wheels with a damp cloth and mild soap. For tough grime, a stiff brush can be useful. Ensure the wheels can spin freely. You can apply a drop of silicone lubricant to the wheel axles if they squeak or are stiff.

Drying and Storage

Complete drying is key: After cleaning, leave your suitcase fully open in a dry, well-ventilated area for at least 24-48 hours. Ensure both the exterior and interior are bone dry before storing.
Proper storage: Store your clean, dry suitcase in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Using a breathable luggage cover can protect it from dust.

Deep Cleaning Summary

Area	Recommended Cleaning Solution	Method	Key Tip
Exterior (Hard)	Mild soap & water; Hydrogen peroxide (liberally); Rubbing alcohol (60%)/water	Wipe, spray, let sit, wipe clean, dry thoroughly.	Ensure no water spots remain.
Exterior (Fabric)	Mild soap & water; Hydrogen peroxide (light mist); Rubbing alcohol (60%)/water	Spot clean/gently scrub, mist, wipe clean, air dry.	Do not over-saturate; air dry completely.
Interior Lining	Mild soap & water; Fabric cleaner	Spot clean with a damp cloth; avoid saturation.	Vacuum thoroughly before and after.
Odors	Baking soda	Sprinkle generously, close, let sit 24-48 hrs, then vacuum.	Follow with complete air drying.
Zippers/Wheels	Mild soap & water; Old toothbrush	Scrub away grime; remove debris from wheels; lubricate if needed.	Ensure free movement.

By following these steps, your suitcase will be meticulously clean, sanitized, and ready for your next adventure.