He traveled with you in Turkey, wandered the beaches of Costa Rica and … passed the security check at the airport. Doesn't your trusty companion deserve a little maintenance? Here are some tips on how to clean your suitcase.
Steps
Step 1. First, see if you need to clean it
If it is not very dirty, then put things out of it and vacuum it. Remember - the outer surface of the suitcase is designed to protect what's inside. Cleaning can damage the material from which it is made. A small layer of adhering dust can only improve its protective properties. But if your once super suitcase now looks pretty shabby, its straps are torn off, the latches are damaged, and the lightning is hopelessly jammed, then maybe it's time to just replace it. On the other hand, if the suitcase no longer sparkles with novelty, and you see that cleaning it will not ruin it, then you should try to do a general cleaning.
Step 2. Put all the things out of the suitcase
Take out anything that might have been left over from previous travels: old hiking trails, napkins, handkerchiefs, socks. Remove old luggage tags. They will not be useful to you anyway.
Step 3. Remove dust
Brush dust off the suitcase, especially if the surface is made of cloth. Then, using the correct attachments, vacuum. Do not forget to vacuum all pockets and pockets inside and outside of the suitcase - for sure, they are stuck in various debris from many trips. But first, check to see if there are any valuable items like earrings or cufflinks. Such preliminary cleaning will save you from the fact that in its subsequent stages you will not carry even more dirt. And if you saw that after such a cleaning the suitcase became as good as new, then we can assume that the work is done.
Step 4. Moisten a small area
Take a damp cloth, perhaps lightly soaking it in a mild detergent, and rub it gently over a small area in an inconspicuous area on the outside of the suitcase. If the test is successful, wipe the rest of the bag, changing the cleaning cloth as needed. After that, rinse off the remaining detergent with a clean, damp cloth.
- For leather surfaces, use saddle soap or other leather cleaner. Use these products according to the instructions on the package. Avoid getting your skin wet.
- For hard surfaces, try a mild cleaner spray. Just spray the product on the suitcase and wipe it off with a cloth. Then again with a damp cloth to remove any residual substance.
- Try Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or a mild abrasive like Bon Ami or even toothpaste to remove stains from the hard surface of the suitcase. Clean a small surface first to make sure you don't ruin it. After that, wipe off the rest of the product with a damp cloth again.
- Remember, your goal is surface cleaning, not laundry.
Step 5. Hand wash in mild solution
If you have a bag with soft sides, like a backpack, or if you are confident that water will not damage the cardboard stiffening inserts, you can try washing it in cold water with a little mild detergent or shampoo. Rinse your bag in a basin, sink, or tub with a cleaning solution. Then rinse the bag with clean water and dry well.
- Remember that washing your bag is most susceptible to damage - the surface will wrinkle or the waterproofing will be damaged - so resort to washing as a last resort.
- Do not iron or dry your bag with hot air if it has plastic or rubber inserts. Just reshape it and let it air dry.
Step 6. Let the bag dry completely
Step 7. Clean the inside of the suitcase
If the inner walls are lined with plastic, wipe them with a clean damp cloth (not the one you used for the outer walls) and, if necessary, dampened with a mild cleaner. If the inner surface is made of cloth, simply vacuum it or wipe it with a dry cloth.
Step 8. Apply an odor control spray such as Febreze
You can apply a softer freshener such as Smells Begone.
Step 9. Ventilate
Open your suitcase and, if possible, all pockets, and leave to ventilate for a few days before or after use. Then your clothes will not be saturated with the smell from the suitcase.
Step 10. Store your suitcase properly
Most likely, between trips, he "lives" in the closet, in the attic or under the bed.
- No matter where you keep it, cover the suitcase with something dustproof, but so that there is air access to it.
- If you like, you can put anti-static scented wipes or a bar of soap inside to fill it with a pleasant scent.
- Alternatively, add pieces of cedar wood. Place them in a bag, clean sock, or wrap them in a cloth to keep them from spilling into your suitcase. Cedar has a pleasant natural aroma, and it also prevents insects from breeding. Pieces of its wood can be bought from a furniture supplier or at a pet store (there it is sold for lining animal cages).
- If you prefer to keep your suitcase odorless, put a charcoal bag or a black-and-white newspaper lump inside it to absorb moisture and odors. If your room has a high level of humidity, store your suitcase with a bag of desiccant in it. Cat litter is great for absorbing odor and moisture.
Advice
- If possible, travel with only one suitcase, then the movers at the train stations will not help you carry it.
- Start with the gentlest cleaning methods and gradually intensify if necessary.
- Use tools and methods that are appropriate for the material you are cleaning.
- Contact a dry cleaner. If it's inexpensive for you to pay a professional to clean, take your bag to the dry cleaner.
- Clean in a location where dirt from the bag will not stain anything else. A porch or garage is a great place to clean.
- Buy a suitcase in a dark color. There is less dirt visible on it. It should be noted that black is too common, which can cause the bag to be confused when claiming luggage. Better to be dark green, blue, burgundy or something like that. A small pattern or design on the outside of the suitcase will also help hide dirt stains.
- Waterproof your bag. If you have already cleaned your bag, or if you just have a new one, apply a layer of water repellent from the outside with a spray. Read the instructions to make sure the spray is suitable for the material your bag is made of.
- Use a cleaning agent that matches the type of dirt on your bag. Dust can be simply brushed off. Greasy stains may need to be removed with products that dissolve grease, such as soap or a spray degreaser.
- Buy a durable suitcase, and it is better that it is made of material from which dirt can be easily removed.
- If your bag is made of soft fabrics, get an upholstery cleaner. Many of these cleaners are designed to clean fabrics without removing them. And as always, check on a small area.
- Don't worry too much about the look of your suitcase. Over time, a small layer of dirt will only be absorbed into the fabric and make it more resistant to the external environment.
- A few spots or scratches will discourage someone from taking your bag, mistaking it for theirs. Consider sticking bright (not gray or clear) duct tape to your suitcase. Then it will be easier for you to find it among other baggage, and on the contrary, it is more difficult for others to confuse it with your own.
If you plan to travel to places where it rains often, take a sturdy plastic garbage bag of the right size with you to keep your bag from getting wet, as an impromptu protective cover. Or go to a sports store that sells tourist goods for more protection
Warnings
- Most suitcases do not have cleaning instructions, so take only the necessary steps and be very careful. Carefully study the material you are going to clean to find the right products. If, while checking in a small area, you notice discoloration or other damage to the material, stop cleaning immediately.
- You may be upset that your suitcase simply cannot be cleaned. Then donate it to charity and head to the store for a new one. This time, remember to apply Scotchgard or another waterproof coating to the bag before using it.