How To Clean Your Suitcase After A Trip, According To The Pros

It takes time to adjust to your routine after returning from a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. You have to unpack, do laundry, and tend to other errands, but it's likely there's an important item you haven't considered cleaning—your luggage.

Your suitcase has traveled a lot and has been exposed to bacteria that may linger. "Our suitcases are like travel diaries, carrying bits of every place we've been," says Elizabeth Shields, the Operations Manager of Super Cleaning Service Louisville, a professional cleaning company. "They also pick up germs, allergens, and even bed bugs." 

According to Tonya Harris, award-winning toxin expert and author of The Slightly Greener Method, "Suitcases can harbor germs from all the areas they roll through and all the people that handle your suitcase while traveling." Many people have likely touched your luggage as well, especially if you've checked in bags at the airport. Plus, baggage is in public spaces, including restrooms as well as hotel rooms where there could be bed bugs that find their way into your suitcase, she says. Cleaning your suitcase can prevent bacteria and mold and ensure your luggage lasts longer. Make sure to check the luggage brand's care instructions to ensure you use the correct cleaning products and avoid staining.

The type of luggage you have–softshell or hardshell– will determine the best way to clean it. Here's everything you need to know to clean your suitcase, even if it's been a while.

How To Clean a Softshell Suitcase

A softshell suitcase may make it easier to fit more items into your suitcase thanks to a more forgiving material. Cleaning requires a mild soap and cloth or a stiff brush. "Spot-clean the area with a mixture of warm water and mild laundry detergent about a tablespoon dissolved in 8 oz of warm water, " says Harris. "Gently dab at the dirty area and then rinse with a soft washcloth slightly dampened with water." Once you've cleaned the exterior, let it air dry, or on a warm, sunny day, consider placing it outside to dry.  

How To Clean a Hardshell Suitcase

A hardshell suitcase is typically made with plastic, making it easier to wipe down with a damp cloth or paper towel. Mix gentle soap or mild detergent with warm water and then dampen a soft cloth to wipe down the suitcase exterior, explains Shields. Another option is to use an alcohol wipe if there isn't excess grime. "If you don’t see any major stains or dirt, an alcohol wipe should be enough," says Steve Evans, Owner of Memphis Maids.

Have scuff marks or stains? "Apply a baking soda paste or a specialized cleaner suitable for hardshell materials [and] use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the affected areas gently," says Shields. "Rinse the suitcase with a clean, damp cloth to remove any soap residue." 

How to Clean Inside a Suitcase

Now that the exterior of the suitcase is clean, you'll want to clean the interior. Vacuum out any loose debris. If there are makeup stains or liquid spills, such as perfume, shampoo, or lotion, use a damp cloth with a mild detergent and warm water to clean the lining. Allow it to air dry before storing it away for your next trip. 

Clean the Handle and Zippers

The handle and zippers get a lot of use and are frequently touched, often with unwashed hands. Yet they may not be as obvious when it comes time to clean.  "Wipe down zippers with a dry cloth to prevent them from sticking or becoming stiff," says Shields. Make sure to clean the handle with warm water and soap. 

How to Remove Odors From a Suitcase

There can be a mildew smell if there are sweaty clothes, a damp towel, or swimsuits that haven't completely dried. "If your suitcase has started to smell for any reason, lightly sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda that can be spread into each side of the suitcase, and let sit for a couple of hours," says Harris. "Then dump it out and vacuum the remaining baking soda." An alternative is to make a sachet with baking soda. "Place approximately 2 tablespoons of baking soda into a coffee filter and twist it at the top, securing it with a rubber band," says Harris. Make 1 or 2 of these, place them in the suitcase, zip it shut, and let it sit for a day or two, then remove the sachets, she says. "The baking soda will work at neutralizing and absorbing the odor," says Harris. 

If you prefer a faster method, you can opt for spritzing the interior of the suitcase with vinegar and water. "Remove the odor by spraying it with a mixture of warm water and vinegar, then leave it for a few minutes before wiping it clean," says Shields. "Allow the suitcase to air dry completely before packing it away or using it again."

Another option is to leave your suitcase outside in the sun for several hours. "Sunlight can help remove odors naturally," says Shields. 

How to Clean Mold In Your Suitcase

A suitcase stored in damp conditions or that holds damp items for too long may become an ideal home for mold to grow. Don't fret if you notice mold. 

You can easily eliminate it from your luggage. "If you notice any mold, spray the surface with a 1:1 white vinegar and water mix," says Evans. "Blot and wipe with a damp sponge."