Cleaning Soft-sided Luggage vs. Hard-shell Luggage.
There are some key differences between cleaning the fabric of soft-sided luggage and hard-shell luggage. Follow our step by step guides on how to clean the two.
Step By Step Guide: How to Clean Soft-sided Luggage.
High-quality fabric deserves a deep clean. Follow these steps to keep your soft-sided gear looking brand new.
- Empty and vacuum: Start by opening every compartment of your suitcase. Use your vacuum and make sure to get into the deep corners where sand and crumbs like to hide.
- Spot clean: For difficult spots, use a microfiber cloth with lukewarm water and a drop of mild detergent and gently dab it onto the problem area. Always test your soap on a less visible area before starting.
- Rinse: Use a clean damp cloth to rinse away any soap residue. It is important to get all of the soap off, as it can harm the fabric if it's left on for longer periods.
- Wipe: Do a quick wipe over the suitcase using a clean damp cloth with water for an overall cleaning.
- Airdry: Place your open luggage in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight to prevent the sun from fading the fabrics. Make sure to turn your suitcase upside down after a while so all parts of the suitcase dry up.
How to Clean Hard-shell Luggage.
Hard shells are designed to protect your gear from impact, but they can show scratches more easily than fabric. Luckily, it is a simple process to clean it.
- Wipe down: Use a damp cloth with warm, soapy water for general dust and dirt.
- Fix scratches: For the scratches from airport belts, use a melamine sponge and lightly press the area while moving in circular motions. Test the magic sponge on a less visible area to make sure your hard case handles it.
- Avoid harsh materials: Never use steel wool or hard brushes as they will permanently scratch the finish of your luggage.
- Quickly dry up: For the hard shell suitcases, you can use a dry cloth to dry up the outside quickly.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Luggage.
The inside of your luggage is where crumbs and sand gather, and odors linger.
- Lining: Pull the lining out as much as the construction allows, and wipe it down with a damp cloth. Avoid any detergent, as the lining will absorb the soap and it can be hard to remove.
- Remove odor: If the bag smells, you can sprinkle baking soda inside, letting it sit for 24 hours, then vacuum it out thoroughly. This will most of the time help eliminate any unpleasant odor.
- For stains: For stains use a mixture of water and white vinegar, or a mild soap mixed with water. This can help break down residues without damaging the lining.
- Rinse and dry: Make sure there is no soap residue left inside, and leave your suitcase open to air dry completely before using it.
Read how to pack your luggage to avoid spillage: How to pack your luggage.
How to Clean Dirty Fabrics.
When cleaning tough stains on fabric, make sure to use pressure over friction as scrubbing can harm the fabric. Blot the stained areas with lukewarm water and mild soap, and use circular motions if necessary. Make sure to rinse off any residue to avoid streaks in the fabric. If your luggage has a water-repellant finish, make sure to reapply this finish after washing.
How to Clean Luggage Wheels.
The wheels of the suitcase are where dirt gathers, and keeping them clean will help the wheels perform as they should for longer.
- Regularly clean off any dirt: Use tweezers to pull out hair, and wash off dirt with a wet cloth. Preferably right after your trip, making sure nothing sticks in between the wheels, making them slower.
- Wipe down the wheels: Wipe down the rolling surface with a damp cloth. A quick 30-second clean after a trip prevents grit from grinding into the wheels.
Make Your Luggage Last Longer.
At Db, we care about the environment. Therefore we have engineered our luggages to last, but sometimes rough handling in airport cargo can make parts of your luggage perform poorly. We have spare parts you can easily remove and change, so your luggage can last you a lifetime.
Check out our collection of spare parts.
How to Clean Luggage for Bed Bugs.
Did you bring an unwanted souvenir back home? If you suspect your luggage contains bed bugs, it is very important to follow these steps before you bring your luggage into your home.
- Isolation: Immediately place the luggage in a large, sealed plastic bag or outside of your home.
- Vacuum: Vacuum every seam and pocket thoroughly. Immediately empty the vacuum into a sealed bag and dispose of it in the trashcan outdoors.
- Steam treatment: Bed bugs don't like extreme heat, but since most luggage can't go in a hot dryer, use a handheld garment steamer if possible. Move it slowly over every seam, zipper track, and fold. High-temperature steam is effective at killing pests and eggs.
- Treat your essentials: To be completely sure you don't bring any bed bugs into your home, do the same process you did with your luggage, with all the essentials you had packed inside the luggage. For clothing and linens, use a dryer on the maximum heat setting for at least 30 minutes.
Explore Our Other Guides.
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- How big can a carry-on luggage be?
To Sum It Up.
Regular maintenance is the secret to a high-performing travel kit. Whether you’re wiping down a rugged polycarbonate hard shell or spot-cleaning the flexible fabric of your softsided luggage, taking the time to care for your gear ensures it stays as functional and sleek as the day you bought it.
By keeping the wheels clear of dirt, treating the interior lining with care, and choosing to repair instead of replace, you’re protecting your gear while travelling more sustainably.
Your Questions Answered.
Should you wash your luggage?
Yes, but not in a washing machine. Most modern luggage uses technical fabrics and internal structures that can be broken in the machine. High heat can also ruin waterproof coatings, therefore hand-cleaning is the only way to protect the luggage design and technical features.
How to make luggage shiny again?
To make your luggage look shiny and new again, clean the exterior with a mix of warm water and a mild soap. Then use your magic sponge to remove any scratches.
