How to Clean a Suitcase

Co-authored by Melanie Garcia

Last Updated: September 5, 2024 Approved

Suitcases can get very dirty very quickly, whether it's dust and mud from sidewalks, grime from the airport conveyor belt, or just mustiness from long-term storage. Most stains can be quickly treated with soap and water, but for a complete suitcase cleaning, the method you use will depend on what kind of suitcase you have.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Cleaning the Inside of Your Suitcase

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Make sure that your suitcase is completely empty before you begin to clean it. Be sure to check in the pockets and in any removable liners for overlooked items.
Some suitcases have liners that can be removed entirely from the rest of the bag, as well as additional storage pockets. Remove these components and set aside.

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Remove dirt, dust, crumbs, and other small debris from your suitcase by vacuuming the inside. You can use a hand vacuum or a standard vacuum’s hose attachment. Make sure you vacuum within any pockets or liners
If the manufacturer’s tag indicates that machine washing is safe, wash it according to the instructions. If the tag is missing or if it says that hand washing is required, fill a sink with warm water and a small amount of mild laundry detergent. Clean the removable components by hand and allow them to air dry.
Nylon and other manmade lining can be washed gently with a damp washcloth and mild laundry detergent. If the outside of your suitcase is leather, be very careful not to drip any water on the outside, as this can damage it.
Spot-clean the inside with baking soda and water, using an old toothbrush to scrub away stains or dirt. Dry the bag immediately with a hand dryer.
Hard plastic can be wiped clean with a damp washcloth and mild soap. Dry your suitcase immediately with a fresh towel to prevent any water marks from forming.
Once your suitcase and all of its components are dry, replace any removable liners or storage.
If you plan to skip cleaning the outside altogether, or intend to wait before cleaning it, air out your suitcase by allowing it to stand open for at least one day. This prevents the buildup of smells or mildew caused by any remaining moisture. Close the suitcase when you are ready to clean the outside.

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Cleaning the Outside of Your Suitcase

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Remove any debris from the outside of your suitcase by brushing it with a short broom or cleaning brush. For larger soft-bodied bags, a hand vacuum or the hose attachment for a regular vacuum may be more effective. If your suitcase is not leather and is covered in pet hair, lint, or another form of difficult-to-remove debris, use a lint roller.
Follow up with a leather conditioner and allow the suitcase to air-dry out of direct sunlight. For significant staining, bring the bag to a specialty leather cleaner. ^{[1]
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Just as you did with the inside, spot-clean the inside with baking soda and water, using an old toothbrush to remove the stains or dirt. Dry the bag immediately with a hand dryer.
Clean gently with a damp washcloth with a mild laundry detergent. Allow to air-dry.
Hard plastic can be wiped clean with a damp washcloth and mild soap. Dry the outside immediately with a fresh towel to prevent water marks. If there is scuffing, scrub with an eraser cleaning pad.
Some soaps can cause streaks or marks on aluminium surfaces, so cleaning with warm water alone is best. For stubborn marks or scuffs, use an eraser cleaning pad. Dry it immediately with a fresh towel to prevent water marks.
Wash your suitcase’s hardware with warm, soapy water and a washcloth. Be sure to rotate the wheels completely to remove any dirt, mud, or other debris. Dry the hardware immediately to prevent water damage. For metal hardware with scratches, scrub the damaged area with a steel wool scrubber.
When your suitcase has been completely cleaned, open it and allow to air out for at least a day. Be sure to open any pockets or other additional storage spaces!

Part 3

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Protecting Your Suitcase

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If your suitcase is made of fabric, you can protect it from further stains or damage by applying a fabric protector spray. Be sure to read the instructions thoroughly before using, as some materials, such as leather, can be damaged by fabric protectors. ^{[2]
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Metal hardware on your suitcase can be protected against scratches by using a metal lacquer or clear nail polish.
Fabric suitcases that have had strong-smelling items spilled in them or that have been stored for a long period of time often develop unpleasant odors. Prevent this by first spraying with a liquid air freshener such as Febreze. Be careful not to spray air fresheners directly on leather! ^{[3]
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Before storing your suitcase, place a solid air freshener inside to prevent musty smells from developing. You can use commercial solid air fresheners, dryer sheets, unused bars of soap, cedar chips, or other similar items. ^{[4]
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Many suitcases become damaged through poor storage. When putting your suitcase away, check the area thoroughly for leaks, musty odors, and mildew, and store it elsewhere if necessary.
Do not place heavy items on top of your suitcase, as this can warp it over time. If your suitcase is leather, aluminum, or hard plastic, wrap it in cloth to prevent scratches and scuffs while in storage. ^{[5]
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How can I deodorize a suitcase?

Melanie Garcia
Professional House Cleaner
Melanie Garcia is the Co-Owner of Oranges & Lemons, a small, family cleaning business based in Downtown Los Angeles, California (DTLA) in operation for over 40 years. Oranges & Lemons operates while partnering with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Hand in Hand: Domestic Employers Network.

Melanie Garcia

Professional House Cleaner

Expert Answer

Sprinkle some baking soda inside of the suitcase. Close it and leave it overnight. The next day, just vacuum up the baking soda.

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How can I make a suitcase smell more pleasant?

Melanie Garcia
Professional House Cleaner
Melanie Garcia is the Co-Owner of Oranges & Lemons, a small, family cleaning business based in Downtown Los Angeles, California (DTLA) in operation for over 40 years. Oranges & Lemons operates while partnering with the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Hand in Hand: Domestic Employers Network.

Melanie Garcia

Professional House Cleaner

Expert Answer

Mix up some water and a few drops of orange oil in a spray bottle. Give the inside of the suitcase a spritz or two and let the moisture dissipate. That will leave your suitcase smelling really fresh.

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Baggage Handler had grease on his hands and left finger prints on new heavy cloth bag. What is a good stain removal?

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Use a toothbrush with a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and water. One cup water with a tablespoon of vinegar and baking soda each.

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Avoid using abrasive cleaners on your suitcase.

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If you need to remove unpleasant odors, you can place an open box of baking soda inside your closed suitcase for a few days.
Use a protective cover or suitcase sleeve when storing your suitcase to shield it from dust and scratches.
Keep zippers working smoothly by running a pencil tip (graphite) along the teeth to lubricate them.
Make sure the suitcase is completely dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew.

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How to Clean a Suitcase

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Cleaning the Inside of Your Suitcase

Cleaning the Outside of Your Suitcase

Protecting Your Suitcase

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