Q&A for How to Clean a Suitcase

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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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Question

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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Question

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

Community Answer

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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Question

My suitcases have picked up a slight musty/mildew smell inside. Is there anything I can do for this?

Community Answer

Give it a nice sunbath for two or three days. It can reduce the smell.

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We had a flood of mud and water in our basement. How do I clean my suitcases now that they are dry?

Sunshinexo

Community Answer

It depends what is still left in them now. First vacuum them to get out any dry mud that could still be left in there. If there is still mud left, you could wipe the suitcase down with a wet towel. If the suitcase is still dirty, scrub it with a dry brush.

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If one of my cats urinated on my suitcase, is there anything I can do to remove the odor?

Community Answer

It is very difficult to remove the odor of cat urine from soft goods. You can try a product like Nature's Miracle - readily available at pet supply stores - or buy 90% isopropyl Alcohol in the spray mist container at CVS. Multiply applications are usually necessary.

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What can I put on a vinyl briefcase to protect it?

Community Answer

Amazon has a great product called the Alvin ACP42 Heavy Duty Translucent Vinyl Envelope (30" x 42"). It retails for $36.50 with free shipping.

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Question

I was given a small old suitcase of my grandmother. It is very musty smelling but I am concerned about how to clean the red taffeta lining. Any suggestions?

Community Answer

Begin by letting it air out for a few days in a good smelling room. If possible, if there is no chance of rain, air it outside in the sun for a day. You could also try spraying some Febreeze or similar fabric deodorant spray in it. After this, if you can leave it open for awhile, this may help it long term.

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My red soft-side suitcase has become dirty on the outside. How should I clean them?

MidnightBlue1_1

Top Answerer

The exterior of a soft-sided suitcase is prone to accumulation of lint, hair, and dust over time, so take time to lint roll these areas. You may also want to use a toothbrush or a small scrubbing brush to remove dust and other accumulated debris from tighter crevices.

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How can I clean and wash my canvas suitcase without having yellow stain marks once it is dried?

Ravi Rajput

Community Answer

The best way to clean your canvas bag is to wash it by hand with a mild detergent or another cleaning solution like talcum powder or cornstarch. Wipe it gently with a damp, warm, white towel and allow it to air dry for the best results.

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