If you’ve just returned from a trip and noticed that your suitcase has picked up some unpleasant smells, you’re not alone. Luggage tends to trap odors from clothing, shoes, hotel rooms, and even the airplane cabin itself. Many of our clients who search for cleaning services Tampa, or simply a reliable cleaning company, often ask us how to properly clean their suitcases at home. And we get it – nobody wants their clean clothes to go into a smelly bag. That’s why in this article, we’ll walk you through a real, effective process for refreshing your luggage – inside and out.
Why Your Suitcase Smells in the First Place
Before jumping into the cleaning process, let’s get honest – suitcases go through a lot. From being tossed into taxi trunks to resting on dusty airport belts, your luggage collects dirt, bacteria, mold spores, and moisture. Over time, this leads to that unpleasant, musty smell many of us have encountered. Sometimes the problem is mold, other times it’s old food particles, perfume spills, or simply accumulated sweat and fabric odors.
In short, if your suitcase stinks, there’s a reason – and ignoring it won’t make it better.
Step-by-Step Suitcase Cleaning
Step 1: Remove Everything and Vacuum the Inside
Open all compartments and take everything out, including loose debris, paper receipts or other forgotten socks. Then go over all fabric linings, corners and zippered areas with a handheld vacuum or even the hose on your regular vacuum cleaner. Don’t skip this step – even the tiniest crumbs can retain moisture and emit long-lasting odors.
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Step 2: Spot Clean Stains on the Inside
Mix a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or dish soap, in warm water. Wet a soft cloth or sponge, dip it in the soapy water and lightly scrub any visible stains on the inside lining of the suitcase. Just be careful not to oversaturate the fabric – just dampen to pick up the grime.
Tip: If a stain is stubborn, or it is mildew, you can substitute the soapy water for a 1:1 mixture of white vinegar and water – but make sure you do a patch test to avoid discoloration.
Step 3: Disinfecting and Deodorizing the Interior
Once the stains have been removed, spray a fine mist of disinfectant or the vinegar-water mixture generously throughout the inside, including the pockets. Allow it to settle for 10-15 minutes. This final step aims to kill bacteria and neutralize odors. Leave the suitcase open and air dry it in a well-ventilated space, preferably a sunny area. UV light while killing germs, will also help freshen fabrics.
Step 4: Clean the Exterior Based on Material
- Hard Shell Suitcases: Use a cloth dampened with warm soapy water. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Dry with a soft towel.
- Fabric Suitcases: Spray a fabric-safe cleaner or diluted vinegar on the surface, scrub gently, and let it dry fully. Avoid oversaturating.
- Leather Accents: Use a leather cleaner or conditioner and follow up with a dry microfiber cloth.
Step 5: Deodorize the Whole Bag
- Place an open box of baking soda inside for 24 hours.
- Tuck in a few dryer sheets.
- Use activated charcoal bags or scent sachets.
How Often Should You Clean Your Suitcase?
As a rule of thumb, we recommend at least a light cleaning after every 2–3 trips. If your luggage was exposed to sand, damp clothes, or food, clean it immediately after returning home. A deep clean every 6–12 months keeps it fresh and prolongs its life.
Can You Machine Wash a Suitcase?
Short answer: No. Most suitcases – even fabric ones – have structural parts like plastic or metal frames, cardboard backing, or protective coatings that will be ruined in a washing machine. Stick to hand-cleaning methods and spot treatments.
My Personal Experience: It Works
As someone who has assisted clients in maintaining clean and cared-for homes and items for years, and having tried almost every method under the sun, the step-by-step method I provided above not only works in theory, but it has worked for me in real life, for suitcases that had old perfume spills, mildew from being in a basement, and the travel grime that comes from travel.I promise you, there is nothing that improves the next trip more than a clean suitcase.
Conclusion
The visual aspect of your suitcase being clean should be only a short part of your goal. Your goals should be to promote hygiene, control odors, and to assure your clothing continues to be clean. You do not need complicated products or expensive tools to take care of your luggage. Just a little time and some careful effort. But if you ever reach a point where you think that is too much or are unable to see results that you find acceptable, there are professionals that can help you with one phone call – cleaning services Tampa.
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Hey everyone, I’m Khrystyna! I’ve got experience in all sorts of cleaning, which I gained at Wow Now Cleaning. Now I’m sharing it with you all! I’d appreciate any comments or feedback on my tips, so feel free to write!
8 Comments
Have you actually tried using baking soda to get rid of the odor inside? Does it really work?
Yes, we’ve tried it — and it really works! You can place baking soda in a small pouch or just sprinkle some on a paper towel inside the suitcase and leave it for 24–48 hours. It absorbs even strong odors.
Is it worth buying scented sachets, or is it better to just air out the suitcase after trips?
Both are great, but the best approach is to combine them. Always air out your suitcase after a trip, and keep a lavender or charcoal sachet inside between uses — it keeps the suitcase fresh and prevents that stuffy smell.
I never thought suitcases even needed to be cleaned… After reading this article, I looked inside mine — and found a bunch of sand from my last vacation 😅 Thanks for opening my eyes!
We’re so glad the article was helpful! 😊 Many people don’t think about it — until the suitcase starts smelling weird or leaving dust on their clothes. If you’d like, we can professionally clean your travel buddy for you — fresh, spotless, and ready for the next trip!
What should I do if there’s a shampoo stain inside the suitcase from a spill during my trip? Just wiping it didn’t help — the smell is still there.
That’s a common issue! Here’s what we recommend:
First, blot the area gently with a mild soap solution and a cloth.
Then sprinkle baking soda or an odor-neutralizing cleaner on the spot — let it sit for a few hours.
Finally, air the suitcase out very well.
If the smell still lingers — we’ve got you! Our professional steam cleaning service will remove any remaining shampoo and odor.