The 13 best products for cleaning a suitcase in 2023 | of travel + free time

Good luggage can last for years, even decades, and get dirty in minutes. The list of hardships your suitcase is likely to encounter during its lifetime is endless: dirty sidewalks, muddy snow, dirt from treadmills, scrapes and scrapes, spilled liquids inside, stains, odors and old-fashioned germs.

Luckily, cleaning a suitcase is relatively easy. Most problems can be solved with a little soap and water and an all-purpose cleaner. Below we've rounded up 13 products that can clean every inch of your suitcase, inside and out, hard or soft. However, just like your wardrobe, different materials require different types of care. Therefore, always read your luggage manufacturer's specific instructions before you begin.

Walmart

Why We Love It: This cleaner is great for stains that are likely to affect luggage, including built-up dirt and grease.

What to remember: Be sure to dilute this solution according to the brand's directions.

If you're just buying one product to clean your luggage, consider a bottle of Simple Green's highly versatile all-purpose cleaner concentrate. Designed to be diluted with water for smoother finishes, Simple Green works well for spraying on hard luggage or spot cleaning fabric; It is particularly effective on ink stains and grease stains. Just a warning that Simple Green is not a disinfectant ( see disinfectant options below ), but there are also mild scents of sassafras, lavender and lemon to freshen up surfaces.

Price at time of publication: $5 for 32 ounces

Available sizes: 32 oz, 67.6 oz, 1 gallon

Amazon

Why We Love It: It's safe on fabrics and kills 99.9% of germs including the coronavirus.

Please note: surfaces are only considered fully disinfected after 10 minutes.

While Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is our spray cleaner of choice, Lysol's Sanitizing Spray is the bottle of choice when you want to sanitize every inch of your luggage, including hard and soft exteriors, as well as handles and back lining. When you've unpacked your bags and are ready to pack them for your next trip, a few drops of this product can give you peace of mind knowing you're germ and bacteria free too. This tissue-safe spray is bleach-free and fully disinfects in 10 minutes.

Price at time of publication: $7

Sizes available: 19 ounces

Amazon

Why we love them: This soft yet strong brush is perfect for scrubbing soft luggage.

Please note: we do not recommend using hard luggage with a brush as this can leave scratches.

Although the SM Arnold Soft Utility Scrub Brush was designed for car detailing, fans report that it cleans everything from tires to sofas. The soft styrofoam bristles grip soapy water, making them ideal for scrubbing soft suitcases and luggage wheels. Mix water with castile soap ( see below ) to make a cleaning solution, then use this brush to remove any dirt that has built up on nylon or other synthetic fabrics. Just let the suitcase dry completely (preferably in the sun) before putting it away.

Price at time of publication: $7

Sizes available: 8.9 x 5.6 x 2.7 inches

Goal

Why we love it: Diluted with water, this versatile soap makes a great cleaning solution for soft luggage.

What to note: It doesn't lather and has a chemical smell.

The best way to clean a soft suitcase is to use a mild detergent diluted with water. For this task, we recommend the famous Pure Castile 18-in-1 liquid soap by Dr. Bronner. It is biodegradable so you can conveniently clean your suitcase outside and let it dry in the sun. Grab a bottle (available in seven scents or unscented) and use it for other chores like laundry, cleaning, and dishes. Just read the dilution instructions when measuring soap and stain tests.

Price at time of publication: $4 for 2 ounces

Available sizes: 2 oz, 4 oz, 8 oz, 16 oz, 32 oz, half gallon, 1 gallon

Walmart

Why we love it: Designed for use on fabrics, this foaming cleanser tackles stains on soft luggage.

What to look out for: The bristles of the brush are very stiff, so be careful when applying the mousse.

If your fabric bag still has old, stubborn stains, we recommend using Woolite Fresh Fabric Cleaner, which dispenses cleaning foam from an integrated brush. Designed for carpet, upholstery and other fabrics, this foam is more likely than castile soap to remove grease stains, make-up and other stubborn dirt from the outside of the suitcase or on the lining. However, some users have reported it affecting the color of their furniture, so test it on a small, inconspicuous spot first.

Price at time of publication: $5

Sizes available: 12 ounces

Why we love it: A little of this soap mixed with water is all you need to clean a hard case.

What you should consider: You should dilute your washing-up liquid even more than when washing dishes.

While soft cases require a brush and soap to wash, a hard case is best cleaned with a microfiber cleaning cloth (like those from Amazon Basics ) and a mixture of dish soap and water. I prefer seventh generation Free & Clear dish soap because it's mild, colourant- and fragrance-free and gentle on the skin. Just make sure to use a non-abrasive microfiber material instead of a sponge that could scratch your prized luggage rack.

Price at time of publication: $4 for 19 ounces

Sizes available: 19 ounces, 50 ounces

Amazon

Why we love it: This two-in-one cleaner prevents leather bags from cracking and discoloring.

Things to note: Do not use this spray on suede, nubuck, or faux leather.

While some dry cleaners offer specialized leather cleaning services, it's hard to ignore the price and ease of use of Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner. (I like the spray, which cleans easily and leaves no residue, although Weiman also offers wipes and creams .) This cleaner is most commonly used on leather furniture, but it works just as well on accessories like purses, leather suitcases, and shoes. . .

Price at time of publication: $8 for 12 ounces

Sizes available: 12 oz, 16 oz, 22 oz

Amazon

Why we love it: This dye-free solution will make your plastic trim shine again.

What to note: If you don't follow a T's directions, you'll be disappointed with the results.

Although the name suggests it's only for cars, Car Guys Plastic Restorer promises to restore the gloss and finish of any plastic, rubber or vinyl. We recommend cleaning your case first with mild soap and water, letting it dry, and then applying this potion to plastic surfaces. Leave it on for 10-15 minutes and then wipe clean with a microfiber cloth.

Price at time of publication: $17

Sizes available: 8 ounces

Amazon

Why we love it: The swiveling spout makes it easy to get into the tightest of spaces.

What should be noted: The battery life is quite short, therefore ideally suited for short cleaning tasks (e.g. suitcases).

I have a handheld vacuum that I wouldn't recommend, so to make this choice I consulted a friend who has a healthy obsession with vacuums, and the Black+Decker 20V Max Cordless handheld vacuum is his favorite for cleaning suitcases and other tight spaces . The pivoting nozzle and elongated crevice tool make it perfect for reaching odd angles, and the dust cup is easy to empty without making a big mess. The suction power is very strong, but the battery doesn't last long before it needs to be recharged. If you want to spend a little more for a vacuum that works on suitcases and other surfaces but isn't a handheld vacuum, check out the Bissel LIttle Green ProHeat Handheld Carpet Cleaner .

Price at time of publication: $63

Sizes available: 18 x 6.88 x 6.75 inches

Clorox

Why we love it: Although these wipes are designed to sanitize, they can also remove minor messes and stains.

What to consider: Because wipes create extra waste, consider limiting them to small areas and on-the-go use.

If you want to clean your luggage quickly, these bleach-free Clorox disinfecting wipes are our top choice. Available in lemon or fresh scents, these versatile wipes sanitize surfaces like handles and zippers (removing 99.9% of viruses, including the coronavirus, in 15 seconds). Although disinfecting is their main purpose, the wipes can also remove dirt, mud and grease stains from hard luggage in an instant.

Price at time of publication: $4 for 35 units

Sizes available: 35 units, 75 units

Amazon

Why we love it: For travelers who are very concerned about bed bugs and moths, this system is an easy way to get rid of the pests.

What to note: It's a bit more expensive, so make sure you can fit all your luggage before you buy it.

If you've ever brought bed bugs or moths into your home, you know how drastic and difficult getting rid of them can be. Unfortunately, these little beasts often sneak into your suitcase. The ThermalStrike Ranger Bed Bug Warmer is like a warm laundry basket for your suitcase; Just put your bag in and seal it, and the sides heat up to 120 degrees to kill any vermin that may have traveled with you.

Price at time of publication: $199

Sizes available: 18 x 14 x 27 inches

Amazon

Why we love it: For outdoor enthusiasts, this specialty detergent maintains the waterproofing of backpacks and other gear.

What to consider: It's expensive, so avoid using it on anything other than waterproof fabrics.

Anyone who has invested the money in a high-quality waterproof shoulder bag or backpack should be very careful when washing it. Nikwax Tech Wash is designed for machine wash or hand wash use and works on Gore-Tex and other water-resistant fabrics. It's a little more expensive so we wouldn't recommend doing a lot of laundry with it on a regular basis, but for waterproof travel accessories (and clothing) it's a must.

Price at time of publication: $11 for 10 ounces

Sizes available: 10 ounces, 34 ounces, 169 ounces

Walmart

Why we love it: After a particularly smelly trip, this little gadget can freshen up your bag for the next vacation.

What to note: Although the product is advertised as being fragrance-free, some users have noticed a slight odor.

If you can't get rid of the sweat, damp or smoke smell in your luggage, toss one of these Mainstays Charcoal Closet Odor Eliminators in your suitcase and head back in a few days. Each tennis ball-sized container works quickly, but is designed to last up to four months, so you can move it to another smelly spot after you've used it.

Price at time of publication: $6

Sizes available: 17 ounces

Tips on buying luggage cleaning products

Read your suitcase manufacturer's cleaning instructions

The first step in cleaning your luggage is to read the care instructions on your luggage manufacturer's website. Most brands have plenty of tips and tricks in their FAQ section, where we've looked at many of the methods suggested above. This will prevent you from doing a lot of damage.

Choose the right product for the material of the case.

Depending on whether your bag is made of hard, soft, waterproof or leather, you should choose your cleaning accessories accordingly. Most cleaners should be applied with a brush or cloth, but be careful with abrasive tools on hard luggage.

Always do a spot test first

Although most of the cleaning products recommended in this article are mild, there is always a risk that a cleaning product will damage the color or texture of your luggage. Always test in an area that is not as visible to ensure the product is safe for your surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Depends on. For grease stains on hard luggage, try Clorox Wipes or rub a paste of baking soda and water onto the stain. For greasy stains on fabrics, it's best to sprinkle cornstarch on the fresh stain and allow the starch to soak up the oil. As a last resort the Woolite Fresh Fabric Cleaner foam and built in brush can be used but do not use too often as this could damage the fabric coating.

• Many manufacturers recommend a cleaning eraser such as Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, although I only use these on light surfaces as they can sometimes leave a white residue on dark surfaces. Believe it or not, a tennis ball can also effectively remove scratches. Finally, on dark surfaces, a beeswax-based shoe polish or furniture polish may suffice.

• Many dry cleaners will clean leather bags, but it's otherwise not a service typically offered by dry cleaners and, in our opinion, unnecessary.

Why trust Travel + Leisure?

For this article, T+L contributor Nancy Einhart used research and her own experience as a lifestyle writer and savvy traveler to select the best products for cleaning a suitcase.

do you like it a lot Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our most popular travel products every week.

Try Adblock (Why?)