You travel because the world is calling — and you answer. But between airport floors, luggage carousels, and the cobblestone streets of wherever your passport takes you next, your suitcase has basically touched every surface on earth.
The good news? Cleaning your luggage doesn’t have to be a full production. Here’s everything you need to know about how to clean a suitcase — so it’s always ready for the next adventure.
In this post:
- Cleaning vs. disinfecting (and why you need both)
- How to clean the inside of a suitcase
- How to clean the outside of a suitcase
- How to clean fabric luggage
- How to clean a luggage cover
- Tips for keeping your suitcase fresh between trips
Step One: Unpack (Properly)
Resist the urge to drag your suitcase directly onto your bed when you get home. Your luggage has been places — a lot of places — and until it’s cleaned, it’s best to park it in your entryway, garage, or on a hard floor.
Start by fully unpacking. Toss your clothes directly into the wash. Wipe down hard objects (shoes, toiletry bottles, electronics) with a disinfecting wipe. Once everything is out, the real cleaning begins.
Cleaning vs. Disinfecting: What’s the Difference?
These two words get used interchangeably, but they’re not the same — and you need both.
Per the CDC, cleaning removes germs, dirt, and impurities from surfaces, while disinfecting uses chemicals to kill them. So, if you’re doing one and not the other, there may still be dirt or germs from who-knows-where vacationing on your luggage.
So yes — do both. This applies to the inside and outside of your bag.
How to Clean the Inside of Your Suitcase
Empty every pocket and compartment first. Then work through these steps:
1. Vacuum or shake it out
Get rid of crumbs, debris, and whatever else has been living in the corners. (You’ll be surprised.) Turn the suitcase upside down and give it a shake, or run a handheld vacuum along the lining.
2. Wash the interior lining
Use a damp microfiber cloth with mild soap and warm water. Avoid anything too harsh — you want to clean it, not damage the lining. Follow up with a disinfecting wipe to kill germs.
3. Tackle stains
Makeup spills and wine casualties happen to the best of us. A stain remover and a little patience should do the trick.
💡 Pro tip: Use packing cubes to keep your interior lining cleaner for longer. Your dirty laundry stays contained, and when you get home, you just wash the cubes — no scrubbing the inside of your suitcase required.
What About a Smelly Suitcase?
Sometimes the issue isn’t dirt — it’s just that funky smell from being stored away in a dark, stuffy closet for months. A few fixes:
- Air it out. Leave your suitcase open somewhere with good airflow for a few hours.
- Baking soda. Sprinkle generously inside, zip it shut for up to a week, then vacuum out.
- White vinegar spray. Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle. Mist the interior and let it air dry fully.
- Kitty litter. Classic but effective. Fill a pillowcase with litter and leave it inside the suitcase for a few days.
For ongoing freshness, toss a dryer sheet inside your suitcase before you pack — everything will smell like laundry day, in the best way.
How to Clean the Outside of a Hard Shell Suitcase
Hard shell luggage is built for easy cleaning — that’s part of what makes it so great. The exterior is durable and water-resistant, so you can really go for it.
Use a damp microfiber cloth with mild soap to scrub the exterior, then rinse. Follow up with disinfecting wipes. For extra disinfection, a solution of ½ cup bleach per gallon of water works well — keep the surface wet for about five minutes, then rinse and dry thoroughly.
Due for a new bag? Explore our hard sided luggage — designed to clean up easy and look incredible doing it.
Dealing with Scuffs
Even the most careful travelers end up with scuff marks. Most can be gently buffed out with a magic eraser or soft cloth — and keeping the exterior clean regularly helps prevent buildup in the first place.
How to Clean Fabric Luggage
Soft-shell luggage needs a slightly different approach. You’ll need:
- A scrub brush
- Foaming fabric cleaner (carpet cleaner or upholstery cleaner works great)
- A vacuum
Spray the exterior with foaming cleaner, scrub with extra attention on stained areas, let it sit per the product’s instructions, then vacuum up the foam. Repeat for stubborn spots.
Don’t Skip These Spots
While you’re at it, make sure to clean:
- The handle. One of the most-touched parts of your bag — by you and everyone else at the airport.
- The wheels. Clogged wheels slow you down and track dirt everywhere. Gloves on, and scrub them down.
- The bottom. It’s been on a lot of floors. Give it extra love.
- The pockets. Use a small brush to get into corners and crevices.
Let It Dry Overnight
Once your suitcase is clean, leave it open — ideally outside or in a well-ventilated space — to fully dry overnight. A sealed, damp suitcase is a recipe for mold and mildew, and that’s the last souvenir anyone needs.
Bonus: How to Clean a Luggage Cover
If you use a luggage cover, keeping it clean is just as important as keeping your suitcase clean. Luggage covers protect your bag from scratches, scuffs, and the general chaos of baggage handling — but they pick up a lot of dirt in the process.
Here’s how to clean yours:
For Most Fabric Luggage Covers:
- Remove the cover from your suitcase.
- Machine wash cold with only non-chlorine bleach if needed.
- Line dry. Skip the dryer.
For Spot Cleaning Between Trips:
A damp cloth with mild soap handles most surface dirt. For tougher stains, apply a fabric stain remover before your next wash.
General Tips:
- Wash your luggage cover after every trip or two, especially after dusty or rainy destinations.
- Store it in a cool, dry place when not in use.
A clean cover means a protected, polished-looking bag — even after miles and miles of travel. Shop luggage covers to find your perfect match.
Travel Clean, Travel Happy
Knowing how to clean your luggage is one of those things that seems tedious until you realize how much it extends the life of your bag — and your peace of mind. A little maintenance goes a long way.
If it’s time for a refresh, explore our luggage — designed to travel far, clean up easy, and look good doing both. And if you want to keep your current bag protected, check out our packing cubes, and travel accessories.
