Contents
Essential luggage cleaning supplies
Step 1: How to clean the exterior of a suitcase
Step 2: How to clean the inside of a suitcase
Step 3: How to get scuff marks off a suitcase
Step 4: How to clean luggage wheels & handles
Maintenance routine for luggage care
Why proper luggage cleaning matters
Takeaway
From the departure gates of Heathrow to the cobbled streets of Florence, every trip leaves its mark on your luggage. That being said, some of those marks are best erased without ceremony. Dust, scuffs and lingering odours can gradually dull the lustre of even the most refined hard-shell case. That’s where proper luggage cleaning comes in.
Luggage care isn’t simply about appearance — it’s about preserving a trusted travel companion and protecting your investment. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best way to clean your suitcase. Starting with a well-crafted case, like those in our luggage collection, makes the upkeep far easier and more rewarding over time.
Essential luggage cleaning supplies
A well-versed luggage cleaner doesn’t reach for the nearest sponge and washing-up liquid. Just as fine shoes demand the right polish, your suitcase deserves the right tools. Carefully chosen supplies will make cleaning easier, more effective and far gentler on materials. Here’s a curated luggage cleaning toolkit.
- Microfibre cloths: For wiping surfaces without scratching
- Mild soap: Gentle enough for hard-shell materials while lifting dirt
- Soft toothbrush: Perfect for reaching seams, zips and textured areas
- All-purpose cleaner: Ideal for wheels and handles where grime tends to collect
- Rubber eraser: Tackles tough scuff marks
- Anti-bacterial wipes: Sanitises high-touch areas (though never use on leather trims)
- Vacuum with edge nozzle: Essential for removing dust from the interior lining
- Cotton swabs: Used to clean around the handle mechanisms and other hard-to-reach details
- (Optional) Toothpick: For those even harder-to-reach places
- (Optional) Wax-based furniture polish: Restores the shine of polycarbonate shells
With your kit ready, let’s start with the exterior, where marks and dirt are most noticeable.
The Carry-on X
Step 1: How to clean the exterior of a suitcase
Hard-shell suitcases have a distinct advantage over their fabric alternatives — they’re naturally easier to keep clean. They are ideal for frequent travellers thanks to their durable design and effortless upkeep. Feel free to read more in our post on hard vs soft luggage.
Knowing how to clean a suitcase properly ensures it not only looks its best but also maintains its protective qualities for years to come. Here’s our process.
- Dust the shell with a dry microfibre cloth to remove loose dirt
- Wash with a warm, damp cloth and a little mild soap, then wipe in gentle, even strokes. This is the safest way to clean hard-shell surfaces without compromising the finish
- Rinse the cloth with clean water, remove soap residue and dry the case with a fresh cloth to prevent water spots
- Polycarbonate shells can be buffed with wax-based furniture polish to restore a lustrous finish worthy of first-class
- Avoid harsh cleaners or rough sponges — they can scratch the finish
Once the exterior is gleaming, it’s time to turn your attention to the inside of your suitcase.
Step 2: How to clean the inside of a suitcase
The inside of your suitcase should be just as clean as the outside — after all, it’s where your valuables are stored. Knowing how to clean the inside of suitcase linings adequately is an essential part of luggage cleaning, keeping it fresh for your next trip to the Amalfi coast.
- Vacuum thoroughly with a handheld vacuum with an edge nozzle to remove dust, dirt and any debris, paying special attention to pockets and seams
- Wipe minor stains with a damp microfibre cloth; this should work well for most marks
- Treat stubborn stains with a highly diluted laundry detergent (1:5 or 1:10 for high-efficiency detergents) directly and scrub lightly. Wipe down after a few minutes with a clean, damp cloth and allow to dry
- For more humid climates, slip a sachet of silica gel inside before storage. It keeps mustiness at bay
Never use heat to dry your suitcase — it can damage the lining. Instead, air-dry in a well-ventilated area.
With the interior fresh and odour-free, it’s time to address one of the inevitable banes of the well-travelled: scuff marks.
The Luggage Set
Step 3: How to get scuff marks off a suitcase
Sure, scuffs may tell the story of your travels — but they don’t need to stay as permanent reminders. Even the most seasoned traveller will pick up the occasional mark. Here are a few ways to tackle them.
- Rubber erasers are ideal for surface-level marks. Rub the scuff gently until it fades, then brush away the residue
- Use a cleaning solution made from two parts baking soda with one part water. Apply with a cloth in circular motions, then wipe clean with a damp cloth. This can remove scuffs without scratching
- Once the mark is gone, buff your case with a wax-based furniture polish to restore its lustre
Always avoid coarse abrasives or aggressive scrubbing; they can dull or even scratch the surface.
Now you’re scuff-free, the next step is caring for the wheels and handles — because smooth-rolling wheels are the mark of a dignified flyer.
Step 4: How to clean luggage wheels & handles
Wheels and handles are the unsung heroes of your suitcase. They bear the brunt of station concourses, airport tarmacs and countless hotel lobbies, and if they’re neglected, you’ll feel it.
- Remove debris around the housing; this can be trapped grit or hair. Use a cotton swab or toothpick to work it free if necessary
- Clean the surface with a damp cloth and all-purpose cleaner, wiping the wheel surface and housing thoroughly
- Lubricate the wheels if they feel stiff. Add a drop of silicone spray or WD-40 to the pivot where the wheel meets the housing. Make sure to use the nozzle attachment to get right into the bearing. Spin the wheel to distribute and wipe off any excess. This can also help prevent corrosion
- Wipe the handles down with a microfibre cloth and all-purpose cleaner to remove grime and fingerprints
- Disinfect your handles with an antibacterial wipe; this will help keep high-touch areas hygienic, especially after long trips
- Check the mechanism by extending and retracting the handle a few times to ensure it runs smoothly
Keeping these parts in shape helps prevent stiffness for your next departure. Now it’s time to think about long-term luggage care so your case stays in peak condition.
The Luggage Set
Maintenance routine for luggage care
Your suitcase is pristine. You can pat yourself on the back for that, but the job's not finished just yet. Caring for your suitcase isn’t just a case of dealing with dirt when it appears. A little attention after each trip can save you from bigger cleaning jobs later down the line.
After-travel checklist
- Wipe down the exterior to remove dust, spills and any airport grime
- Inspect the interior for damage, stains or forgotten items tucked into pockets — you don’t want to turn up to work on Monday without your wallet
- Check wheels and handles for smooth operation and remove any debris
Storage best practices
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading or warping.
- Zip it shut to keep dust out
- Use dust bags if you have them
- Nest carry-ons inside check-ins, but only once both are completely clean and dry
Cleaning frequency
- Full clean after every major trip
- Quick wipe-down after short ones
- Deep clean twice a year if unused
For more seasonal upkeep and cleaning frequency, see our guide on how often to clean luggage.
Treat your suitcase with the same respect you’d give a tailored suit, and it will serve you faithfully.
Why proper luggage cleaning matters
Proper luggage cleaning is about far more than appearances. It’s about ensuring your entrusted vessel of valuables lasts the distance.
Durability
Cleaning regularly removes grit and debris that can weaken shells, scuff finishes or strain wheels and telescopic handles. A well-maintained case can even shrug off the ordeal of baggage handling.
Hygiene
Airports, train stations and less-than-pristine hotel lobbies aren’t exactly clean. High-touch areas like handles and linings can harbour bacteria and viruses after travel. Another reason to clean your case inside and out.
Odour prevention
Moroccan spices smell wonderful in a tagine — less so after they’ve been sitting in your suitcase for a week. Routine odour prevention keeps your luggage fresh and ready for the next journey.
Takeaway
Luggage cleaning isn’t a chore. It’s a small investment in the comfort, style and longevity of your journeys. Treat your suitcase accordingly, and it will reward you with years of dependable service.
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