Planning vacations is a process that requires reserving a hotel room, buying plane tickets or looking for tourist attractions to visit, among other tasks, sometimes months in advance. But now that one of the most desired moments of the year is approaching, it’s time to bring all your ideas down to earth. The suitcase can be the last thing you do before leaving, surely with several last-minute changes depending on the weather forecast or the maximum weight allowed by your airline. However, to avoid unpleasant surprises and have everything ready before the trip, it is a good idea to clean your suitcase before loading your luggage.
After months in the loft, it’s important to make sure your suitcase is ready for your next trip. Cleaning suitcases is the best way to extend their useful life and, although it is not the most fun task in the world, it is much easier than you imagine. With a few simple steps, your suitcase will look perfect inside and out, and you’ll be one step closer to your dream destination!
Before starting the task, you should know that cleaning a rigid suitcase is not the same as cleaning a soft one. Hard cases are usually lined with polycarbonate or polypropylene, while soft cases are made of nylon or polyester. Make sure what material yours is made of and yes, there is a previous step common to all types: empty the suitcase and all its pockets completely, without stickers and accessories that hinder cleaning.
Rigid suitcases are the most resistant and also the easiest to clean. First, prepare a solution of warm water with a mild soap or spray cleaner. Next, it is enough to clean the casing with a cloth moistened in the mixture, pass another one with clean water to rinse and finally a dry cloth. Repeat this process every time you have to use your suitcase and, if it has scratches or other signs of wear, use a specific polisher or rub it with an abrasive fiber sponge smeared with toothpaste, if you opt for the home remedy.
In the case of suitcases covered with soft materials, you should vacuum the entire surface to prevent dust from mixing with the water before washing it. After preparing a mixture of warm soapy water, moisten a soft-bristled brush and scrub the surface, being careful not to damage zippers or other metal parts. Finally, rinse it off and let it air dry.
Now that your suitcase looks impeccable on the outside, don’t forget to clean the inside as well. Smells tend to concentrate inside these items and could permeate all of your luggage. To prevent this, gently vacuum all parts first. Then, with the same mixture of water and soap that you have prepared before, wipe with a damp cloth and then wipe with a dry cloth. When finished, you can complete the wash by spraying the inside of your suitcase with your favorite fragrance.
