A lot of people simply hate packing. That’s because it usually involves a lot of decision-making and trying to fit into a small space so many different travel essentials.
In between trips, it is very much likely for the luggage to have an unfavorable musty smell that can easily make packing even more awful! No matter if you are about to travel for business or pleasure, keep on reading below, you will come across some simple tips on eliminating that bad odor.
So how do you deodorize a suitcase? Sprinkling some baking soda inside the luggage is definitely the most popular and effective way to deodorize suitcase. Both experts and DIYers agree that baking soda is cheap as well as a powerful deodorizer. The next day, you just need to vacuum your suitcase to remove the baking soda.
There are so many other ways to rid your luggage of bad odor. Some of the best of the bunch can be found below. It is a fact that there are also deodorizing suitcases that you can easily get your hands on these days. Unfortunately, a lot of them do not come with cheap price tags.
Many of these products also have chemicals in them, some of which could have a negative effect on your health. That is why we highly suggest you to opt for 100% natural solutions when it comes to keeping your suitcase smelling fresh and nice.
Various Reasons for Horrid Suitcase Smell
Most of us travel only every now and then. Some of the most common reasons for it include being busy with our 9-to-5 jobs or raising our kids and also trying to gather enough funds for the trip without draining out bank accounts.
No matter the case, one thing remains true. And that is our suitcases tend to spend a lot of time stored away.
This is why there is a huge possibility for luggage to smell unfavorable when it’s time for it to serve its purpose. You can put the blame on a few things:
- Bacteria
- Mold
- Mildew
All of these microscopic organisms tend to multiply much better when the conditions are right. According to scientists, they love it when it is dark and moist (normal conditions for suitcases).
Keeping your suitcase inside the closet or in the basement, attic, or garage provides bacteria, mold, and mildew the opportunity to grow and reproduce to their heart’s content.
And this is why the moment that you take it out of storage more often than not, you will be taken aback by its horrid smell.
Do you like to pack a lot of your favorite treats when traveling? Then don’t be surprised if your luggage smells nastier than the travel bag of everyone else.
That’s because the presence of bits of food and grease can cause odor-causing bacteria, mold, and mildew to multiply at a rate that is much faster than usual.
Needless to say, both your storage preferences and travel habits are major contributors to the smell of your luggage.
If you love to keep that bag in a place that is dark and moist and you cannot avoid stashing food in it when you travel, you can rest assured that you will make heads turn towards your direction when pushing that bag trolley at the airport.
Tips to Eliminate Nasty Odor Coming From Your Suitcase
We already mentioned baking soda, which is the ultimate all-around deodorizing agent. Give it a try, and you will never again be bugged by bad odor each time you are about to pack for a trip.
However, it is not just baking soda that you can count on for dealing with unfavorable luggage smell due to long storage periods. It is actually virtually impossible for you to run out of home remedies for a smelly suitcase to try.
So without any more ado, here are some of the most effective ones that you may give a chance
Sprinkle some cat litter in suitcase
Believe it or not, cat litter is an excellent remover of unpleasant suitcase odor. It is specifically designed to absorb those nasty poop smells of our meowing pals. To really turn your suitcase from horrible to commendable, allow cat litter to stay inside it for a couple of days. Look for a brand or formulation that has the best odor-fighting properties for the best results.
Place suitcase under the sun
According to scientists, UV rays coming from the sun has antimicrobial properties. Needless to say, they are useful when you wondering how to deodorize suitcase.
As soon as the sun is shining brightly, take your luggage outside, open it, and allow direct sunlight to weave its magic. It is a good idea to place your bag in direct sunlight for at least 8 hours. Repeat for a few days until you are happy with its smell.
Spray with diluted vodka
Do you count on vodka for making those flight jitters go away? Well, you can also depend on it each time you are being bugged by an unpleasant odor emanating from your luggage.
All you have to do is combine equal amounts of vodka and water in a spray bottle. Shake and spray on trouble spots, and then allow your suitcase to air dry completely before placing your travel essentials in it.
Use white vinegar and water on your luggage
Fret not if alcohol is banned from your home. Instead of vodka, you may use white vinegar as it also has superb deodorizing properties. In a spray bottle, combine one part white vinegar and three parts water.
Shake and spray as necessary. Allow your suitcase to thoroughly air dry before using it or taking back to storage.
Tips on Preventing Bad Odor in Suitcases
Before you go, let us talk about some ways on how to keep your suitcase from smelling horrible first and foremost. Just like what they say, an ounce of prevention is so much better than a pound of cure.
By storing your luggage properly, you can save yourself from the need to carry out a lot of deodorizing steps just before you pack for a trip.
The good news is that proper storage of your suitcase in order to keep it from collecting bad odors is easier than you think. Check out these very simple tips on how to keep that travel bag of yours smelling fresh and nice:
Clean your luggage before storing it
Make sure that you remove dust and debris just before you stow your suitcase away. It is very important to get rid of food bits in order to prevent the growth of odor-causing microbes.
For eliminating stains and grease from food, wipe off with a sponge dipped in soapy water. Just see to it that you allow your luggage to dry completely before storage.
Pick a cool and dry spot
As mentioned earlier, bacteria, mold, and mildew love it when they are in dark and moist places. That is why you should keep your luggage in a place where it is cool and dry. It is also a good idea to put your bag away from anything that emits heat.
Invest in a high-quality luggage cover
Especially if you want to be able to count on your luggage for so many trips to come, consider getting your hands on a luggage cover.
You should also definitely use it every single time! Worry not if you do not have the budget for a luggage cover.
This is because you may also simply drape a piece of cloth or plastic sheet over your bag where you want to store it.
Allow suitcase to breathe every now and then
From time to time, take your suitcase out of storage and place it in an open area for several hours. This is best done every two months or so if it is kept in a place that is cool and dry.
Otherwise, you should try to perform this tip about twice a month for the best results.
Related Questions
Can a suitcase be washed?
Yes, you can wash your luggage using a sponge and warm soapy water. However, test clean a small spot first to make sure that your bag won’t fade.
Will the tips above also help get rid of the new luggage smell?
Yes, you may also use any of the above tips to eliminate the overpowering smell of a freshly-bought suitcase.
