Most people love a good holidaysand we all know that luggage takes a lot. From being dragged down countless sidewalks and through crowded airports to being handled by strangers and crammed into tight spaces, suitcases can accumulate a lot of dirt, grime, and bacteria over time.

Below are some tips that can help guide you through each step of the luggage cleaning process, from how often you should do it to how maintenance differs between the exterior and interior.

How to clean the outside of luggage

Once you’re home and you’ve started unpacking, start by wiping down the outside of the suitcase. Use either antibacterial wipes or a mixture of water and liquid hand soap with a soft cloth for hard-faced cases. A simple sponge can also prove an effective tool for removing stubborn stains.

For cloth soft-sided cases, use antibacterial wipes or the same mixture of liquid soap and water. Use a soft brush or an old toothbrush for the actual brushing. You will need to take more time to slowly work the solution into the fabric and remove the dirt. Tough stains may require a foaming fabric cleaner or, alternatively, a solution of one part water to two parts vinegar. When finished, wipe off any excess moisture and leave the suitcase to dry in a warm environment or outdoors in the sun.

In both cases, be sure to take into account the bottom of the suitcase, including the wheels. Suitcase wheels can pick up a lot of hair, lint and other nasty detritus. Using the cloth or wipes, remove any material and clean thoroughly. In extreme cases, use a pair of scissors to remove any obstructions. When you’re done, each wheel should spin freely.

How to clean luggage interiors

Are you ready to tackle the inside of your suitcase? To get started, then use a vacuum cleaner or regular vacuum cleaner with a suitable attachment skip the lining a few times until you feel everything has been taken care of. Don’t forget to get into all the nooks and crannies (you can always start by shaking your suitcase upside down outside).

Any removable lining or pockets must be removed and cleaned by hand with liquid soap and water or disinfectant wipes. Stained lining can be treated with a mixture of water and laundry detergent, according to Wirecutter. Dab the mixture onto the stain with a clean cloth, let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe the area with clean water and let it dry.

How to clean luggage handles

Suitcase handles can be hotbeds for germs and dirt. Start by extending the handles to their full length, then wash them using a mixture of liquid soap and water. Dry the handles with a soft cloth or paper towel, then use antibacterial wipes to disinfect thoroughly. Because the handles get so much use, it’s essential to use extra-strong wipes to help eliminate germs.

What to avoid

When it comes to general suitcase cleaning and maintenance, there are a few considerations worth keeping in mind.

One of the biggest – although it may seem obvious – is to avoid placing your suitcases on the bed when you get home. On the off chance that you’ve taken the bed begs while you travel, keeping your luggage in the bathtub or on a tiled bathroom will reduce the risk of insects infesting where you sleep.

When transporting dirty clothes, shoes or food in your suitcase, it’s also a good idea to wrap the offending items in plastic bags so the suitcase doesn’t absorb odors or get stains.

Finally, you may want to consider investing in covers for each suitcase. Many companies now sell machine washable fabric versions. Alternatively, some manufacturers have started producing luggage with built-in bacterial protection, although their effectiveness is not guaranteed.

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