European Travel Plug Adapter USB C, TESSAN International Plug Adapter with 4 AC Outlets and 3 USB Ports, Type C Power Adaptor Charger for US to Most of Europe Iceland Spain Italy France Germany

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You’re ready to set off on your next adventure, but wait—what about the state of your luggage? With millions of bacteria and countless accumulated stains, it’s time to give your suitcase a makeover. Luckily, travel expert Samantha Brown has shared her ingenious cleaning tips to make your luggage look brand new. Start with a thorough scrub using dish soap and water, tackling those pesky scuff marks with a melamine sponge. Remember to deep clean the wheels and even steam your luggage to fend off bedbugs. Don’t neglect the interior and make sure to vacuum and deodorize regularly. By following Samantha Brown’s advice, your travel gear will not only look pristine but also stay hygienic for all your future travels.

How to Clean Your Luggage and Make It Look New Using Samantha Brown’s Tips

Have you ever returned from a trip and wondered just how many germs are lurking on your luggage?

If you don’t already clean your luggage after every journey, it’s time to start. A study conducted on behalf of Aqaint sanitizer found that an average piece of luggage comes into contact with up to 80 million bacteria during an ordinary trip (via Daily Mail). Beyond the germs you can’t see, there are often visible stains, scrapes, and signs of wear and tear. Let’s dive into the cleaning tips shared by travel expert Samantha Brown, so you can keep your luggage looking fresh and new for years to come.

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Why Cleaning Your Luggage is Important

Cleaning your luggage not only helps protect your investment, but it also ensures you’re not transferring germs and dirt onto your clothes or into your home. Dirty luggage can harbor bacteria, dust, dirt, and even bedbugs. Regular cleaning helps maintain the aesthetic appeal and longevity of your suitcase.

Getting Started with the Right Tools

Before you dive into cleaning, make sure you have the necessary tools ready. Here’s a quick checklist:

1. Dish soap and water
2. Cleaning cloths or towels
3. Brush (for soft-sided luggage)
4. Melamine sponge (Magic Eraser)
5. Cleaning gloves
6. Soapy water for wheels
7. Bleach cleaner
8. Vacuum
9. Stain remover
10. Baking soda

Having these tools at your disposal will make the process easier and more efficient.

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Cleaning the Exterior of Your Luggage

The exterior of your luggage can accumulate a surprising amount of grime. Whether it’s dirt from a rough surface or greasy marks from handling, it’s essential to give it a thorough cleaning.

Hard-Sided Luggage

For hard-sided luggage, you can easily scrub it down using a mixture of dish soap and water. Here’s how:

1. Mix dish soap and water: Create a soapy mixture that’s not too concentrated.
2. Use a towel or cleaning cloth: Dip it into the soapy water and give your luggage a good scrub. Make sure to wipe down all surfaces, paying special attention to corners and handles.
3. Rinse and Dry: Use a clean damp cloth to wipe off the soapy residue and then dry with a clean towel.

Soft-Sided Luggage

Soft-sided luggage requires a bit more care:

1. Prepare soapy water: Similar to the mixture used for hard-sided luggage.
2. Use a brush: A brush will help you get into the fibers of the fabric and remove dirt trapped there.
3. Rinse and Dry: Just like with hard-sided luggage, use a clean damp cloth to rinse off the soap and then dry thoroughly.

Removing Scuff Marks

Samantha Brown suggests using a melamine sponge, often known as a Magic Eraser, to buff away scuff marks. Simply dampen the sponge and gently rub over the scuff marks until they disappear.

Cleaning Luggage Wheels

Your suitcase’s wheels can get very dirty since they are in constant contact with the ground. Here’s how to clean them effectively:

1. Put on cleaning gloves: Protect your hands from dirt and cleaning chemicals.
2. Wipe with soapy water: Use a cloth soaked in soapy water to clean the wheels.
3. Spray with bleach cleaner: For thorough disinfection, spray the wheels with a bleach cleaner. As Samantha Brown puts it, “use the stuff they clean crime scenes with.”

Ensure the wheels are completely dry before using the luggage again to avoid leaving damp spots on your floors.

Cleaning the Interior of Your Luggage

The inside of your luggage can collect dust, dirt, and other debris which can transfer onto your clothes. Regular cleaning ensures that the interior remains as clean as the exterior.

Using a Vacuum

Depending on how often you travel and the type of trips you take, vacuuming the interior of your luggage once a year may suffice. However, if you frequently end up with sand or crumbs in your suitcase, consider vacuuming more often.

1. Remove loose items: Take out any removable pockets or compartments.
2. Vacuum thoroughly: Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to reach all the corners and seams.

Handling Major Messes

For spills like exploded shampoo bottles or stained pockets, the same soapy water mixture used for the exterior can generally be effective for the interior. Here’s a quick process:

1. Prepare soapy water: Ensure it’s fresh to avoid transferring grime.
2. Clean with a towel or cloth: Gently scrub any stained areas.
3. Use a stain remover: For stubborn marks, apply a bit of stain remover.
4. Dry thoroughly: Wipe with a clean cloth and leave the luggage open overnight to air out.

Deodorizing the Interior

After cleaning, you might notice lingering smells. Here’s an easy fix:

1. Sprinkle baking soda inside: Leave it to sit overnight.
2. Vacuum up the baking soda: Vacuum the interior the following day to remove the powder and any odors.

Handling Bedbugs in Your Luggage

Bedbugs can be a hitchhiker’s nightmare. Knowing how to deal with them is crucial to prevent an infestation in your home.

Preventative Measures

First, let’s talk about how to prevent bedbugs from getting into your luggage:

• Use protective covers: Consider encasing your luggage in a protective cover.
• Keep suitcases off beds and floors: Utilize luggage racks or place your suitcase on a hard surface.
• Check hotel rooms: Inspect the room, especially around the bed area, for signs of bedbugs before unpacking.

Treating Your Luggage

If bedbugs do make their way into your luggage, Samantha Brown suggests using a hot garment steamer:

1. Get a hot garment steamer: Ensure it can reach at least 125 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Blast the nooks and crannies: Carefully steam all seams, corners, and folds where bedbugs might hide.

Washing Clothes

Be sure to wash any clothes from your travels on a high-temperature setting to kill any hitchhiking bedbugs or their eggs.

Maintaining Clean Luggage

Routine maintenance can extend the lifespan of your luggage:

• Wipe down after each trip: Give your luggage a quick wipe-down with soapy water after each trip.
• Inspect for wear and tear: Regularly check for any signs of damage and address them promptly.
• Store properly: Keep your luggage in a dry, cool place to avoid damage from humidity or extreme temperatures.

Conclusion

Great care and attention can make your luggage look brand new and save you from potential hygiene risks. Samantha Brown’s expert tips provide a simple yet effective way to clean and maintain your luggage. By incorporating regular cleaning into your post-travel routine, you can ensure your trusty travel companion stays in top shape for many adventures to come. Safe travels!

Remember, a clean suitcase is more than just a nice aesthetic; it’s a step toward healthier and more enjoyable travel experiences. Happy cleaning!

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SwissGear Sion Softside Expandable Luggage, Dark Grey, Carry-On 21-Inch

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$84.99 (as of September 18, 2024 12:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)