How to Maintain Your Luggage for Years of Travel

Quality luggage represents a significant investment, and with proper care, a good suitcase can last a decade or more. Unfortunately, many travellers neglect their bags between trips, leading to premature wear and unexpected failures at the worst possible moments. This guide covers everything you need to know about maintaining your luggage for maximum longevity.

Post-Trip Care: The Essential Routine

The moments after returning home from a trip are crucial for luggage maintenance. Developing a simple post-trip routine prevents dirt buildup, odour development, and long-term damage from settling in.

Empty Completely

Remove everything from your bag, including items from pockets and compartments that are easy to overlook. Forgotten items can cause stains, attract pests, or develop mould if left in a stored bag. Turn pockets inside out and check all zipped sections thoroughly.

Air Out

Leave your bag open in a well-ventilated area for 24-48 hours before storing. This allows moisture from clothing, toiletry leaks, and general travel conditions to evaporate. Humid Australian climates make this step particularly important—trapped moisture can lead to mildew and musty odours.

Wipe Down Exterior

Clean the exterior with a damp cloth while any dirt is still fresh and easy to remove. This applies to both hardshell and softshell bags. Pay attention to wheels and the bottom of the case, where airport floors and pavements leave the most residue.

Cleaning Hardshell Luggage

Hardshell suitcases made from polycarbonate, polypropylene, or ABS are relatively easy to clean but require specific approaches to avoid damage.

Basic Cleaning

Mix warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap. Using a soft microfibre cloth, wipe down the entire exterior surface. Work in circular motions to lift dirt without scratching. Rinse your cloth frequently to avoid spreading grime.

For stubborn marks, a paste of baking soda and water can be gently applied and rubbed with a soft cloth. Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals, which can damage the shell's finish.

Dealing with Scratches

Surface scratches on polycarbonate luggage can often be minimised using automotive products:

• Light scratches: Apply a small amount of car wax and buff with a microfibre cloth. The wax fills minor scratches and adds a protective layer.
• Deeper scratches: Use a plastic polish or mild rubbing compound designed for automotive use. Apply sparingly and test on an inconspicuous area first.
• Matte finishes: These hide scratches better than glossy shells but can show scuff marks. Clean with a dry microfibre cloth or magic eraser used gently.

Interior Cleaning

Vacuum the interior fabric lining using a brush attachment. For spills or stains, spot clean with a mild fabric cleaner. If the interior develops odours, sprinkle baking soda inside, leave overnight, then vacuum thoroughly. For persistent smells, place activated charcoal sachets inside the closed bag for several days.

Cleaning Softshell Luggage

Fabric bags require different care to maintain their appearance and water resistance.

Spot Cleaning

Address stains as soon as possible. Mix warm water with mild detergent and gently blot the stained area with a soft cloth. Avoid rubbing vigorously, which can spread the stain or damage fabric fibres. Rinse the area with a clean, damp cloth and allow to air dry completely.

Deep Cleaning

For heavily soiled bags, fill a bathtub or large basin with warm water and mild detergent. Submerge the bag (without any removable frames or rigid inserts) and gently agitate. Use a soft brush on particularly dirty areas. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and hang to dry completely before storing.

Restoring Water Resistance

Factory water-resistance treatments wear off over time. Restore protection by applying a fabric waterproofing spray after cleaning. Follow product instructions—typically applying to clean, dry fabric and allowing to cure for 24 hours before use.

Wheel and Handle Maintenance

Wheels and handles experience the most mechanical stress and are often the first components to fail. Regular maintenance significantly extends their functional life.

Spinner Wheels

Spinner wheels should rotate freely in all directions. If you notice resistance or grinding:

• Remove any visible debris (hair, thread, plastic wrap) wrapped around the axle
• Apply silicone-based lubricant to the wheel bearing (avoid petroleum-based products near plastic)
• Rotate wheels by hand to distribute lubricant
• Wipe away excess lubricant to prevent dirt attraction

Inline Wheels

Traditional inline wheels collect debris in their recessed housing. Use a thin object (toothpick or cotton swab) to clean out accumulated grime. Lubricate the axle where wheels meet the housing.

Telescopic Handles

Extend and retract the handle several times after cleaning to ensure smooth operation. If the handle sticks, apply a small amount of silicone lubricant to the tubes. Avoid forcing stuck handles—this can damage internal locking mechanisms. If your handle locks intermittently, inspect the locking buttons for debris.

Zipper Care

Zipper failure is one of the most common luggage problems and often the most frustrating. Preventive maintenance keeps zippers running smoothly.

Regular Maintenance

• Keep zippers clean by brushing with an old toothbrush to remove dirt and grit
• Apply zipper lubricant or paraffin wax along the teeth periodically
• Run zippers through their full range regularly—stored bags can develop stiff sections
• Never force a stuck zipper; identify and remove the obstruction first

Fixing Stuck Zippers

If a zipper becomes stuck, apply graphite pencil along the teeth (the "lead" is actually graphite, an excellent dry lubricant). Work the zipper gently back and forth. For persistent problems, try a dedicated zipper lubricant.

Proper Storage

How you store luggage between trips significantly impacts its condition and longevity.

Ideal Storage Conditions

• Climate: Store in a cool, dry environment. Avoid garages, attics, or areas with temperature extremes
• Humidity: Australian coastal humidity can promote mould growth. Use moisture absorbers in storage areas if necessary
• Light: Keep luggage away from direct sunlight, which can fade colours and weaken materials over time
• Position: Store upright with handles extended to prevent permanent creases in telescopic mechanisms

What to Store Inside

Use your luggage for storage to maintain its shape and make efficient use of space. Good items to store inside include:

• Seasonal clothing or bedding (clean and dry)
• Travel accessories you only use when traveling
• Packing cubes and organisers
• A moisture absorber or silica gel packet

Protecting During Storage

Cover stored luggage with breathable fabric (an old pillowcase or cotton sheet) rather than plastic, which can trap moisture. Never store luggage in sealed plastic bags. Use acid-free tissue paper inside expensive bags to maintain shape and absorb any moisture.

When to Replace vs Repair

Sometimes luggage can be repaired rather than replaced, extending its useful life economically.

Common Repairable Issues

• Broken wheels: Many brands sell replacement wheels, and luggage repair shops can install them
• Stuck zippers: Professional repair can often fix or replace faulty zippers
• Handle problems: Telescopic handles can sometimes be repaired or replaced
• Loose stitching: A good cobbler or luggage repair service can re-stitch handles and straps

Signs It's Time to Replace

• Cracked or punctured shell that compromises structural integrity
• Multiple component failures suggesting overall wear
• Frame damage causing the bag to not sit properly
• Repair costs approaching or exceeding replacement cost

Quality luggage properly maintained should deliver years of reliable service. Develop these maintenance habits, and your investment will continue paying dividends trip after trip.