Horrible New Luggage Smell

[Lothlórien]

Why can't new luggage smell like a new car?

I bought some American Tourister luggage and all 3 boxes I got came with the same odor. It smells like a shoe store concentrated into 28x9x16 (or whatever). Ugh!!

I put baking soda in them and left it there for about 3 days. Removed the baking soda and tried a Febreeze (a few treatments). I have taken them outside for fresh air. Nothing is removing that smell. When I had them downstairs, I could actually taste it after a while of being in the same room.

I am dying here. I don't want to smell like that in Disneyland for having my clothing in it.

Any suggestions on how to remove the odor?

 

[kandb]

OMG, we have the same problem. Bought American Tourist, blue 3 piece luggage set (spinners) at Christmas time. The smell is ridiculous. Have kept them open and sprayed deodorizer in them also and they still stink. Don't know what disgusting chemicals are in them but I used the small one once and my clothes stunk like the chemical smell also. They should probably recall the stupid things.

Why can't new luggage smell like a new car?

I bought some American Tourister luggage and all 3 boxes I got came with the same odor. It smells like a shoe store concentrated into 28x9x16 (or whatever). Ugh!!

I put baking soda in them and left it there for about 3 days. Removed the baking soda and tried a Febreeze (a few treatments). I have taken them outside for fresh air. Nothing is removing that smell. When I had them downstairs, I could actually taste it after a while of being in the same room.

I am dying here. I don't want to smell like that in Disneyland for having my clothing in it.

Any suggestions on how to remove the odor?

 

[kandb]

BYW, I bought the cloth luggage. My husband wanted the hard plastic but I decided to buy the cloth luggage after reading good reviews on it. Guess I should of listed to hubby

 

[JayhawkFans]

Same problem here ... New American Tourister luggage has been to Cancun and WDW/ DCL since purchasing in Dec and it still stinks!!

 

[kaytieeldr]

1. Cat litter
2. Return the luggage and buy some that doesn't smell
3. Contact American Tourister.

 

[Lothlórien]

Same problem here ... New American Tourister luggage has been to Cancun and WDW/ DCL since purchasing in Dec and it still stinks!!

I think it is an American Tourister thing, for sure. I believe it is the plastic they use (under the liner) that supports the body of the luggage.

I read on a Cruise forum yesterday that coffee grounds will work. Spread it into the luggage, let it sit for a day or two and then vacuum it out and then put it in the sun for an afternoon for fresh air. Several people said that is what they did and the issue was resolved.

 

[Lothlórien]

OMG, we have the same problem. Bought American Tourist, blue 3 piece luggage set (spinners) at Christmas time. The smell is ridiculous. Have kept them open and sprayed deodorizer in them also and they still stink. Don't know what disgusting chemicals are in them but I used the small one once and my clothes stunk like the chemical smell also. They should probably recall the stupid things.

I called and asked them about it and they pretty much pleased the 5th.

I am going to try the coffee grounds thing I mentioned above.

 

[Lothlórien]

They KNOW it smells.

Here is what they sent, which is also on their website.


The American Tourister brand enjoys worldwide recognition and is synonymous with quality, style, dependability and innovation in luggage and travel accessories. Ensure the long life of your Samsonite products by following these simple guidelines:


Hardside Care
To clean hardside luggage, we recommend using a gentle soap and warm water, rinsing well. If you would like to wax the case after cleaning, any good silicone-base automobile or furniture polish will preserve the luster and add resistance to the covering. We do NOT recommend, however, that you try to clean the luggage with a combination cleaner-polish.


Softside Care
To clean softside luggage, we recommend spot cleaning with a mild soap (i.e. dish soap) and water. If this is not successful, try a product used for spot removal on clothing such as Spray 'n Wash, or using a foam type cleaner used to clean car mats or automobile carpets (sold at car parts stores). If the luggage has an offensive odor, use a vinegar (1 part) and water (5 parts) mixture. This may take the odor out but it will then need to be aired out for a few days. Also, we recommend placing charcoal in the bag for a day or more (depending on the strength of the odor) and close the bag. The charcoal will absorb the smell.


Storing your Product
Extremes of temperature, as well as the extremes of humidity will tend to age luggage. Any American Tourister luggage which is being stored in an attic or basement should be taken out of storage, opened, and permitted to "air" regularly. This will help to prevent mildew from forming as a result of humidity. It also assists in maintaining the normal resiliency of the case itself. Followings storage where extreme temperatures prevail, we recommend cleaning the luggage (see cleaning instructions above).

 

[maxiesmom]

Have you tried fabric softener sheets? I usually toss in a few and zip my luggage up to get rid of any odor.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

What line/style of luggage did you purchase? I bought the multiface Mickey style in both sizes and they do not smell.

 

[Lothlórien]

What line/style of luggage did you purchase? I bought the multiface Mickey style in both sizes and they do not smell.

I purchased a 3-piece spinner set, 28" Minnie red polka dots and the 28" Minnie black with White Polka dots. They all smell. My MIL and SIL got the Black Minnie also and theirs smell, too.

 

[Lothlórien]

Have you tried fabric softener sheets? I usually toss in a few and zip my luggage up to get rid of any odor.

I have and now it smells like plastic/shoe store fabric softener.

They are currently out in the sun drying after two treatments of vinegar and now lemon juice. I know the lemon juice will be sticky, so I will wipe it down with Oxyclean and water after it is dry.

A friend told me to get BioWorld Odor Neutralizer. She said it removes the most horrible smells from almost anything. Problem is we leave for WDW next Tuesday and I cannot find any place local that sells it. I don't have Amazon Prime, so I will not get it in time for treatment and then letting it sit for 24 - 48 hours.

 

[CookieandOatmeal]

I purchased a 3-piece spinner set, 28" Minnie red polka dots and the 28" Minnie black with White Polka dots. They all smell. My MIL and SIL got the Black Minnie also and theirs smell, too.

Hmmm that stinks (no pun intended) but that is so weird. I guess I might've lucked out with my suitcases since they are from the same collection. Hope you're able to get the smell down or completely gone!

 

[maxiesmom]

My red and white polka dotted piece doesn't smell. I just ran to check.

 

[kandb]

We bought the 3 piece spinner set. I think the largest piece was 28 inches. I bought a medium blue and it is the thick cloth luggage. We have had them since I bought them on black Friday and they still stink. They stink so bad that I wouldn't want to put my good clothes in them. It really is a super strong smell. They shouldn't be selling luggage that holds onto an odor for this long. Ridiculous.