Suitcase smell

[jalapeno_pretzel]

Any tips for keeping suitcases fresh? Mine don't have an obvious odor when I smell them, but at least one of them seems to impart some kind of funky smell to clothing after it's been in there. I'm airing them out after a recent trip, but not sure if there is something else I can be doing before I put them away? They are stored in air conditioned space, so aren't getting anything from attic/basement kind of smells.

 

[kdonnel]

You could store them with a box of baking soda or several dryer sheets. Might be time to get new luggage.

 

[jalapeno_pretzel]

It's funny how I automatically turn here for advice when I can just google it.

Yes, baking soda is a good idea. I've sprinkled it inside of them now and am going to let them sit closed for a few days, then vacuum them out before I put them away. We'll see if that helps. Yes, one of them in particular has seen better days, but it's our largest one and it would be nice to get a few more years out of it!

 

[amberpi]

I've traveled a ton for a long time. I figured this out accidentally but putting a makeup remover sheet in luggage makes it smell SO nice and clean!

 

[DeniseJH]

I always spray mine with Febreze after a trip, before they get stowed back up in the attic. Seems to work for me.

 

[disney junky]

Cedar chips.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Charcoal briquets. Lots of crumpled up newspaper.

 

[amcnj]

I don’t have any experience in this but wondered if dryer sheets would help.

 

[lorimay]

I usually pull them out before a trip and spray some lysol and air them out for a day.

 

[Searc]

Lysol, Febreze and dryer sheets have all worked for me...but not at the same time. lol

 

[low-key]

like others said, I put dryer towels in them, I fill my suit case with them, and use 7 every load of clothes, people tell me that will ruin your dryer, well I just will buy a new dryer, I just love smelling good, and my clothes to smell good

 

[amberpi]

like others said, I put dryer towels in them, I fill my suit case with them, and use 7 every load of clothes, people tell me that will ruin your dryer, well I just will buy a new dryer, I just love smelling good, and my clothes to smell good

If you like to smell nice, do you use those laundry crystal things? I have a husband who smokes (my former one did too). Those laundry crystals plus dryer sheets make everything smell so nice, and if I keep our closet doors shut at our clothes don't smell bad. I also have an air freshner in all the closets. I like Arm and Hammer, doesn't irritate sensitive skin!

 

[MooseBucks]

I try to avoid chemicals so baking soda is a go to or just letting them sit open in the sun

 

[low-key]

If you like to smell nice, do you use those laundry crystal things? I have a husband who smokes (my former one did too). Those laundry crystals plus dryer sheets make everything smell so nice, and if I keep our closet doors shut at our clothes don't smell bad. I also have an air freshner in all the closets. I like Arm and Hammer, doesn't irritate sensitive skin!

yes, I use the crystals to, people who know me, all talk about my good smelling clothes, if you would ever meet me, you would want t bury your nose in my clothes

 

[tarheelmjfan]

like others said, I put dryer towels in them, I fill my suit case with them, and use 7 every load of clothes, people tell me that will ruin your dryer, well I just will buy a new dryer, I just love smelling good, and my clothes to smell good

I'm with you, but I use 3 capfuls of Downy instead. I've heard it eventually ruins clothes & linens. At least, they smell good as long as they last.

 

[tarheelmjfan]

If you like to smell nice, do you use those laundry crystal things? I have a husband who smokes (my former one did too). Those laundry crystals plus dryer sheets make everything smell so nice, and if I keep our closet doors shut at our clothes don't smell bad. I also have an air freshner in all the closets. I like Arm and Hammer, doesn't irritate sensitive skin!

My DH doesn't smoke, but I'm all about good smelling clothes. I'm going to check out the crystals.

 

[AppleDumpling]

Not sure if you do this, but what I always do is separate my clean and dirty clothes. I rarely do laundry on vacation unless it’s a long trip, but I always bring some plastic ziplock bags. I put the dirty worn clothes into them, squeezing out the air to make them as compact as possible, and repack them in the suitcase.

This way dirty clothes never touch the inside of the suitcase, which will reduce any odor. And it keeps the clean clothes smelling fresher. You could also use scented kitchen trash bags. If you forget to bring bags, you can usually use the plastic laundry bag most hotels have in the closet.

Also don’t pack any wet clothes, such as bathing suits, into a suitcase if you can avoid it. Try to hang them to dry first so they won’t get a moldy smell. If you must pack them while still wet, wring them out, wrap them in a dry towel or T-shirt, then into the plastic bag and be sure to unpack them as soon as you get home.

 

[DeniseJH]

I try to avoid chemicals so baking soda is a go to or just letting them sit open in the sun

Smart.