How To Clean Tumi Hardside Luggage

Beautiful and sophisticated, the Tumi hardside luggage is a suitcase worthy to invest in. Owners of this luggage are always looking for effective ways on how to clean them. Fortunately, we have all the information to know about how to clean the Tumi hardside luggage and we're here to share it with you!

How to Clean Tumi Hardside Luggage

  1. Mix a solution of mild soap with water.
  2. Using a soft, damp towel, wipe the surface of the hardside luggage using the cleaning solution.
  3. Wipe the luggage with a soft towel, making sure that the entire surface is dry.
  4. To remove scuffs and black marks on the luggage, use a melamine eraser sponge to remove them. Gently rub the eraser on the surface of the luggage until the marks disappear.

A clean set of luggage will ensure that it will stay nice and durable for a very long time. Keep reading this post because we will be sharing some luggage cleaning tips for you! We also have some advice on how you can deodorize and disinfect your luggage before storing them in your closets.

A traveler walking alone with suitcase bag, How To Clean Tumi Hardside Luggage

How To Clean Tumi Hardside Luggage

Frequent travelers are always on the lookout for quality luggage that will survive the rough and tough handling at the airport. A popular brand known for their durable luggage, Tumi's hardside luggage checks all the criteria for a traveler's dream.

Traveler pulling modern hard luggage on escalator

Tumi uses different materials for the construction of their world-class luggage. For their hardside luggage, you will usually find them made out of polycarbonate material or aluminum alloy. Both of them create tough and durable luggage that can withstand all your travels.

Check out this aluminum Tumi carry-on suitcase on Amazon.

To keep these luggage looking beautiful all the time, it is important to clean them properly after your trip and before storing them. Maintaining luggage to be clean all the time will ensure that they will last longer.

Cleaning the exterior

Cleaning travel suitcase luggage with sanitizer spray

To clean the exterior of your Tumi hardside luggage, you will need a few simple things you already have at home. It's easy and it won't take too much of your time. Make sure to clean your luggage as soon as you unpack and before you store them in the closet.

Materials needed:

  • Mild soap
  • Warm water
  • Washcloth
  • Microfiber towel
  • Melamine eraser sponge
  • Disinfecting wipes

Instructions:

Clean the exterior

Start cleaning the exterior of your Tumi hardside luggage by creating a solution using warm water and soap. Use one part of mild dishwashing soap with two parts water (don't make it too soapy!) and wipe it down using a soft washcloth. Make sure the washcloth is only damp and not sopping with solution.

Get this mild dishwashing soap on Amazon.

Don't forget to wipe all the parts of your luggage, including the handles and the base.

Remove the scuffs

If your hardside suitcase has scuffs and black marks on the outside, use a melamine eraser sponge to remove them. Soak the sponge in some water and squeeze as much as you can. Test the eraser on a small, inconspicuous spot of your luggage. Gently rub the eraser until all the marks disappear.

Grab this Magic Eraser on Amazon.

Alternatively, Tumi also has its own hardside care cleaner that can remove the stains and marks on their luggage. You can use this as a replacement for the melamine eraser if you prefer using their own products.

Dry the luggage

Before storing the luggage, it is important to dry them to prevent growth of mold and mildew on the luggage. Using a microfiber cloth, wipe down the entire surface of the suitcase until everything is dry.

See these microfiber drying cloths on Amazon.

While on the go

If you'd like to clean your luggage while you're on the go, use bleach-free disinfecting wipes to clean the surface of the suitcase. Wipe down all the areas and scuffs that you immediately see so that they won't stay on the surface for too long.

Get these travel-sized disinfecting wipes on Amazon.

Cleaning the interior

Just as important as the exteriors, luggage interiors should also be cleaned thoroughly. This is important especially if you traveled with items inside your suitcase such as food, leaky toiletries, or other items that can make your luggage smelling musty.

Hand vacuum-cleans black suitcase with the gray vacuum-cleaner

Materials needed:

  • Vacuum cleaner with edge nozzle
  • Rubbing alcohol
  • Water
  • Lemon juice (optional)
  • Soft washcloth or towel
  • Fabric spray

Instructions:

Remove all zip-in storage

After unpacking everything from your luggage, remove all zip-in storage, bags, and other accessories. These items can be machine or hand-washed, depending on the manufacturer's instructions.

Give it a good shake

Take your hardside luggage outside and give it a good shake. All the larger debris and dirt should fall out of the luggage. Using a vacuum cleaner with an edge nozzle, vacuum everything inside the suitcase, paying more attention to the corners and crevices where smaller debris might have collected.

Get this cordless handheld vacuum on Amazon.

Don't forget to also vacuum the pockets if your luggage interior has them.

Spot treat soiled areas

For luggage interiors with minor soils, you can spot treat them using a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Create a solution using 1 part of rubbing alcohol with 1 part of water. Add some lemon juice if you'd like to add a refreshing citrusy scent to it.

Check out this rubbing alcohol on Amazon.

Using a soft washcloth or towel, apply the mixture and gently rub on the soiled area of your luggage until the stain is no longer visible. Let it air dry thoroughly before closing.

Freshen it up

If your luggage is smelling a little musty after your trip, you can use some fabric spray on the luggage interiors to freshen it up. This can help remove the order before you store your luggage.

Get this fabric spray on Amazon.

Do's And Don'ts For Cleaning Hardside Luggage

They may be tough, but hardside luggage also has a few do's and don'ts that should be followed for optimal cleaning. Here are few tips you should know about cleaning hardside luggage.

Do's

  • Do clean the luggage as soon as you are able. Don't let the stains and dirt lodge stick on the surface of the luggage.
  • Do use soft material for wiping it down.
  • Do wipe the entire shell of the luggage and don't miss out on any spots.

Don'ts

  • Don't use cleaning products that contain ammonia, abrasives, acetone, benzene, chroloform, or phenol-based compounds. They can ruin the hardside luggage, especially aluminum luggage.
  • Don't use rough towels or cloths to clean the hardside luggage. It can cause scratches on the surface of the luggage and they cannot be removed.
  • Don't forcefully remove scratches. Most scratches are deep, so they can't be fixed unless the surface is sanded. Use a luggage cover to prevent the scratches and dings from worsening.

How Do I Remove The Musty Smell From My Luggage?

Traveling is fun, but it isn't a luxury everyone has. If your luggage has been stored in the closet because you haven't gone on a vacation for a while, you might notice a musty smell coming from it. The smell certainly isn't pleasant, but it can easily be removed with a few simple suggestions.

Sprinkle baking soda

Baking soda

To remove odors naturally, sprinkle some baking soda on the interior of the luggage and leave it in overnight. Vacuum the baking soda the next day, and the musty smell should be gone.

Use a vinegar spray

Using natural destilled white vinegar in spray bottle

Mix equal parts of water and white vinegar for an all-natural deodorizing spray. Let the suitcase air dry after using the solution.

Keep it with activated charcoal

When storing, put a bag or two of activated charcoal inside the suitcase. It should absorb the funky smells while it stays inside the closet.

Check out this odor absorber on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

With these tips, your Tumi hardside luggage should last you for a very long time. Keep in mind that keeping it clean all the time will make it look beautiful even as the years go by, and it will definitely make your investment with this suitcase worth it.

Are you looking for more information on packing and traveling with your luggage? We have some articles that might interest you:

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