Nowadays, more n more companies are manufacturing polycarbonate luggage because these material cases are gaining more trust than soft suitcases. Moreover, the hard-shell luggage made of polycarbonate can be much lighter than aluminium or plastic ones. In some cases, they can also beat soft material luggage because of their lightweight and durability.

If you are a travelling enthusiast and travels regularly, you should be tired of the procedure where your luggage is mistreated.Are you fond of buying cute and beautiful looking luggage because it is fun packing goods in them? After coming back from your trip, when you look back at your luggage that has been ruined during these days, feels irritated. Right?

From being overfilled into the back seat of a taxi to rough handling of the staff at the airport, the procedure can let your luggage getting marks, scuffs, stains, and any other destruction. Looking at this scuffed luggage is pretty sad. Right? But this could be a ritual for a traveller; the only way out is to maintain your luggage and clean them by following the proper steps of cleaning hard-shell luggage.

How to clean Hard-Shell Luggage: Procedure

Where it is impossible to save your luggage from getting scuffs and stains, here is also a way to make it look brand new again.

Remove all the removable parts and clean them

Look for all your luggage’s components and determine which ones can be separated. Remove all removable things, including bags, laundry bags, and anything else. You can wash them individually in a container with water and detergent, or you can just throw them in the washer. You can also soak them for a period to get the best results.

Clean the interior

Open all zippers and give your suitcase a good shake. Vacuum your suitcase after that. Any bigger particles will be removed because of this. Wipe all portions of the inner lining with a moist cloth and no soap. Make sure not to use too much soap as it can be a disaster, so instead, use a plain wet towel.

If any dirt stains remain after wiping it off, use a 1: 5 detergent and water solution and apply it to the dirt spots with an old toothbrush. Finally, wipe everything down with a soft cloth and warm water to remove any remaining soap. Although removing stubborn stains takes time and effort, this method makes cleaning easier.

Clean the exterior

On the outside of your hard case, you can use the same soap and warm water mixture that you used on the removable insert. For optimal results, scrub the outside of the luggage with a sponge or washcloth and clean it circularly. Use scrubbing pads or rags sparingly, as they may harm your baggage. Wipe off the handles, baggage rollers, and any accessories as well. Wipe the outside of your suitcase with a dry microfiber cloth when you’re finished. Make sure to dry each part of your luggage completely by opening all the zippers.

Remove the scuffs and scratches.

You will be able to remove above 80% of your luggage’s scuffs and stains using the method we’ve mentioned below. First, double-check that your plastic luggage is in good condition. You can clean the scratches with soapy water and a cloth. After that, you may have three options to restore the black plastic parts of the luggage. Follow the following:

  • Regular olive oil will suffice. With a soft cloth, gently massage it over the plastic. Although this is only a temporary remedy (it will take a few months if you use your luggage frequently), it allows your plastic parts to revert to their original bright, deep colours. All minor scratches are almost undetectable when applied with olive oil.
  • If your plastic parts are black, most vehicle dealerships have a black plastic panel workshop. It’s a thick, black paste that you should apply with a soft cloth to your plastic parts. However, avoid getting it on any other areas of your case. This paste helps brighten up your black luggage while also concealing minor blemishes.
  • Finally, you can also use a heat gun for maintenance. Unfortunately, this is the most difficult of the three techniques because your luggage can easily be damaged. Simply heat your plastic components 10-20 inches away using a heat gun until they have been restored to their rich colour. We recommend you solve the issue using the above two methods as it can be a bit dangerous. Use this method when the above ones fail to clean your luggage as you want.

What is a quicker way of cleaning hard-shell luggage?

Everyone wants quicker operations and instant results, so do you, right? Have you ever heard of the “Bon Ami” cleansing powder? This cleanser is a good choice for cleaning hard surfaces because it is both practical and safe. To form a thin paste, combine Bon Ami, a drop of detergent, and enough water to make a thick paste. Then gently scrape the case’s surface with the brush side of a dishwasher. It’s a bit of an arm pass because if your suitcase appears to be abrasion-proof, you’ll have to scrub it yourself.

You can remove most of the filth and grime within 10 minutes. After that, wipe the surface with a moist cloth to remove any remaining detergent, and you’re done. It’s straightforward and practical, plus you can use Bon Ami for other things around the house as well, so you don’t have to waste money on speciality cleaning products.

Conclusion:

In this article, the method defining ‘how to clean hard-shell luggage’ is mentioned in detail so that no confusion is left behind. You can also make a mixture of vinegar and baking soda to clean the outer surface of your complex case. This method will help you reduce the stubborn marks and stains that stick to the surface during travelling.

Read More: Tips on How to Clean Your Backpacks