Samsonite
Caring for your Suitcase
STORAGE
Storing your Samsonite suitcase correctly will help maintain its condition and extend its lifespan.
Clean your suitcase before storing
• Wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Use a mild soap if required.
• Vacuum or wipe the interior lining to remove any dirt, sand, or crumbs.
• If your suitcase has a removable lining (such as Essens), wash and dry the lining separately before placing back into the suitcase for storing.
• Make sure suitcase and lining are completely dry before storing to prevent mould or mildew.
Utilise the Interior space
• Store smaller bags (packing cubes, duffles, totes or backpacks) inside the suitcase.
• Store other soft items like blankets, jackets or travel accessories to maximise space.
Nest Luggage Sets
If you own multiple suitcases, place the smaller ones inside the larger ones to save storage space.
Protect the Shape
Leave the suitcase unzipped slightly to avoid compression of the seals.
For soft-sided luggage, fill it lightly so it keeps its shape.
Store in a Cool, Dry Place
Exposure to extreme temperatures or high humidity can cause luggage materials to age premature
• Where possible, avoid damp areas like basements or garages where mould or rust can form.
• A closet, under the bed, or top of a wardrobe works well.
• Store smaller bags (packing cubes, duffles, totes or backpack
• If your suitcase needs to be stored in areas such as garages or attics, it’s a good idea to remove it occasionally, open it up, and air it out. This helps prevent mildew caused by humidity and maintains the natural resilience of the case. If storing luggage in environments with extreme temperatures, we also recommend cleaning thoroughly before your next use.
Use a cover or dust bag
• If possible, store bags and luggage in a fabric bag or luggage cover to prevent dust and scratches. Alternatively, cover with an old sheet or blanket.
Position properly
• Hard-shell suitcases can usually stand upright.
• Soft luggage is often better stored flat or upright without heavy items on top.
CLEANING
Cleaning a Softside Suitcase
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, or using a foam type cleaner used to clean car mats or automobile carpets – always test on a small area first to ensure no discolouration or staining occurs. If the luggage has an offensive odor, use a vinegar and water mixture (1 part Vinegar to 5 parts water). This may help reduce the odor, the suitcase will then also need to be aired out thoroughly. 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.
Cleaning a Hardside Suitcase
To clean hardside luggage, we recommend using a mixture of gentle soap and warm water to thoroughly wipe the case down. 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.
Refurbishing Hardside Suitcase
If your hardside luggage has scratches or scrapes that aren’t too deep, you can use a colored crayon (the type made for wood finishing) to fill in the nicks. Following that, Armor-All, Chip Guard, Spray Shine, or Clear Shine can be applied to seal the surface and enhance the appearance of the luggage.
However, if scratches, scrapes or nicks are deep, we recommend visiting a luggage repair center who specialise in repairing more significant damage. Most repair centers perform these types of repairs, but please be sure to call ahead before taking your bag in to ensure they handle hardside repairs.