You’ve finally saved up enough money for that dream trip to Europe, and you can’t wait to explore all the amazing sites. But there’s just one problem: you don’t want to be that smelly tourist. Nobody likes a stinky traveler, so how do you make sure your clothes and suitcase stay fresh while on vacation?
Fear not, weary traveler. With these fresh tips, you’ll be sure to arrive at your destination smelling like roses.
12 Ways to Keep your Suitcase Fresh and Clothes Smelling Good
1. Place a dryer sheet in your luggage.
If you’re anything like me, you love the smell of fresh laundry. But what you don’t love is the way your luggage smells after being stuffed in the overhead compartment for a long flight.
To keep your bag smelling fresh, simply place a dryer sheet inside. The gentle fragrance will help to mask any unpleasant odors, and it will also help to keep your clothes static-free. Plus, it’s a lot cheaper than buying scented candles or air fresheners. So next time you’re packing for a trip, be sure to include a dryer sheet in your bag. Your nose will thank you.
2. Wear clothing material that is likely to smell.
If you’re looking for clothing that won’t smell bad after a long day, you’ll want to avoid polyester and other synthetic materials. These fabrics tend to trap sweat and body odor, making them more likely to develop an unpleasant smell over time.
Instead, opt for natural fabrics like wool, cotton, linen, or bamboo. These materials are more breathable and will allow your skin to stay cool and dry, preventing the build-up of body odor. You may also want to look for fabrics that contain anti-bacterial properties, like merino wool or hemp.
These materials will help to keep bacteria at bay, making your clothing less likely to develop an unpleasant odor.
Another option is to specifically wear athleisure (athletic leisure) clothes. They often repel sweat, reduce odors, and have antibacterial properties. And they’re great for hiking or touring the city.
3. Pack wisely.
A critical step to keeping your clothes smelling fresh is to pack wisely. That means no packing your suitcase to the brim, and regardless of how much folding you do, wrinkles are inevitable. So what’s a fashion-savvy traveler to do?
Roll, don’t fold. Rolling your clothes tightly will not only save space in your suitcase but will also help prevent wrinkles. And if you really want to keep your clothes looking pressed and fresh, invest in some wrinkle-release spray. Just a few spritzes will do the trick.
4. Use packing cubes to separate dirty clothes.
One way to prevent your clothes from smelling while you’re on the road is to separate them into packing cubes. Packing cubes are small, lightweight bags that are specifically designed for travel.
They come in a variety of sizes and can be used to store everything from shoes to toiletries. However, they’re especially useful for keeping dirty clothes separate from clean clothes. By using packing cubes, you can ensure that your clothes will stay fresh and clean-smelling, no matter how long your trip is. Alternatively, you can use large Ziploc bags.
5. Pack your shoes properly, or better yet, don’t bring a second pair.
Shoes are essential for any traveler, but packing them can be a challenge.
Many people choose to travel with a second pair of shoes, but this can actually be counterproductive. Not only do shoes take up valuable space in your luggage, but they can also make your clothes smell bad. When shoes are stored inside your luggage, they tend to release their scent, which can quickly permeate your clothing.
To avoid this problem, don’t travel with a second pair of shoes. If you must have a second pair, use a shoe bag and attach it to the outside of your carry-on luggage. This way, you’ll have easy access to your shoes without having to worry about them making your clothes smell bad.
6. Get a travel-size Febreze for emergencies.
Febreze is a great way to keep your things smelling fresh, even when you’re on the go. Just pack a travel-size Febreze in your bag and use it whenever your belongings need a refreshment.
It’s perfect for giving your clothes a quick pick-me-up after a long flight or keeping your luggage smelling clean and fresh. Plus, it’s easy to use and completely safe for all fabrics. So why not give Febreze a try the next time you travel? You’ll be glad you did.
7. Try out essential oils in your luggage.
There’s another easy way to keep your bag smelling fresh: pack a few essential oils. Lavender oil is excellent for relaxation, while lemon oil can help to refresh and energize. Peppermint oil is also a great choice for keeping your luggage smelling clean and crisp.
Simply add a few drops of oil to a cotton ball or piece of fabric, and tuck it into your bag before you travel. You’ll be surprised at how much of a difference it makes.
8. Wear loose-fitting clothes on long flights or train rides.
If you’re taking a long flight or train ride, wear loose-fitting clothing made of natural fibers like cotton or linen. Natural fibers breathe better than synthetic fibers and will help prevent you from getting too hot and sweaty during your travels.
Plus, loose-fitting clothing is more comfortable to travel in overall.
And if you happen to spill something on yourself while en route, loose-fitting clothes are much easier to spot clean than tight-fitting ones. Just remember to pack a Tide pen.
9. Hang up your clothes when you arrive at your hotel.
You know the feeling. You’ve just arrived at your hotel or Airbnb after a long day of travel, and you can’t wait to collapse into bed. But before you do, take a few minutes to hang up your clothes.
If you leave them in a pile on the floor or cramped in your suitcase, they will start to develop an unpleasant odor. Not only is this unpleasant for you, but it can also make the entire room smell.
You don’t want to be known as the person who ruined the hotel room for everyone else. So take a few minutes to hang up your clothes when you arrive, and enjoy the rest of your trip in peace.
10. Don’t overdo it on the perfume or cologne.
You don’t want an excessive fragrance smell in your suitcase when you get packing.
We get it, you want to smell nice while traveling. But trust us when we say that less is more when it comes to perfume or cologne. A little goes a long way, so don’t go overboard, or you’ll end up giving everyone around you a headache.
Apply your fragrance sparingly and only use it sparingly throughout the day as needed. This way, you’ll stay smelling nice without overwhelming the locals or your luggage.
11. Handwash clothes.
Many people don’t realize that hand-washing clothes while traveling can be a great way to avoid bad odors and keep your luggage smelling fresh. This is especially true for socks and underwear, which can get stinky after a day of wear.
All you need is a travel-sized detergent and a sink or bathtub. Simply add a small amount of detergent to the sink or tub, add your clothes, and scrub them with your hands. Then rinse them well and hang them up to dry. This, of course, is easier in warmer climates or if you have a balcony.
With just a little bit of effort, you can keep your clothes clean and fresh-smelling while on the road.
12. Place odor-busting baking soda for dirty laundry.
There’s nothing worse than opening your suitcase after a long trip to find that your clothes have picked up a musty odor. Fortunately, there’s an easy way to prevent this from happening.
Just place a small amount of baking soda in your luggage before you pack your clothes. The baking soda will help to absorb any bad smells, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean. Best of all, baking soda is inexpensive and easy to find, so there’s no excuse not to try this handy travel tip.
Conclusion
Bad smells in your luggage can ruin an otherwise enjoyable trip. But by following these simple tips, you can keep your luggage smelling fresh and clean no matter where your travels take you. So go ahead and pack your bags — just don’t forget the dryer sheets. Bon voyage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get rid of a new suitcase smell.
When you buy a new suitcase, it usually comes with a strong chemical smell that can be quite unpleasant. While the smell is not harmful, it can be very difficult to get rid of.
There are a few simple steps that you can take to eliminate the chemical odor from your new suitcase.
First, allow the suitcase to air out in a well-ventilated area for 24 hours. This will help to dissipate some of the fumes. Next, wipe down the inside and outside of the suitcase with a damp cloth.
Finally, place a bowl of vinegar inside the suitcase and close it tightly. After 24 hours, remove the vinegar, and your suitcase should be odor-free.
How to get musty smell out of a suitcase.
If you’ve ever opened a suitcase to find it smells musty, you know how icky it can be. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to get rid of that musty smell.
First, start by airing out the suitcase. If possible, set it outside in the sun for a few hours. If it’s not possible to take the suitcase outside, open it up and let it air out in a well-ventilated room.
Second, if the musty smell persists, try sprinkling some baking soda inside the suitcase. Then, close the suitcase and let it sit for a few hours before vacuuming up the baking soda.
Finally, if all else fails, you can try using a musty-smelling fabric freshener like Febreze. Simply spray the inside of the suitcase with the fabric freshener and let it dry before using the suitcase again.
With these simple tips, you can say goodbye to musty suitcases for good.
How to clean an American Tourister suitcase.
If you’re like most people, your American Tourister suitcase has probably seen better days. Maybe it’s been dragged through the airport a few too many times, or perhaps it’s just starting to show its age.
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to keep your suitcase clean and in good condition. After all, it’s your trusty companion on all of your adventures. So how do you clean an American Tourister suitcase?
The best way is to start by vacuuming it out with the attachment hose. This will remove any dust or dirt that has accumulated over time. Next, wipe down the exterior with a damp cloth. Be sure to pay special attention to any areas that seem particularly dirty or stained. Finally, use mild soap and warm water to wash the interior lining. Allow the suitcase to air dry completely before packing it for your next trip.
With just a little bit of care, your American Tourister suitcase will last for years to come.
How to clean Samsonite fabric luggage.
Samsonite fabric-made luggage is a great investment. It’s durable, stylish, and easy to care for. But over time, even the best luggage can start to show its age. Here are some tips for keeping your Samsonite fabric luggage looking its best.
First, be sure to empty your suitcase after each trip. This will help prevent dirt and grime from building up on the fabric. Second, if your Samsonite fabric luggage does get dirty, spot-clean it as soon as possible using a mild detergent and a soft brush. When you’re ready to pack your suitcase again, use a protective liner to help keep it clean. And finally, don’t neglect the hardware.
Periodically wipe down metal surfaces with a damp cloth to prevent corrosion. With a little care, your Samsonite fabric luggage will still look great even after years of use.
How to clean Bric’s luggage.
Travel can be a messy business — there’s no getting around it. That’s why it’s important to have luggage that can stand up to a little wear and tear. Bric’s is one brand that offers high-quality, durable luggage.
But even the best luggage needs a little TLC from time to time. Here are some tips for keeping your Bric’s luggage looking its best:
• Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe down the surface of the luggage. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the material.
• If your luggage has any removable parts (such as straps or wheels), be sure to clean these separately.
• Never store your luggage in an area where it will be exposed to extreme temperatures, as this can cause the material to warp or fade.
With a little bit of care, your Bric’s luggage will stay looking great for years to come.
