There used to be a time when only the rich had the luxurious opportunity of owning custom-made luggage. Back then, suitcases were made of wooden boxes covered with fine cowhide leather and was lined with canvas and silk. They were all carefully crafted and hand-stitched.
Today, a vintage style suitcase is no longer just a status symbol. It’s more like a way of expressing one’s style and taste. These vintage suitcases can even be used to style a room or decorate a space in the house.
Since vintage luggage is not easy to find, it’s essential to maintain its cleanliness to keep it in good condition. By doing this, you can preserve its ingenious design and its story for a longer time.
How to cleanse your luggage
Gross smells and stains can easily be remedied by cleaning and airing out your luggage for a day or two. First, vacuum out all the contents of your handy luggage carry on the flight . There may be dirt particles and sediments in between creases and at the bottom.
Except for leather, most luggage and handbags can be cleaned inside out with mild soap and warm cloth. Lightly wipe the bag areas with the solution. For dirty areas like handles and straps, let the suitcase soak for a while. Air-dry your bag for one day to allow air to circulate.
If you have a vintage style suitcase made with leather, use leather cream that you can get from any shoe shop. Apply the cream on the luggage using a soft cloth. For suede, use a suede brush to gently remove the dirt.
Use bleach to get rid of stains and funky bag smell.
If your luggage or its lining is white, use a watered-down chlorine bleach solution. This solution is best for removing stains and any weird smell.
If your luggage is made with colored fabric, mix one-fourth teaspoon of bleach and one-fourth cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Use this solution with a soft clean cloth. Rub the cloth gently on the luggage’s surface until the stain is gone. Air-dry the luggage after cleaning.
Bad smell requires desperate measures. To eliminate the odor, after cleaning your luggage with a soapy cloth, put an air freshener inside it and leave it there for a week. It’s also a great idea to spray your bag with an anti-bacterial solution.
Replace old and worn-out zippers
Replacing the bag zippers can be tricky and frustrating. Zippers come in different sizes, with #5 being commonly used for lightweight bags. For larger bags, use #10 or #8 zippers instead. If you’re not sure, you can ask your local fabric store for the right zipper size.
If your vintage luggage has a metal zipper, it’s wiser and easier to replace it with a plastic one. Plastic zippers zip easier. They are also less prone to breaking. Remember that zippers can last for a long time if they are always clean. To keep the teeth from rusting, you can apply paraffin or bee’s wax on it.
Just like other things, if you take good care of your luggage, no matter how vintage it is, it can last for a decade or more. Make sure to keep it clean and pleasant with the tips shared above.
