How to Clean Nylon Luggage [Best Tips and Tricks]
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Most dirt on nylon luggage (or even polyester) comes off with soap, water, and a soft cloth. The steps below cover emptying the bag, cleaning the lining, washing the shell, and treating zippers and wheels.
Follow the steps below for the entire process, or just below for an FAQ on cleaning luggage yourself.
Cleaning Nylon Luggage in 10 Easy Steps
Cleaning the Interior
- Remove all items
Start by emptying the bag completely and detaching any removable pockets. Then open every zipper and shake the bag out hard; most of the loose grit leaves before you have touched it with a cloth.
- Vacuum the bag
Once the bag is empty, vacuum it. A handheld vacuum reaches seams and pocket corners better than a full-size hose, but a standard vacuum works. Vacuum inside the pockets too.
If you don't already own one, a cordless handheld vacuum makes this step much faster and reaches the corner seams a full-size hose cannot.
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- Clean the removable pockets
Wash removable liners or pockets the way the care tag says. If the tag allows machine washing, use that cycle. If it says hand-wash, use warm water and a small amount of laundry detergent, then hang the pockets to air dry.
- Clean the nylon lining
Wash the nylon lining with a damp soft washcloth and laundry detergent. Nylon scuffs if you scrub it hard, so keep the pressure light. For stains that mild detergent will not lift, work baking soda and water in with an old toothbrush.
- Clean hard plastic linings
Wipe any hard plastic lining with mild laundry detergent and a soft cloth, then dry it immediately with a towel so watermarks do not set. If you are replacing a bag that will not come clean, our best travel backpacks for men roundup is the next stop.
- Air-dry the luggage bag
Once the interior is clean, air-dry the bag until it is fully dry. Residual moisture is what feeds mildew and the smell that comes with it.
Cleaning the Exterior
- Remove dirt and debris
Brush dirt and dust off the exterior. A handheld vacuum is faster on larger bags. Canvas and nylon take different cleaning, and our canvas vs nylon comparison covers how each material wears.
- Wash the exterior
Once the loose dirt is gone, wipe the exterior with a damp washcloth, water, and mild laundry detergent. For tough stains, use baking soda and water. Dry the bag immediately with a towel or a hand dryer.
- Clean latches and zippers
Wash latches and zippers with warm soapy water and a damp washcloth. Rotate each wheel a full turn so mud and grit come out of the housing. Dry them immediately so moisture does not sit in the hardware. If the bag has metal hardware on the outside, use a scrubber or steel wool.
- Air dry your luggage bag
Once the exterior is clean, open the suitcase and hang it outside until the fabric is dry.
Tips on how to protect your luggage bag from damage
Apply a fabric protector spray
A fabric protector spray can keep stains from setting in nylon. Check the manufacturer's instructions before you apply it. Nylon and polyester take different care, which is the split in our nylon vs polyester backpack comparison.
Scotchgard’s outdoor formula is the one we would reach for on a nylon bag, because it is rated for the same fabrics luggage is cut from.
Scotchgard Outdoor Formula
Apply lacquer on metal hardware
Metal lacquer on exterior hardware adds a barrier against scratches.
Always store your nylon luggage bag safely
Soft nylon picks up dust in storage faster than hard luggage. Store the bag in a clean, dry place. Check the area for musty odors, leaks, and mildew before you leave it there, because those will damage the fabric.
Spray air freshener
If the bag still smells after it dries, spray an air freshener into the open case, not directly onto the nylon.
Frequently asked questions about cleaning nylon luggage
Can I dry clean my nylon luggage?
Yes, you can dry-clean nylon luggage. Take it to a professional dry cleaner rather than a home kit if the stains are set.
Can I clean my nylon luggage with vinegar and baking soda?
Yes. Baking soda and vinegar lift stains that regular laundry detergent leaves behind.
Sprinkle dry baking soda on the nylon, then work it in with an old toothbrush. Vacuum the bag to remove dirt, debris, dust, and leftover baking soda.
Mix vinegar and water 1:2, then wipe the mixture onto the nylon until the fabric is damp. Leave it for about 10 minutes.
Wipe it off with a dry cloth, then air-dry the bag in an open space until the vinegar smell is gone.
Can I machine wash nylon luggage?
Don't machine-wash a nylon suitcase. Most bags will not fit, and forcing one in will stress the fabric, frame, and hardware.