Strategies for Eliminating Unpleasant Odors from Travel Luggage
The thought of our bags usually only crosses our minds when we're gearing up for a trip. They're typically stashed away in closets or tucked into corners of the house, where they gather dust and eventually develop an unpleasant odor, often noticed just before we're due to depart.
This presents a problem because if we pack our clothes in smelly bags, they'll inevitably soak up the odor too. Luckily, there are some simple remedies to tackle this issue. From baking soda and vinegar to even a specific type of sand, there are various materials available to help banish those unwanted smells from our travel bags.
This presents a problem because if we pack our clothes in smelly bags, they'll inevitably soak up the odor too. Luckily, there are some simple remedies to tackle this issue. From baking soda and vinegar to even a specific type of sand, there are various materials available to help banish those unwanted smells from our travel bags.
1-Ventilation... the trusted old technique
If you wish to avoid being caught off guard by the unpleasant odor of your luggage before or during your trip, it's advisable to ventilate your bags as soon as the idea of going on vacation crosses your mind. Empty your bag, open up the pockets, and place it in a well-ventilated area. Leave it there for a while and observe how the foul smell starts to dissipate. It's recommended to employ this trick for a minimum of 30 minutes.
Very important, attempt to ensure that the location selected for ventilation is cool and that the bag remains in the shade, as exposure to sunlight may alter the color of the bag's interior section.
2- Baking soda trick
If the foul smell persists even after airing out the bags, it's necessary to clean them with a cloth dampened with water and unscented neutral soap along with some baking soda.
Prepare a mixture of soap, baking soda, and water in a container, soak the cloth in the mixture, then wring it out thoroughly and wipe it thoroughly inside the bag.
Upon completion, ensure the bag is placed in a location shielded from direct sunlight yet well-ventilated, and wait until the bag's fabric is completely dry before repacking clothes.
3-Scented pouches... the freshness your bag needs
After airing out and cleaning, simply closing and stowing the bag away again won't suffice, as the foul odor is likely to return if you do so. Hence, one effective method to keep the bag odor-free is by utilizing scented pouches.
While you can purchase these pouches, you can also craft them yourself using common household items. Utilize a cloth bag and fill it with rice, chalk, charcoal, or baking soda, then place it inside the bag, and you're done.
Furthermore, you can opt for aromatic plants so that the next time you unzip your bag, you'll be met with a delightful surprise rather than an unpleasant one, such as lavender and mint, among other dried herbs.
4-Vinegar with water is a successful solution
It's a commonly known fact that vinegar aids in removing foul odors, and it's typically highly effective in combating moisture; you'll blend a mixture of vinegar and water inside a spray bottle. The ideal blend consists of combining 3 parts water to 1 part vinegar.
Upon completion, ensure to place the bag outdoors and allow it to dry. If you don't have vinegar on hand, you can concoct the mixture using lemon juice.
5-White bread and vinegar make an unexpected combination
Search for a tall enough container to hold several pieces of bread, yet not overly large to hinder bag closure. Place the bread slices inside the container and saturate them with vinegar. Then, simply leave the container inside, seal the bag, and wait approximately a day for the bag odor to dissipate.
6-Cat litter is effective at absorbing unpleasant odors
Cat litter is often used to absorb moisture and odors in cat litter boxes. The same principle applies to using cat litter to eliminate bad odors from travel luggage. When placed inside a bag, the cat litter absorbs any moisture and odors present, helping to neutralize them and leaving the bag smelling fresher. Additionally, cat litter is designed to be highly absorbent, making it effective at trapping and containing odors. This can be particularly useful when dealing with items that may have absorbed unpleasant smells during travel. Overall, using cat litter in luggage is a simple and cost-effective method for deodorizing and keeping your belongings smelling clean and fresh.
If you have a bag emitting a foul odor, place this type of sand in it, then close it and leave it for a week. After that, open the bag and ensure the odor has disappeared, then dispose of the sand. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove any traces of sand, and finally, spray the bag with water and vinegar.
7-Newspaper balls for good results
Paper balls made from newspaper can help eliminate bad odors from travel luggage due to their absorbent nature. When placed inside a bag, the paper balls absorb moisture and odors, helping to neutralize them and leaving the bag smelling fresher. Additionally, newspaper contains charcoal, which is known for its odor-absorbing properties. As a result, the paper balls can effectively trap and contain odors, making them a simple and cost-effective method for deodorizing luggage.