Washing & Removing the Interior Lining on a Samsonite SuitcaseUpdated 2 hours ago

If you travel often, your suitcase goes through a lot—dusty airport floors, spilled toiletries, stray crumbs, and sometimes even a bit of mystery grime. Fortunately, most Samsonite suitcases are designed so their interior linings can be cleaned, and in some cases, partially removed.

Below is a simple guide to help you safely remove (where possible), clean, and properly care for the interior lining of your Samsonite suitcase.

Before You Start

Samsonite uses several different construction designs across its softside and hardside models. Some linings fully unzip and detach; others are partially secured with hook-and-loop fasteners or sewn-in panels.
If your lining doesn’t easily lift away or unzip, don’t force it—Samsonite typically intends certain panels to stay attached.

What You’ll Need

• Mild laundry detergent or gentle soap

• Warm water

• Soft cloths or sponges

• Baking soda (optional for odor removal)

• A vacuum with a small nozzle attachment

• A soft brush (optional)

• A drying rack or clean towels

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Empty the Suitcase Completely

Remove everything from the interior pockets, pouches, and compartments. Unzip all pockets so you can reach every part of the lining.

2. Vacuum the Interior

Use a hand vacuum or a vacuum with a small upholstery nozzle to remove crumbs, dust, and loose debris.
Pay special attention to:

• Corners

• Mesh pockets

• Around the frame edges

3. Check Whether the Lining Is Removable

Most Samsonite hardside cases have a zippered lining panel covering the internal frame.
You can typically:

• Unzip this panel

• Lift it up to access the suitcase shell

But note:

• The entire lining is usually not designed to come out, just the divider panels.

• Softside models may have linings stitched to the frame and cannot be fully removed.

If your suitcase has:

• Zippered fabric dividers – these can be fully removed for washing.

• Hook-and-loop (Velcro) panels – gently detach them.

• Sewn-in linings – treat them as non-removable and continue with spot cleaning.

4. If the Lining Is Removable, Wash It by Hand

Fill a basin or sink with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent.
Then:

1. Submerge the removable panels or divider pads.

2. Gently agitate the fabric—no scrubbing or wringing.

3. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

4. Press between clean towels to remove excess moisture.

5. Hang until completely dry.

Avoid machine washing unless the manufacturer instructions for your exact model explicitly allow it.

5. Clean Non-Removable Linings

For sewn-in or partially removable linings:

1. Mix warm water with a small amount of gentle detergent.

2. Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution, wring it out well.

3. Wipe the lining in small circular motions.

4. Rinse with a clean damp cloth to remove soap residue.

5. Keep the suitcase open to air dry completely.

For odors, sprinkle baking soda inside, let it sit for several hours, then vacuum it out.

6. Clean Hard-to-Reach Areas

Use a soft brush and lightly damp cloth to work around:

• Corners

• Mesh pockets

• Behind straps

7. Reassemble the Suitcase

Once everything is completely dry:

• Reattach divider panels

• Re-zip any internal covers

• Smooth the lining back into place

Then leave the suitcase open for a few hours to ensure there's no trapped moisture.

Extra Tips

• Avoid soaking the entire suitcase. Water can get into frame components and cause warping or mildew.

• Never use bleach or harsh cleaners—they can weaken the fabric.

• Check pockets for spills regularly, especially if you carry cosmetics or liquids.

• Use packing cubes to keep the lining cleaner between deep washes.