Eliminating Damp Odors from a Stale Suitcase
When a suitcase sits unused in a hot, damp spot, mold and mildew can flourish. Mold is a fungal growth, and its airborne spores settle on moist, warm surfaces, developing into a coating called mildew. This produces a stale odor. You can get rid of that smell in a suitcase by using everyday household products to destroy the mold and mildew.
By Sam Mitchell4 steps
Sunlight kills mold spores.
When a suitcase is left unused in a hot, damp spot, it becomes an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. Mold belongs to the fungi. Spores floating in the air land on surfaces where warmth and moisture exist, and over time they form a layer called mildew. Both mold and mildew give off a stale, earthy odor. If you notice this scent in a suitcase, you can get rid of it by using ordinary household items to destroy the mold and mildew.
Step 1
Move the suitcase outside so that you don't release mold spores into your home while cleaning.
Step 2
Use a clean toothbrush that you will throw away afterward to scrub spots where mold or mildew is visible. This will help dislodge some of the growth.
Step 3
Combine 1 cup white vinegar with 1 cup water. Soak a cleaning sponge in the mixture and wipe down the suitcase, both inside and out.
Step 4
Let the suitcase dry in the sun outdoors before you put it back into storage.
