Suitcase Care and Storage — Make It Last for Years

A good suitcase isn't cheap — but a well-cared-for one lasts a decade. Jammed wheels, broken zippers, and permanent stains usually come from neglect, not wear. Here is the simple routine.

Cleaning the shell

Hard shell (ABS, polycarbonate, polypropylene): warm water, a drop of dish soap, soft cloth. A melamine sponge removes scuffs — test on a hidden spot first, as it can dull glossy finishes. Never use acetone, solvents, or abrasives. Soft shell: brush or vacuum off dust, treat stains with mild soap solution and a soft brush, never soak the fabric, and air-dry away from sun and heaters.

Wheels, zippers, handle

• Every few trips, pull hair and threads off the wheel axles (tweezers help) and wipe them clean; a squeaky wheel gets silicone spray — not WD-40 on plastic.
• Clean the zipper with a dry brush and lubricate with wax or a graphite pencil; never force a stuck zipper.
• Wipe the telescopic handle tubes — sand inside jams the mechanism. Carry the case by its side handle on stairs; dragging it by the telescopic handle is the main way handles break.

Storage between trips

• Empty completely, clean, and dry open for 24 hours — moisture in a closed case means mold smell that never leaves.
• Drop in silica gel packets, store in a dry place away from direct sun (UV yellows and embrittles plastic).
• Nest smaller cases inside larger ones and use a cover or cotton cloth against dust.

Repair or replace?

A broken wheel or handle is usually worth repairing. A cracked shell corner or a zipper damaged along the perimeter usually costs as much as a new mid-range case — at that point, browse our suitcase catalog and organizers. Free Tbilisi delivery, cash on delivery, inspect with the courier before paying.