From constant handling to major spills, toiletry bags get dirtier than you might think. Here’s how to properly clean them, no matter the material.
Toiletry bags are a must-have for keeping travel necessities neatly organized and condensed in one place. Of course, these handy bags aren’t just for travel; they can also be used to store cosmetics, hair accessories, hygiene products, and more.
Since toiletry bags typically store many items that can make a mess, they need to be cleaned often to keep them in good condition for future use. This guide covers how to properly clean your toiletry bag, including styles made of cotton, polyester, nylon, clear plastic, PVC, or leather.
What You’ll Need
Equipment / Tools
- Cloth
- Soft-bristle brush
Materials
- Mild fabric-safe cleaner
- Liquid laundry detergent
- Leather cleaner
Instructions
How to Clean Cotton, Polyester, or Nylon Toiletry Bags
Since these materials are typically safe in the washing machine, it is usually simple to clean them once they are properly prepped. However, always check the care label before putting them in the washing machine.
Remove Contents
Open the toiletry bag, including any pockets, and empty the contents. Then, hold the bag over a trash can, and gently shake out dirt, dust, hair, and other debris.
Wipe Interior
Use a mild fabric-safe cleaner and a cloth, or premoistened cleaning wipe, to wipe the interior of the toiletry bag. Spot treat stains on the exterior by applying a small amount of stain remover to a clean cloth and dabbing at the stains. Reapply the stain remover to the cloth and repeat as needed, then rinse the cloth well and gently dab the area with clean water to remove residue from the stain remover. Avoid scrubbing the stain, which can grind it deeper into the fibers and abrade the fabric.
Spot Treat Stains
Spot treat stains on the bag’s exterior by applying a small amount of stain remover to a clean cloth and dabbing at the stains. Reapply the stain remover to the cloth and repeat as needed, then rinse the cloth well and gently dab the area with clean water to remove residue from the stain remover. Avoid scrubbing the stain, which can grind it deeper into the fibers and abrade the fabric.
Optional: Machine Wash
If the toiletry bag needs an all-over clean, machine-wash it in cold water using a delicate or gentle cycle. Reshape and air-dry the bag.
How to Clean a Plastic or PVC Toiletry Bag
Whether made of clear plastic vinyl or PVC, these types of toiletry bags are easy to clean, even without a washing machine.
Empty Contents
Empty the contents of the toiletry bag, then upend it and gently shake it over a trash can to dislodge dust, hair, and other debris.
Fill a Basin with Cold Water and Detergent
Fill a basin, such as a sink, bathtub, or wash bin, with cold water and add a small amount of liquid laundry detergent or mild dish soap.
Submerge and Scrub Toiletry Bag
Submerge the toiletry bag in the sudsy solution, then gently scrub the bag’s interior and exterior with a light-colored cloth.
Rinse the Bag
Drain the water from the basin and rinse the bag well. Lingering soap residue can leave clear bags with a dull, cloudy appearance.
Towel Dry
Use a clean, absorbent towel to dry the toiletry bag. Then, hang or prop it upside down to finish drying. Placing the bag upside down prevents water from condensing in the bottom corners of the bag while it dries.
How to Clean a Leather Toiletry Bag
While a leather toiletry bag might take a little more care, it’s well worth it so that it will last for years (and lots of trips) to come.
Empty the Contents and Brush the Leather
Empty the contents of the toiletry bag and hold it upside down, then gently shake it over a trash can to dislodge dust, hair, and other debris. Then, use a dry soft-bristle brush to gently brush the entire exterior of the bag to remove dirt, dust, and other loose soils.
Wipe Interior
Use a mild fabric-safe cleaner and a cloth, or premoistened cleaning wipe, to clean the fabric-lined interior of the toiletry bag.
Apply Leather Cleaner to the Exterior
Apply a small amount of leather cleaner and conditioner to a soft brush or cloth. Using firm but gentle pressure and a circular motion, rub the cleaner into the leather.
Buff the Leather
Use a soft, light-colored cloth to wipe away residue from the leather cleaner and buff the bag.
Tips for Cleaning Spills Inside a Toiletry Bag
Spills on the interior of a toiletry bag can take many forms, and methods for cleaning them vary depending on what caused the mess. Read on for cleaning tips based on the specific spill.
To clean liquid spills: Use paper towels to blot up as much of the liquid as possible. When liquid no longer transfers onto the paper towels, spot treat any stains with a cleaner safe for the bag’s material.
To clean dry or powdery spills: Turn the toiletry bag upside down over a trash can and gently bang it a few times to dislodge as much of the dry matter as possible. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe out the interior of the bag.
To clean sticky spills: If a spill has dried and adhered to the toiletry bag, use the edge of a spoon or a butter knife to gently lift the substance up and away from the fabric. To treat a sticky spill that is still tacky, run a clean white cloth under very hot running water, wring it out until it is damp but not dripping, and hold it against the sticky mess. The steam and heat will loosen the stickiness, allowing you to wipe it away. Repeat this process as needed, and be mindful not to burn your hands when working with a steaming cloth.
For grease or oil spills: Use an absorbent powder, such as cornstarch or talcum, to slowly lift grease or oil stains. Place a mound of the absorbent powder on the grease stain and allow it to sit, undisturbed, for at least an hour up to overnight. Then, brush off the powder and wipe away any residue. If there are still traces of the stain, repeat the process.
