9 Maintenance Tips for Making Your Luggage Last Longer

If you and your kiddos love traveling, durable luggage is a must. Your bags provide a safe place for you to store your clothes, souvenirs, and other belongings as you go from one place to another. Taking care of your luggage helps it last for years of travel, saving you money and shopping trips. Let’s discuss the top maintenance tips for making your luggage last longer.

Choose Quality Materials

Ensuring your luggage lasts for as long as possible starts with buying well-made bags. Shop for suitcases made with sturdy materials such as nylon, polycarbonate, or molded plastic. These materials can handle airline employees tossing them around on the tarmac.

Clean It

Dirt, grime, and occasional spills can wear down the material over time, compromising both its appearance and structural integrity. Inspect the suitcase’s exterior before and after each trip and wipe away any dirt or stains with a damp cloth. If you notice tougher stains, use a mild soap solution and gently scrub. Generally, caring for hard-shell suitcases is easier than caring for fabric ones since there’s nothing for stains to stick to.

Don’t Forget the Inside

As you clean the outside of your bag, you should also remove any debris from the inside. If the interior has a removable liner, wash it according to care instructions. You can also neutralize odors in the bag by leaving an open box of baking soda inside the suitcase for a few hours.

Understand the Material

Different materials require different levels of care and maintenance. Hard-shell luggage, typically made from polycarbonate, ABS, or aluminum, is highly durable but could become scratched if mishandled. Cleaning the bag, using non-abrasive products, and occasionally polishing the surface maintains its luster while reducing cosmetic damage.

Most manufacturers use nylon or polyester for fabric bags due to their strength. However, these materials are more susceptible to stains and tears.

The ideal bag material depends on personal preference and specific travel needs. Hard-shell suitcases are usually perfect for families that need durability and can handle rough handling during travel.

Inspect Bags Before Traveling

Another maintenance tip for making your luggage last longer is to check it for any damage before you travel. This way, you can catch any issues early on and prevent further damage while on the road. The last thing anyone wants is for their bag to fall apart as they move through airport security toward their gate.

You should also inspect all moving components, such as:

• Zippers
• Wheels
• Telescopic handle

Always check these areas of your suitcases well before your vacation so you can make any needed repairs or replacements in advance.

Properly Pack Bags

Nobody wants to drag several bags with them on vacation, but overstuffing your suitcase can result in damaged zippers and broken handles. Your bag should be easy to close and zip up—you shouldn’t have to sit on the bag to close it. Overloading your suitcase stresses the zipper, seams, and frame, which can cause the bag to break after a few uses.

To avoid overpacking your bag, lay out everything you need, then go through items again before placing them into the suitcase. Additionally, you can use packing cubes to organize your belongings and maximize space in your bag.

Handle With Care

Avoid dragging your suitcase over curbs or stairways on travel days since this could damage the handle or wheels. You should also avoid tossing your bag onto the luggage carousel or into the car.

Moving through the airport is stressful, but throwing your luggage around in haste could cause damage, which may mean more stress for you. Your suitcase is an investment, so handle it with care by lifting it when you navigate over obstacles and placing it gently on the ground.  

Store It Between Uses

You should have a designated “home” for your luggage anytime you don’t need to use it. This can be a basement, crawlspace, or closet, as these areas keep it out of the way. Avoid storing heavy items on your luggage, as constant compression can alter its shape or weaken its frame. Similarly, do not over-stuff it during off-seasons; an extended strain on structure or zippers will accelerate wear and tear.

Pro Tip

Using luggage covers during storage protects your bag against dust and accidental scrapes.

Label Your Luggage

Most people don’t associate buying a luggage tag with maintenance, but it reduces the risk of losing your bag. All suitcases—carry-on and checked bags—should have a tag clearly listing your name, home address, and phone number. You can also include a backup contact number so others can contact you if they find your luggage.

 

Replace Baggage As Needed

Sometimes, you can take amazing care of your luggage and still have it break down after years of use. For example, if a wheel falls off or the zipper starts to separate, it may be time for a replacement. By replacing old bags as needed, you can continue to travel with peace of mind, knowing your belongings are safe and secure in a reliable suitcase.

Tips for Buying Luggage for Kids

Luggage for children endures unique challenges, making quality a top priority. Look for items made from durable materials like polycarbonate or reinforced fabric that withstand the bumps of family travel. Handles and zippers should function smoothly but remain robust during frequent use.

Shop for Quality

Choose a suitcase with features designed for a child’s ease of use. Lightweight options with smooth-rolling wheels and secure locks simplify movement, ensuring their belongings remain safe. Multi-compartment designs also make packing more intuitive for young travelers.

Consider Bag Functionality

Durability and practicality should outweigh aesthetics when selecting kids’ luggage. While colorful designs may appeal to children, ensure the suitcase offers the functional features required for active use over multiple trips.

You may also consider buying a ride-on suitcase for your child since this doubles as a stroller, and you can bring it nearly anywhere. This way, your child can show off their independence and free up your hands for other tasks.

Shop at Younglingz

Younglingz sells kids’ ride-on luggage designed to make travel fun and easier for young families. With a variety of designs to choose from, there’s something every little boy and girl will love. Let your child pick their favorite suitcase and enjoy their excitement as they travel independently. We design our suitcases to last for several years of travel.