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How to Remove Mildew From a Vintage Suitcase

Vintage luggage can be great to own, for traveling of just for decoration around the home, but it is worthless if affected by mildew. There are different techniques for cleaning mildew from vintage luggage; which technique will be more appropriate depends on the type of suitcase and the quality of the mildew. Before you get started it is important to assess your luggage. Check whether the exterior is made of leather, suede, canvas or plastic. If the mildew is severe enough to have seriously damaged the lining, if you see any holes or weak spots in the fabric, it may be best to have it professionally replaced instead of trying to clean it yourself. Once you assess your luggage it's time to get started.

Things You'll Need

Vacuum with upholstery attachment
Horse hair brush
Damp cloth and/or sponge
Suede brush (for suede luggage)
Leather cleaner and dry cloth (for leather luggage)
Spray bottle
White vinegar and/or bleach
Soap
Water
3 percent hydrogen peroxide (optional)
Rubbing alcohol (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Vacuum the lining of the suitcase using an upholstery attachment. Heavy amounts of mildew should be brushed off outside to avoid scattering the spores through your home. A horse hair upholstery brush will work well.
- 2
  Wipe the luggage, inside and out, with a damp cloth or sponge if it is plastic, leather or canvas. If it is suede, wipe the lining with a cloth and use a brush to clean the suede, continuing with Steps 3 through 5 only on the lining. If it is leather, follow with a leather cleaner, such as saddle soap, rubbing it on the leather with a damp cloth until it forms a lather, then wiping it away with a dry cloth and allowing it to air dry.
- 3
  Fill the spray bottle with half cool water and half white vinegar. Spray the inside and outside of the luggage with the solution and wipe with a cloth or sponge. If the outside is still dirty, wipe it with pure white vinegar using a sponge or cloth.
- 4
  Thoroughly clean the spray bottle with soap and water or use another bottle. Fill the spray bottle with a solution of 1/4 teaspoon of bleach (color safe if the lining is not white), and 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide. Use this mixture to clean any tough stains that may be left on the lining. Skip this step if there are no remaining stains.
- 5
  Apply rubbing alcohol to spots where the worst mildew stains were and allow it to dry. This will prevent the spores from regenerating.
- 6
  Leave the luggage open in a dry place and allow it to dry fully. It is important that it dries completely so that no more mildew grows.

Antiquing