How to Clean an Away Suitcase
Away luggage needs a finish check before the first mark is touched. The matte Classic and Flex shell allows mild soap and the included melamine sponge for stubborn scuffs, while a Gloss shell requires microfiber and glass cleaner and can be damaged by that same melamine sponge. Aluminum uses a damp cloth and mild soap, and Softside fabric is spot-cleaned and left open in ventilation for at least 24 hours. Away also separates nylon front pockets from coated leather pockets. This guide covers current Classic, Flex, Gloss, Aluminum and Softside suitcases at the level of exterior, lining, pocket and zipper care. It does not treat scratches, dents or cracked shells as dirt, and it keeps every case open until hidden padding and seams are dry.
Published · Updated
Primary reference: Away official luggage care guide. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Check first
- Identify matte, Gloss, Aluminum, Softside, nylon pocket or leather pocket.
- Matte
- Use mild soap; reserve the included melamine sponge for stubborn marks.
- Gloss
- Use microfiber and glass cleaner—never a melamine sponge.
- Avoid
- Finish mixing, saturation, forced zippers, damp nesting and heavy storage loads.
- Ready when
- Shell, lining and pockets are dry and the zipper moves without force.
What you will need
- The Away care guide for the exact collection and finish
- Soft washcloths
- Mild soap
- The included melamine sponge for matte shells only
- Microfiber cloth and glass cleaner for Gloss shells
- A vacuum with a clean crevice tool
- A soft-bristled toothbrush for zipper teeth
- Zipper lubricant, plain bar soap or wax only when the guide permits it
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Identify the exact shell and finish
Determine whether the suitcase is matte Classic or Flex, Gloss, Aluminum or Softside. Look for a nylon or coated-leather front pocket as well. Empty the case, remove packing cubes and detach only accessories designed to come out. The finish decision determines whether a melamine sponge or glass cleaner is safe.
Step 2: Vacuum the interior
Open pockets and compression panels, then use a crevice tool to remove dust, crumbs and debris from the lining and corners. Keep the nozzle smooth and use low suction near mesh. Blot spills before they spread instead of grinding debris into damp fabric.
Step 3: Clean a matte hardshell
For a matte Classic, Flex, Aluminum Edge or applicable front-pocket shell, use a washcloth with mild soap for minor scuffs. Away allows the included melamine sponge on more stubborn matte-shell marks. Use light localized passes; a melamine sponge is abrasive and should not become an all-over polish.
Step 4: Use the separate Gloss method
On a Gloss shell, use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner as Away directs. Do not use a melamine sponge, which can damage the glossy finish. For a scratch, the care guide permits a dime-sized amount of car polish rubbed gently with microfiber, followed by two to three minutes of drying.
Step 5: Clean Aluminum or Softside correctly
Wipe Aluminum exterior and interior with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, avoiding abrasive cleaners; adhesive residue may be treated with an alcohol-based wipe as Away specifies. Spot-clean Softside with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, then leave it open in a dry ventilated area for at least 24 hours.
Step 6: Match the pocket material
Spot-clean a water-resistant nylon front pocket with a damp cloth and gentle soap. Use only a damp cloth without soap on premium coated leather. The pocket is not removable from the shell, so control moisture at the seams and do not soak it.
Step 7: Clean the zipper teeth
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove grime from zipper teeth. If the zipper remains stiff after debris is gone, Away permits zipper lubricant, bar soap or crayon or candle wax rubbed lightly on the teeth. Do not force the slider or overpack the suitcase.
Step 8: Dry and store without pressure
Leave the suitcase completely open until the shell seams, lining and pockets are dry. Store it in a cool, dry, clean place away from direct sun and extreme temperature swings. Do not stack heavy items on top, which can warp or crack a shell, and never nest a damp suitcase inside another.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.