How to Clean a RIMOWA Suitcase
RIMOWA aluminum and polycarbonate suitcases share one approved Care Cream, but they should not be attacked with scouring pads or general solvent because abrasion and chemicals can change the shell. RIMOWA's official process uses three clean soft cloths, warm water no hotter than about 104°F and a small amount of care cream applied to the cloth. Sticker removal begins with a plastic card rather than a metal scraper. The interior is vacuumed after dividers and straps are removed, while liquid stains are dabbed with a warm-water cloth. This guide covers RIMOWA aluminum and polycarbonate luggage. It distinguishes removable rubber travel marks and adhesive from dents, deep scratches and the developing aluminum patina that cleaning cream cannot rebuild or erase safely. Leather cases and leather components use a separate Leather Care Spray path and should not receive shell cream or prolonged water exposure.
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Primary reference: RIMOWA official suitcase cleaning tutorial. Always check the manual for your exact model.
Quick reference
- Check first
- Separate aluminum or polycarbonate shell from leather components.
- Shell clean
- Apply care cream to a cloth, rub gently and wipe excess with warm water.
- Interior
- Remove dividers, vacuum with a soft brush and dab stains.
- Avoid
- Bleach, ammonia, acetone, scouring pads, metal scrapers and saturation.
- Ready when
- Shell and lining are dry, residue-free and structurally sound.
What you will need
- The RIMOWA care guidance for the suitcase material
- RIMOWA Aluminum & Polycarbonate Care Cream
- Three clean soft cloths
- A bowl of warm water at 104°F or below
- A plastic card for sticker removal
- A vacuum with a clean soft-brush attachment
- RIMOWA Leather Care Spray for separate leather components only
- A ventilated drying area
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Identify aluminum, polycarbonate and leather
Confirm the collection and shell material. Aluminum and polycarbonate can use RIMOWA's combined care cream; leather suitcases and trim use Leather Care Spray and their own cloths. Empty the case, remove detachable dividers and straps, and keep any electronic tag or lock dry.
Step 2: Remove loose dust and dirt
Use one clean soft cloth to lift dust from the shell before cream is applied. Wipe around grooves, handles and wheel housings without forcing grit into seams. Do not scrub dry particles across glossy polycarbonate or brushed aluminum.
Step 3: Spot-clean travel marks
Put a small amount of RIMOWA Aluminum & Polycarbonate Care Cream on a second clean cloth. Dab the affected area, then rub gently in a circular motion until the mark is reduced. Keep the product localized rather than coating the entire case heavily.
Step 4: Remove excess cream
Dampen the third cloth with warm water no hotter than about 104°F and wipe away all excess cream. Inspect from several angles for residue in the shell grooves. Wash your hands after application as RIMOWA directs.
Step 5: Remove stickers without metal tools
Lift an airline sticker slowly with a plastic card. For remaining adhesive, place a small amount of care cream on a clean cloth and use the same gentle circular method, then wipe with the warm damp cloth. Do not use a razor blade or aggressive adhesive solvent.
Step 6: Vacuum the interior
Remove the Flex Divider and straps when designed to detach, open zipped compartments and carefully vacuum the lining with a soft-brush attachment. Use low suction near loose threads and avoid dragging a hard nozzle across trim.
Step 7: Dab interior spills
Blot a fresh liquid spill promptly. Clean the lining with a clean soft cloth dampened with warm water, working from the outside toward the center. Do not saturate the lining or close the suitcase until the padding and seams have dried.
Step 8: Inspect, dry and store
Leave the case open in room airflow. Avoid bleach, ammonia, acetone and scouring pads, which RIMOWA warns can damage the surface and material integrity. Once dry, reinstall dividers and straps, check wheel movement and store the case where heavy objects will not distort it.
Specific cleaning questions
Open a question for a concise answer about stains, odors, safety, frequency, and troubleshooting.