Simple Tricks to Get That Musty Smell Out of Your Bags

Call me a weirdo, but my backpack is my lucky charm. Whether it’s for a job interview or a date (yeah, I need luck there too!), I’ll always bring it with me. It holds a little bit of everything I need: makeup, money, meds, food and a screwdriver. But, last time I stuck my nose down inside it, well, I could have been the first person to actually die of bag odor.

If you don’t want to suffer the same fate as me, here are some tricks to deodorize your bags.

Disinfecting Non-Washable Bags

Let the Bag to Air Out Outside

A simple airing out is often all that is required for a bag to smell nicer. Open the bag and set it aside for a day. After a few hours, check to see if the scent has improved. If this is the case, you do not need to take any additional precautions to disguise scents.

Choose a good day to air out the bag so it doesn’t get rained on. You could also put the bag in your garage with the door open or on a covered porch for a similar effect. And, remember to bring the bag back inside to thoroughly test the odor. You may not be able to detect all scents outside.

To Eliminate Odors, Wipe the Interior of the Bag With a Vinegar Solution

Make a solution of warm water and white vinegar at a ratio of one to one. Stir with a drop of dish soap to produce suds. Then, using a clean sponge or towel, squeeze out the mixture. Using a moist sponge or rag, scrub the interior of the bag, rewetting as needed.

Keep in mind that the sponge should not be saturated. Check to make sure it’s simply moist.

If you’re not sure what material the bag is made of, dab a little amount of this solution in a hidden location and leave it for a few minutes. If there is no discoloration or damage, it should be fine for the rest of the bag.

You may simply fill a spray bottle with simple vinegar and softly mist the interior of the bag.

If the Stench Persists, Use a Store-Bought Deodorizing Spray

Open the bag and spray it with a professional odor remover, such as unscented Febreze or Lysol. Allow the bag to air out by leaving it open. Check to see if the stink has been eliminated once the spray has dried.

You may also use a scented product, but the fragrance may be too strong.

However, only spray the interior of a handbag while cleaning it. It may leave a mark on the bag’s outside, especially if it’s made of leather.

Sprinkle Baking Soda Inside the Bag to Absorb Any Lingering Scents

Baking soda can help to eliminate scents around your house, especially those found within your bags. Sprinkle some inside the bag, or place some in a plastic bag and leave it open within the bag. Close the bag and let the baking soda to absorb the scents for a few hours.

A baking soda pod meant for refrigerators can also be used. This keeps the baking soda confined and prevents you from creating a mess with it.

For One Week, Place Kitty Litter Inside the Bag to Absorb Undesirable Odors

Weird but effective; kitty litter includes deodorizing ingredients and can operate in the same way as baking soda does. Leave some in a cup or open plastic container in the bag. Seal the bag and let it aside for up to a week for the kitty litter to absorb the odor.

Place the bag in an area where it will not be knocked over. It will be tough to get all of the kitty litter out of the bag if it leaks.

For a Potpourri Effect, Use Dry Coffee Grinds

Coffee grinds may absorb odors while also providing a nice scent to mask any lingering aromas. Fill a coffee filter halfway with dried coffee grounds. Twist the top closed and secure it with a rubber band. Then, seal the bag and leave it overnight to see if the odor improves.

If you enjoy the fragrance, you may keep the coffee grounds in the bag for a longer period of time. Place the filter in a secure location where it will not be damaged.

For an even greater impact, experiment with other coffee tastes such as French vanilla or hazelnut.