Maintaining your hanging toiletry bag is easy and totally worth it! I know, these bags are the hero of hotel bathrooms everywhere – the handy, hanging bag designed to corral all those bottled potions and magical beauty wands.
In this article, we will share insider tips to keep your trusty hanging toiletry bag looking and functioning its best. From laundering to prevent stains and that dreaded mildew, to quick repairs for broken zippers or holes, consider this your guide to helping your home away from home stand the test of time and adventure.
With some basic care and maintenance, your bag can bounce back from every plane, train, or automobile you drag it onto. Let’s get started!
Laundering Tips to Keep Your Bag Like New
To keep your bag looking fresher than that seaweed wrap you got at the spa, regular laundering is a must. For frequent fliers, aim to wash at least once a month. If you only break out your bag for the occasional weekend getaway, you can stretch it to every two or three months.
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of actually cleaning this puppy. You have options when it comes to washing – from DIY handwashing to letting the machine work its magic.
Here is my take on the best hanging toiletry bags for travelers.
For handwashing, fill your sink or a bucket with cool water and a gentle detergent without dyes or fragrances that could leave a residue. Let the bag soak for 15 minutes or so, gently swirling and sloshing the water around to lift dirt and oils.
If using a washing machine, opt for cold water on the delicate or permanent press setting. Hot water can damage the material. Use a mild detergent recommended for delicates. Make sure to zip up all compartments to protect any inner pouches during the spin cycle.
To dry after handwashing, drain the dirty water and refill to rinse clean. Lay flat or line dry to air it out. With machine washing, use the delicate drying cycle or line dry as well. Avoid high heat, which breeds bacteria in damp environments.
Here’s a key tip – give zippered pouches and removable compartments the sink bath treatment now and then too. Bacteria love interior pockets, so wash them separately on occasion.
Keeping Your Bag Fresh: Beating Mildew
Mildew and mold are the evil twins that can wreak havoc on your trusty companion. Nothing ruins a vacation buzz faster than opening your bag to find science experiments growing in the crevices. Let’s explore some tips to keep the stink at bay.
First, allow thorough drying after each use and washing. Lay your bag flat or hang to dry completely before packing it up again.
When not traveling, store it open and breathable. Keeping it closed traps moisture, which mildew feeds on. If storing for an extended time, use moisture-absorbing inserts or bags inside to suck up any lingering dampness. Look for ones with activated charcoal for maximum moisture-fighting power.
Here’s a good habit – periodically wipe down the interior with an anti-mildew solution, focusing on pockets and pouches too. Look for products containing chlorine, bleach or thymol to kill existing mildew and prevent new growths.
Lastly, sunlight is the enemy of mildew. Let your bag get some sun time whenever possible, as direct sunlight inhibits mold growth.
Restore your travel bag to glory with these fixes
Even with TLC, our trusted travel buddy can start showing some battle scars after adventures far and wide. A little stitch in time can give aging bags new life. Grab that sewing kit, we’ve got this!
For small holes or seam splits, reinforce from the inside with an iron-on patch or fusible web tape. Cover the area with the adhesive side down, then seal with a hot iron per package instructions. Use a needle and coordinating thread to neatly topstitch the outer side and blend the repair.
Reattach loose straps or hardware with heavy duty adhesive. Look for epoxy or glue formulated for fabrics and plastics to get a strong bond. Clamp the parts together until fully cured.
If zippers give out, replacements can be ordered online or at craft stores for most bag styles. Take measurements to match size and color. Swapping a new zipper slide onto the existing zipper tape is an easier fix.
For total zipper replacement, carefully rip out the old one and use pliers to open the closed end stop. Insert the new zipper teeth into the seam openings and stitch back in place by machine or hand. Add new end stops to finish.
With a few strategic fixes, you can keep your bag looking great trip after trip. No need to throw in the towel over a busted strap or errant hole!
Keep it looking top notch! Secrets of pro bag maintenance.
To keep your trusty companion looking top notch, build these habits into your regular routine:
After each use, wipe away any spills, drips, or stains on the interior and exterior with a clean damp cloth. This prevents residue from setting in that could lead to dingy buildup over time.
Once home from a journey, inspect for any new damage or wear. Catching issues early allows for quick repairs before they worsen. Check zippers, seams, hardware and handles for trouble spots.
Every few months, give your bag a fresh waterproofing treatment to replenish durable protection from leaks and moisture damage. Spray-on formulations are easy to apply.
Keep things gliding smoothly by rubbing a little wax or lubricant along zipper teeth now and then. This helps prevent snags and sticking.
With consistent care, your sturdy companion can withstand years of excursions while still looking great. Following these simple maintenance steps will keep it in fighting shape trip after trip.
There you go – Maintaining your hanging toiletry bag
Maintaining your hanging toiletry bag is easy when you follow a few simple practices.
Following the tips outlined in this article for properly laundering your hanging toiletry bag, stopping mildew in its tracks, making fixes as needed, and general upkeep, you can help your hanging toiletry bag bounce back from every adventure while avoiding deterioration over time.
A little time invested in maintaining your hanging toiletry bag goes a long way toward preserving it and ensuring it withstands the rigors of travel. With these simple maintenance practices for your hanging toiletry bag, your indispensable organizing tool will stay by your side trip after trip, keeping your toiletries neat, tidy and ready for the next excursion.
