How do I get a smell out of a suitcase?

Start by airing the case out completely — leave it fully open in a well-ventilated room for at least a full day rather than a few hours. Most musty suitcase smells come from trapped moisture in seams and lining rather than surface dirt, and airing addresses the actual cause.

Once aired, an open container or a cloth pouch of baking soda left inside the closed case for a day or two absorbs residual odor effectively and is safe on fabric linings that stronger deodorizing sprays can sometimes discolour or stain.

For a smell that persists after both steps, check specifically for hidden dampness in interior pockets or under a removable lining — an isolated damp spot missed during the initial airing can keep producing odor long after the rest of the case seems dry.