Treat a stain as soon as reasonably possible — the longer it sets, particularly on light-colored fabric, the harder it becomes to fully remove. Mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water, apply with a soft brush or cloth, and work from the outside edge of the stain inward, which prevents pushing the stain outward into a larger area.
Avoid harsh solvents or bleach on colored fabric, which can cause discolouration worse than the original stain. For a stubborn stain that doesn’t lift with mild soap, a dedicated fabric stain remover formulated for the specific fabric type (check the case’s care label if available) is safer than experimenting with household chemicals not designed for luggage-grade fabric.
Rinse thoroughly after treating to remove all soap or cleaner residue, which can attract more dirt if left in the fabric, and allow the case to air-dry fully before storing or repacking it.
Last reviewed 26 August 2026