If your favorite purse, gym bag, or tote has started to develop an unpleasant smell, don’t panic. Bags can easily trap odors from sweat, moisture, perfume, food, or gym clothes. Fortunately, there are several proven ways to get rid of musty, smoky, or chemical smells using simple household items.
This guide will show you how to get bad smells out of purses, gym bags, totes, and backpacks with natural deodorizers like vinegar, baking soda, coffee grounds, and more. You’ll also learn how to wash machine-safe bags and prevent odors from returning.
The Best Way to Deodorize a Bag
Start by opening the bag wide and letting it air out in the sun for a few hours. Then, mix a 1:1 solution of white vinegar and warm water with a drop of dish soap. Wipe down the inside with a soft cloth or sponge.
If the smell persists, leave a natural deodorizer inside — like baking soda, activated charcoal, kitty litter, or dry coffee grounds — for a day or two. These absorb bad odors and leave your bag smelling fresh again.
How to Remove Odors from Non-Washable Bags
1. Air Out the Bag
Place the bag outside or on a covered porch to air it out for several hours. Fresh air and sunlight help eliminate odors naturally. Avoid leaving it in direct sunlight for too long to prevent fading.
Tip: Always bring the bag back inside to test the smell, as outdoor air can mask lingering odors.
2. Wipe with a Vinegar Cleaning Solution
Make a cleaning mix with equal parts warm water and white vinegar, plus a drop of dish soap. Dampen a soft cloth or sponge (don’t soak it), and wipe the interior of the bag. Let it air dry in a ventilated area.
If you’re unsure about the material, test a small hidden spot first. For delicate fabrics, you can also lightly spray vinegar or rubbing alcohol inside to neutralize smells.
3. Use Baking Soda to Absorb Odors
Baking soda is a powerful natural deodorizer. Pour some into a small open container, sock, or plastic bag and place it inside your purse or gym bag. Close it up and leave it for a couple of days to absorb unwanted odors.
Alternative: Use a refrigerator baking soda pod for a cleaner and less messy option.
4. Try Activated Charcoal Packs
Activated charcoal traps odor molecules and keeps bags fresh. Place 1–2 charcoal bags inside and close your bag for 24 hours. If the smell remains, replace them with fresh charcoal and leave it for another day.
5. Use Kitty Litter to Remove Persistent Smells
Kitty litter works well for deeply embedded odors. Pour some into a small cup, sock, or open container and seal it inside the bag for up to a week. It will draw out musty or chemical smells effectively.
Tip: Choose unscented litter to avoid overpowering fragrances.
6. Freshen Up with Coffee Grounds
Dry coffee grounds not only absorb odor but also add a pleasant scent. Fill a coffee filter halfway with grounds, tie it with a rubber band, and place it in your bag overnight. Replace as needed until the smell disappears.
Try flavored varieties like vanilla or hazelnut for a richer aroma.
7. Keep Silica Gel Packs Inside
Silica gel absorbs moisture and prevents musty smells. Toss a few silica packets inside your purse, tote, or gym bag and replace them when they become damp.
Regular use of silica gel also prevents mold and moisture damage in leather or fabric bags.
8. Add Dryer Sheets or Scented Sachets
If any odor lingers, mask it with a pleasant scent. Place a dryer sheet, potpourri sachet, tea bag, or cotton ball with essential oil inside the bag. Replace it whenever the scent fades.
9. Use a Store-Bought Deodorizing Spray
If home remedies don’t work, apply a commercial odor eliminator like Febreze or Lysol inside the bag. Keep the bag open while it dries completely. Avoid spraying the exterior if it’s leather or delicate fabric to prevent staining.
How to Wash Nylon and Canvas Bags
Some gym bags, backpacks, and totes are machine washable, making it easier to remove odors and stains.
1. Check the Care Label
Look for “Machine Wash” or the bucket symbol on the tag. If it has a handwash symbol, clean it gently by hand instead. Avoid washing leather or structured handbags in a machine.
2. Shake Out Dirt and Debris
Empty the bag and shake it upside down over a trash can. You can also use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust or lint.
3. Wash Gently
Place the bag in the washing machine alone on a delicate cycle using mild detergent and warm water. If it has straps or attachments, remove or protect them inside a mesh laundry bag.
4. Add Vinegar to Kill Odor
Pour ½ cup of white vinegar into the rinse cycle to naturally eliminate any lingering smell.
5. Air-Dry Completely
Avoid using a dryer. Instead, reshape the bag and let it air dry in a ventilated space or outdoors away from direct sunlight. A fan can speed up drying time.
How to Prevent Odors from Returning
1. Clean Regularly
Wipe out your bag every 1–3 months, depending on how often you use it. Clean spills right away, and don’t let dirty clothes or food stay inside.
2. Store in a Cool, Dry Place
After using your bag, open it up and store it in a cool, dry area like a closet or bedroom. Avoid humid spots like bathrooms or kitchens that can cause mildew and odors.
3. Use a Dust Bag for Storage
For long-term storage, place your purse or tote inside a breathable dust cover or cotton bag. Add a few silica gel packets to absorb moisture and keep it smelling fresh.
Conclusion
Bad smells in bags are easy to fix with a few simple household materials. Whether you use vinegar, baking soda, charcoal, or coffee, these methods naturally absorb odors without damaging your bag. Regular cleaning and proper storage will keep your purse or gym bag smelling clean and fresh for years.