How to Extend the Life of Your Travel Accessories
Quality travel accessories are an investment. They bring order to your suitcase, add comfort to your journey, and make life on the road more convenient. Like any good investment, they deserve proper care. By adopting a few simple maintenance habits, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your favorite gear, save money, and reduce your environmental footprint.
Caring for your accessories is about more than just keeping them clean; it’s a sustainable practice. Every item you maintain is one less item that ends up in a landfill. This guide will provide practical, eco-friendly tips for cleaning, storing, and repairing your travel gear, ensuring it’s ready for many adventures to come. We’ll even look at how to care for specific popular items so you can get the most out of them.
The Importance of Proper Cleaning
Cleaning your accessories after each trip is the single most important step you can take to prolong their life. Dirt, dust, moisture, and leftover sunscreen or food particles can degrade fabrics and materials over time, leading to discoloration, bad odors, and weakened seams.
Spot Clean First: Before doing a full wash, try spot cleaning stains or marks with a damp cloth and mild soap. For travel, a travel-size body wash can be a gentle and convenient alternative for spot cleaning fabrics while on the go.
General Cleaning Principles
Before washing any item, always check for a care label. If one isn’t available, start with the gentlest method.
Spot Clean First: For minor stains or dirt, spot cleaning is often sufficient. Use a soft cloth with a mixture of mild soap and water. This uses less water and is less abrasive than a full wash.
Choose Eco-Friendly Soaps: Opt for biodegradable, plant-based soaps. These are gentler on fabrics and better for the environment, especially if you’re rinsing them outdoors while camping. Travel size toiletries are ideal for packing and can be used for cleaning accessories during travel.
Air-Dry Whenever Possible: The high heat of a machine dryer can damage many materials, including plastics, waterproof coatings, and delicate fabrics. Air-drying is the most eco-friendly and gentle option. Hang items in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight, which can cause colors to fade.
Caring for Your Favorite Travel Fanatics Gear
Different accessories require different care. The following sections provide a full review of care and maintenance tips for popular travel accessories. Let’s break down how to maintain some travel essentials to ensure they last for years.
The "Wash Me & Wear Me" Canvas Laundry Bag for Clean and Dirty Clothes
Your laundry bag works hard to keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones. To keep it fresh and functional, proper cleaning is key.
How to Clean: The Wash Me & Wear Me Canvas Laundry Bag is made of durable canvas, which is easy to care for. After emptying the “Wash Me” side into your washing machine, simply turn the bag inside out and toss it in with the load. Use a cold water cycle to prevent shrinking and protect the printed design.
Drying and Storage: Let the bag air-dry completely before storing it. This prevents mildew and musty smells. Once dry, fold it flat and keep it with your other travel gear so it’s always ready for your next trip.
Extra Tip: For added organization, use ziplock bags to seal particularly smelly or dirty laundry, like socks and underwear, before placing them in your laundry bag. This helps contain odors and keeps your clean clothes protected from stains and smells during travel.
The Reusable Swim Bag
A waterproof bag is a traveler’s secret weapon, perfect for wet swimsuits, leaky toiletries, or protecting electronics. Its waterproof lining requires specific care.
How to Clean: The Reusable Swim Bag should be cleaned by hand to protect its waterproof properties. After use, turn it inside out and wipe the interior lining with a damp cloth and mild soap. Rinse it thoroughly with cool water. For the exterior, spot clean as needed. Avoid putting it in the washing machine, as the agitation can damage the waterproof seal.
Drying and Storage: Leave the bag inside out to air-dry completely. Ensuring the interior is 100% dry before you store it is crucial for preventing mold.
Extra Tip: Use the swim bag to store toiletry kits or a toiletry bag to prevent leaks from spreading to your clothes. You can also use it to carry a water bottle separately from electronics, keeping your gear organized and protected.
The Mini Microbead Pillow
Your travel pillow provides essential comfort, but it also absorbs oils from your skin and hair. Keeping it clean is important for both hygiene and longevity.
How to Clean: The Travel Fanatics Mini Microbead Pillow should be spot-cleaned. Use a damp cloth and a small amount of gentle detergent to treat any specific stains. Submerging a microbead pillow can be tricky, as it can take a very long time to dry and the beads can clump. If you would like to try to wash in the machine alone on hand wash cycle then use an enclosed case such as our double layered mesh bag to keep the pillow protected while washing.
Freshening Up: To freshen the pillow between cleanings, sprinkle it with baking soda, let it sit for about 30 minutes, and then vacuum it thoroughly with a brush attachment. You can also let it air out in a breezy, shaded spot.
Smart Storage for Longevity
How you store your gear between trips is just as important as how you clean it. Improper storage can lead to damage, deformities, and a shorter lifespan.
To make the most of your luggage space and suitcase space, consider organizing miscellaneous items—such as chargers, headphones, and sunglasses—in dedicated pouches or packing sacs. This not only keeps your travel accessories protected but also ensures there is enough room for all your essentials, making packing more efficient and organized.
Find a Dedicated Space
Designate a specific closet, drawer, or set of bins for your travel gear. This not only keeps you organized but also protects your items from being crushed or damaged by everyday household items.
Key Storage Tips with Packing Cubes
Clean Before Storing: Never store gear while it’s dirty or damp. This is a recipe for mold, mildew, and permanent stains.
Avoid Compression: While space-saving bags are great for packing, they are not deal for long-term storage. Keeping items like pillows or jackets compressed for months can permanently damage their loft and structure.
Protect from Pests: Store items in sealed plastic bins to protect them from dust and pests. For natural fibers like canvas, you can add cedar blocks or lavender sachets as a natural moth repellent.
Use Packing Cubes: Place smaller items in a packing cube before storing them in bins. Packing cubes help keep clothes and accessories organized, separated, and easy to access when you need them.
Protecting Your Tech and Electronics
Traveling with tech is a fact of modern life, whether you’re carrying a laptop for work, a camera for capturing memories, or a cell phone to stay connected. Keeping your electronics safe and organized not only protects your investment but also ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips, no matter where your journey takes you.
Using a Tech Pouch for Device Safety
A tech pouch is one of the smartest travel accessories you can add to your packing list. Unlike tossing chargers, cables, and gadgets loosely into your carry on bag or suitcase, a dedicated tech pouch keeps all your stuff in one secure, organized place. Look for a pouch with padded compartments and sturdy zippers to shield your devices from bumps and spills. Multiple pockets make it easy to separate items like headphones, power banks, and adapters, so you’re not digging through a tangle of cords in your hotel room or at airport security.
Staying organized with a tech pouch also means you’re less likely to forget essential items or leave something behind. Pair your tech pouch with packing cubes or a hanging bag to keep clean and dirty clothes separate, and you’ll have a streamlined system for all your personal items. This approach not only protects your electronics but also helps you stay organized throughout your trip.
Maintenance Tips for Electronic Accessories
Taking care of your electronic accessories is just as important as protecting them from physical damage. Here are some simple habits to help your tech gear last longer and perform better on every trip:
Clean Your Devices Regularly: Wipe down screens, keyboards, and cases with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage sensitive surfaces. A quick clean after a long trip can prevent buildup of dust and grime.
Update Your Software: Before you head out, make sure your devices are running the latest software. Updates often include important security patches and performance tweaks, which are especially useful when traveling to many countries with different networks.
Charge Responsibly: To extend battery life, try to keep your devices charged between 20% and 80%. Avoid letting batteries drain completely or leaving them plugged in overnight, especially in warm climates or cold weather, where temperature extremes can affect battery health.
Use Protective Cases: Invest in durable cases for your phone, tablet, and camera gear. A good case can prevent scratches, dents, and even water damage if you get caught in the rain.
Pack Smart: When packing light, use compression bags to save space in your carry on luggage or travel backpack. Place your tech pouch in an easily accessible spot, so you can quickly remove it for airport security checks. A digital luggage scale can help you avoid overweight fees, especially if you’re carrying extra camera gear or a laptop stand.
By following these tips and making a tech pouch a staple in your travel gear, you’ll keep your electronics safe, organized, and ready for whatever your next trip brings. Whether you’re heading out on a long trip, a road trip, or international travel, a little extra care goes a long way in protecting your most valuable travel accessories.
The Eco-Friendly Art of Repair
In a world of disposable products, choosing to repair an item is a powerful act of sustainability. Many common issues with travel gear can be fixed with a little effort.
High-quality items like Darn Tough socks, merino wool garments, and versatile travel pants are designed for durability and performance. When these items show signs of wear, consider repairing them—Darn Tough socks (often called "darn toughs") and merino wool clothing can often be mended, and travel pants can be patched or altered. This approach extends the useful life of your gear and reduces waste.
Simple DIY Repairs
Fix a Stuck Zipper: Don’t force it. Rub the teeth of the zipper with a graphite pencil, a bar of soap, or some wax from a candle. This lubrication can often get it moving again smoothly.
Patch a Small Hole: For canvas bags or backpacks, an iron-on patch is a quick and easy fix. For waterproof items, use a special waterproof patch kit (found at outdoor-supply stores) to maintain the seal.
Test Repairs with a Ziplock Bag: After patching or repairing an item, place it in a ziplock bag for 48 hours—especially in warm conditions—to check for leaks or lingering odors. This simulates real travel scenarios and helps ensure your fix will hold up.
Restitch a Seam: A simple needle and thread can fix a loose seam on a bag or pillowcase. Learning a basic running stitch is a valuable life skill for any traveler.
When to Seek a Professional
For more significant damage, like a broken zipper on a suitcase or a large tear in a backpack, a professional repair may be worth it. If you have a checked bag, seeking out a specialist for repairs can help ensure your luggage is ready for longer trips and meets airline requirements. Additionally, investing in a durable single bag can be a smart choice for travelers who want a versatile, reliable option that covers a range of travel scenarios. Cobblers and luggage repair shops can often work wonders, saving a favorite item from the landfill for a fraction of the cost of a replacement.
Your Gear is Ready for the Next Adventure
By investing a little time in care and maintenance, you can ensure your travel accessories serve you well for years to come. Proper cleaning, smart storage, and a willingness to repair are the pillars of a sustainable travel practice. These habits not only extend the life of your gear but also foster a more mindful and appreciative approach to the things you own.
Most travelers can extend the life of their accessories by packing only what is needed for most trips, whether short getaways or long trips. Using versatile shoes, a day bag, a personal item, and packing cubes—such as those from Eagle Creek—helps keep things organized for cold climates, warm weather, and winter travel. Flip flops, a down jacket, t shirts, and organizing other stuff like socks and underwear in packing cubes make packing efficient and adaptable. Over the past few years, travel habits and safety needs have evolved, so preparing for your upcoming trip with the right gear is more important than ever.
Your well-cared-for accessories will be ready to go whenever adventure calls!
