How to Remove Odor from Bags

Co-authored by Laura Smith

Last Updated: June 22, 2022 References

Gym bags, backpacks, and pocketbooks can all start smelling unpleasant over time. Fortunately, there are many ways to remove this odor and keep your bags smelling like new. Most pocketbooks and handbags aren't washable, so use a variety of home deodorizing methods to absorb or mask unpleasant smells. If your bag is washable, a thorough cleaning in the machine can keep it smelling fresh.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Deodorizing Non-Washable Bags

1
Leave the bag outside to air it out. Sometimes, a good airing out is all a bag needs to smell better. Open the bag up and leave it outside for a day. Check it after a few hours to see if the smell has improved. If so, you don’t have to take further steps to mask odors.^{[1]
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- Pick a nice day to air the bag out so it doesn’t get rained on. Alternatively, you could leave the bag in your garage with the door open or a covered porch for a similar effect.
- Remember to bring the bag back inside to really test the smell. You might not fully smell odors outside.
2
Wipe the inside of the bag with a vinegar solution to remove smells. Make a 1:1 solution of warm water and white vinegar. Add a drop of dish soap and stir it to make some suds. Then dip a clean sponge or rag into the mixture and squeeze it out. Scrub the inside of the bag with the damp sponge or rag, rewetting it as needed.^{[2]
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- Remember that the sponge shouldn’t be soaked. Make sure it’s only damp.
- If you aren’t sure what type of material the bag is made of, put a small dab of this solution in a hidden spot and let it sit for a few minutes. If you don’t see any discoloration or damage, then it should be safe for the rest of the bag.
- You can also load some plain vinegar into a spray bottle and lightly spritz the inside of the bag.
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3
Apply a store-bought deodorizing spray if the smell remains. Open the bag up and spray a commercial odor eliminator, like unscented Febreze or Lysol, inside. Keep the bag open and let it air out. Once the spray dries, check to see if the odor is gone.^{[3]
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- You could use a scented product as well, but the smell may be a little overpowering.
- If you’re cleaning a handbag, only spray the interior. It could leave a mark on the exterior, especially if the bag is leather.
4
Sprinkle household baking soda into the bag to absorb leftover odors. Baking soda can neutralize odors throughout your home, including inside your bags. Either sprinkle some into the bag, or put some in a plastic bag and leave it open inside the bag. Close the bag and give the baking soda a few hours to absorb the odors.^{[4]
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- You can also use a baking soda pod designed for refrigerators. This keeps the baking soda contained and you won’t have to worry about making a mess with it.
5
Leave kitty litter inside the bag for 1 week to absorb bad smells. Kitty litter contains deodorizing elements and can work similarly to baking soda. Place some in a cup or open plastic container and leave it in the bag. Seal the bag up and let the kitty litter absorb the odor for up to a week.^{[5]
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- Place the bag somewhere it won't get knocked over. If the kitty litter spills out, it'll be difficult to get it all out of the bag.
6
Use dry coffee grounds for a potpourri effect. Coffee grounds can absorb the odors and also provide a pleasant aroma to cover any remaining smells. Take a coffee filter and fill it halfway with dry coffee grounds. Twist the top and seal it with a rubber band. Then close the bag and leave it overnight to see if the smell improves.^{[6]
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- If you like the smell, you can leave the coffee grounds in the bag for a continuous effect. Put the filter in a safe place where it won’t break open.
- You can try different coffee flavors, like French vanilla or hazelnut, for an even stronger effect.
7
Leave a dryer sheet in the bag to mask remaining unpleasant smells. If cleaning and deodorizing didn’t remove the smells completely, then leaving a dryer sheet in the bag at all times can mask any odors that are left over. Open up the sheet and spread it on the bottom of the bag.
- Take out the old sheet and add a new one when the fresh smell starts fading.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Washing Nylon and Canvas Bags

1
Check the care tag to see if the bag is machine-washable. Some bags, especially gym bags made of nylon, are machine-washable. Check the bag label for text saying “Machine Wash,” or a symbol showing a bucket of water. Both indicate that you can put this item in the washing machine.
- Most gym bags and backpacks are machine-washable, but check the label to confirm. Handbags usually aren’t machine-washable.
- Washing tags may also have a symbol showing a bucket of water with a hand. This means handwash only. A bucket of water with an X over it means do not wash. These items are dry-clean only.
2
Shake the bag out to remove any solid material. Before placing the bag in the machine, make sure nothing is inside it. Turn the bag upside down over a garbage can and shake it to clear it out.^{[7]
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- This may also remove any fragments that were causing the odor.
- If the inside of the bag is very dirty, use a handheld vacuum to clean it out before washing it.
3
Put the bag in the washing machine and run it through a normal wash cycle. Wash the bag by itself, not with a load of laundry. Close any zippers first so they don’t get caught. Use normal detergent and set the machine to a standard wash cycle with warm water.
- Make sure to remove any attachments, like detachable straps, before putting the bag in the washing machine. You can wash these attachments separately if you want to.
4
Add ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to kill the odor. White vinegar has odor-fighting properties. When the machine reaches its rinse cycle, pour in ¹⁄₂ cup (120 mL) to remove any lingering odors.^{[8]
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- This is optional since normal detergent might get rid of all the odor.
5
Air-dry the bag completely before using it to prevent musty smells. Most bags aren’t dryer-safe, so place the bag outside to air-dry. Open the bag so the inside dries and you don't get a lingering, musty smell.^{[9]
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- For faster drying, use a hair dryer on a low setting.

Expert Q&A

Question

How do I get rid of the smell in my bag?

Laura Smith
House Cleaning Specialist
Laura Smith is a House Cleaning Specialist and the Owner of All Star Cleaning Services. With over 16 years of experience, her team specializes in providing natural and eco-friendly house cleaning services. All Star Cleaning Services has earned the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International’s (ARCSI) Seal of Approval and maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Laura Smith

House Cleaning Specialist

Expert Answer

I would probably start by putting an old sock filled with baking soda inside of the bag and letting it sit for a few days. If it still smells funny, then I would spray it down with rubbing alcohol and let it dry completely.