Four steps to give vintage luggage a new lease on life

With the current adoration of all things vintage, we see that great luggage everywhere is being dusted off and brought out of the closet. Older luggage has a wonderful aesthetic not found in modern day suitcases, and carrying a 1950s train case is enough to make you feel like Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. Okay, maybe not exactly, but it does carry a wonderful vintage panache.

So, where is all of this wonderful vintage luggage to be found? It may be lurking in a parent's or grandparent's closet on a forgotten shelf, or shoved under their bed containing tax files from 1983. Thrift or charity shops can also be a wonderful source of forgotten travel gear, much of it still in fantastic shape. Wherever you find it, the hunt is half the fun!

Once you've found your vintage luggage, chances are it will need a bit of TLC before it is ready to take on an adventure. The four steps below will help you make your vintage piece looking as good as new.

1. Dust off: Your little slice of nostalgia has been around for a number of decades, and it has had a lot of time to collect dust, dirt, and grime. Fortunately, with a little elbow grease this is easily reversed.

-First find a cleanable surface (like a kitchen counter top or vinyl floor) on which to work.

- Wipe down the exterior with slightly dampened paper towels or disinfectant wipes, paying attention to the areas around the handle and latches. This will remove most of the surface dirt. Repeat if needed.

2. Scrub down: The best tool for this step is a Mr Clean's Magic Eraser (available in the cleaning aisle at your local grocery store). These are remarkably suited to removing scuffs and grime from the suitcase's rubber "bumpers" on the corners. It also works well on the Bakelite handles. Dampen the eraser and scrub along the rubber bumpers, rinsing as needed. Finish up with another quick wipe down.

3. Shake it out: Often times you will find odd remnants of travel life from the previous owner inside your vintage suitcase. Just shake out the interior and give it a quick vacuum if needed. When working with vintage train cases, you will often find a tenacious "old lady perfume" aroma permeating the interior. There are a few ways to help the smell. Place a small dish of baking soda inside to absorb the scent. Opening the case and letting it air out in the sun for a few hours also works.

4. Use and enjoy! Now you can use your like-new vintage luggage for your next weekend getaway, as decorative storage, or just for fun.