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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Take out the old sheet and add a new one when the fresh smell starts fading.
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.
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.
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.
This is optional since normal detergent might get rid of all the odor.
For faster drying, use a hair dryer on a low setting.
