An aluminium suitcase asks very little of you: a soft cloth, a little mild soap and a calm attitude towards marks. Care is mostly about cleaning gently, storing it well and letting the metal age in its own way.
What aluminium does over time
Aluminium is an honest material. It does not peel, flake or crack like a coating can. Scratches, scuffs and small dents are simply the metal recording where it has been. Over the years a case settles into a softer, more personal finish, and many travellers come to prefer it to the day it arrived.
That is the idea behind every Amice case. It is 100% aluminium, hand-finished, and made to be used rather than protected. A dent is not damage. It is a memory of a platform, a taxi boot or a long-haul belt.
How to clean your aluminium suitcase
Cleaning takes a few minutes and needs nothing special.
- Wipe first. Use a dry, soft cloth to lift dust and grit before anything else, so you do not drag it across the surface.
- Then go damp. A cloth wrung out in lukewarm water with a drop of mild soap is enough for fingerprints and travel dirt.
- Rinse and dry. Wipe again with a clean damp cloth, then dry the shell fully with a soft towel.
- Skip the harsh products. Abrasive pads, strong solvents and scouring powders will mark the finish in ways you cannot undo.
Work in the direction of the grain where you can see one, and be a little more patient around the corners, wheels and hinges, where dirt collects.
Scratches, dents and patina
Light surface marks tend to blend in as the whole case picks up its own character. Expect the shell to look different after a year, and different again after five. This is the point of a material that is meant to last, and it is why we offer a lifetime guarantee on the construction rather than a promise that a case will never look travelled.
If you wonder whether a mark is cosmetic or something we should look at, the guarantee page explains what is covered and how to reach us. For the longer view on why a case like this holds its value, you can read our piece on whether aluminium suitcases are worth the investment.
Storing your case between trips
Autumn and winter bring wet pavements, damp train platforms and a lot of time spent in the hall cupboard. A few habits help.
- Dry it before it goes away. If it has been out in the rain, wipe it down and let it stand open for a while.
- Store it somewhere dry and airy. A cool cupboard or under a bed is better than a damp garage or cellar.
- Keep the interior clear. Empty it fully, leave the lining to air, and the case will be fresh when you next pack.
- Check the locks and wheels. A quick glance at the lock, as described in our lock guide, and a spin of each wheel keeps everything moving smoothly.
Stored well, a case does not need more. It simply waits for the next journey.
Which case to choose if you want it to age well
If you like a calm, classic look that wears in gracefully, the Original is where most people begin. If you prefer a bolder finish, the Florence carries the same silver aluminium with a different character. Both are built to travel for years, and you can compare sizes in our size guide.
FAQ
Can I use polish on an aluminium suitcase?
We do not recommend it. Polish can leave the finish uneven and removes the natural way the surface ages. A soft cloth, lukewarm water and mild soap are all a case needs.
Will scratches on my aluminium suitcase get worse?
Surface scratches stay on the surface. They tend to blend into the overall finish as the case is used, which is part of the character of aluminium. If you are concerned about a specific mark, contact us and we will gladly look at it with you.
Can I leave my aluminium suitcase in the car or a cold garage?
It is better to keep it somewhere dry and indoors, mainly to avoid damp and trapped moisture inside. Let it air out after a wet journey before you put it away.
A friend for the road
A case that looks perfect forever has not been anywhere. If you would like one that gets better with every trip, take a look at the silver collection and choose the one that fits the way you travel.
