How to Keep Your Custom Handle Set Looking New
By Away: Built for modern travel | Published: 2026-11-01
Category: Tips & Care
A practical care routine for your Away luggage handle set—from installation to cleaning—so the color and grip stay fresh through every trip.
Quick answer
Clean your custom handle set with a soft damp cloth and mild soap, dry it fully, and avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive sponges. Check the screws after every few trips and re-tighten them gently.
Why handle care matters more than you think
Your handle is the most-touched part of your luggage. Oils from your hands, sunscreen, and airport grime build up quickly, and on a colored or custom handle that buildup can dull the finish faster than on a standard black handle.
The good news: the Custom Handle Set is designed to be swapped and maintained. A few minutes of care every few trips keeps the color crisp and the grip comfortable.
When to clean versus when to replace
Clean regularly, but replace when you see deep scratches, fading that won't wipe away, or a handle that feels loose even after tightening. Replacement is straightforward with the included hardware, so you don't need to live with a worn handle.
If you're mixing colors or going monochrome, keep a spare set on hand so you can refresh the look without waiting for a shipment.
Step-by-step handle care routine
- Install with the right tension: Use the included Allen wrench to tighten screws until snug—don't overtighten, which can crack the handle or strip the threads. Tighten in a cross pattern if there are two screws. Check that the handle doesn't wobble before you pack.
- Wipe down after every trip: Dampen a soft microfiber cloth with water and a drop of mild soap. Wipe the handle from end to end, then dry immediately with a clean cloth. Don't let water sit on the handle or near the screws.
- Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasives: Skip bleach, ammonia, alcohol, and scouring pads—they can dull the finish or leave scratches. Stick to mild soap and water. Test any new cleaner on a small hidden area first.
- Check screws monthly: Give each screw a quarter-turn with the Allen wrench to confirm it's snug. If a screw keeps loosening, remove it and check for debris in the threads. Loose screws are the most common cause of handle wobble.
- Store smart: When not traveling, keep the luggage in a dry place and avoid resting heavy items on the handle. If you swap handles, store the spare set flat with its screws in a small bag. Label the spare screws so you don't lose them.
Product facts
- Custom Handle Set in: Each kit includes two replacement handles, matching screws, and an Allen wrench for installation. You have everything needed to install or swap handles yourself, so care and replacement don't require a repair shop.
Custom Handle Set in
