How to Clean a Briefcase Properly: Step-by-Step Guide for Leather, Fabric & Hard-Shell Cases

A briefcase is something a lot of people rely on daily—whether for office work, meetings, traveling, or just the commute. Over time, it picks up dust, stains, smells, and general grime from being handled constantly. But when you search "how to clean a briefcase," most of what you find online either talks only about leather care or gives you random tips without any clear, step-by-step instructions.

This guide is different.

Here, you'll learn how to clean your briefcase the right way, no matter if it's leather, faux leather, fabric, or hard-shell. We'll also go over how to tackle old briefcases, get rid of bad smells, clean the inside lining, and steer clear of common mistakes that could ruin your bag for good.

You can check out our other blogs on this topic to learn more about taking care of your bags.

First Step: Identify What Type of Briefcase You Have

Before you start cleaning, you need to know what your briefcase is actually made of. Using the wrong cleaning method can end up ruining it.

Most briefcases fall into one of these categories:

• Leather briefcase

• Faux leather (PU) briefcase

• Fabric or canvas briefcase

• Hard-shell or vintage briefcase

If you’re unsure, check the product tag or feel the surface:

• Leather feels natural and slightly textured

• Faux leather feels smooth and plastic-like

• Fabric feels soft and absorbent

• Hard-shell feels rigid and solid

General Rules Before Cleaning Any Briefcase

No matter the material, always follow these rules first:

• Empty the briefcase completely

• Shake out dust and crumbs

• Test any cleaner on a hidden area

• Never soak the briefcase in water

• Avoid harsh chemicals, bleach, or alcohol

Skipping these steps is one of the main reasons people end up damaging their briefcases while trying to clean them.

How to Clean a Leather Briefcase

Leather needs to be handled gently. Too much water or harsh cleaners can dry it out or make it crack.

What You’ll Need

• Soft dry cloth

• Mild soap or leather cleaner

• Slightly damp cloth

• Leather conditioner (optional but recommended)

Step-by-Step Cleaning

1. Wipe the surface with a dry cloth to remove dust

2. Lightly dampen a cloth with water and mild soap

3. Gently wipe the leather—do not rub hard

4. Remove soap residue with a clean damp cloth

5. Let the briefcase air-dry naturally (no sun or heat)

Once dry, applying a small amount of leather conditioner helps restore softness and prevents cracking.

What to Avoid

• Direct sunlight

• Hair dryers or heaters

• Excess water

• Vinegar or alcohol

How to Clean a Faux Leather (PU) Briefcase

Faux leather is easier to clean than real leather but still needs care.

Steps

1. Wipe with a soft damp cloth

2. Use a drop of mild dish soap if needed

3. Gently clean stains without scrubbing

4. Wipe again with clean water

5. Dry with a towel and air-dry

Avoid conditioners made for real leather—they can damage PU surfaces.

How to Clean a Fabric or Canvas Briefcase

Fabric briefcases attract dirt and stains more easily, but they’re also more forgiving.

What You’ll Need

• Soft brush or toothbrush

• Mild detergent

• Clean cloth

• Bowl of lukewarm water

Step-by-Step

1. Brush off loose dirt

2. Mix mild detergent with water

3. Dip cloth or brush lightly and scrub stains gently

4. Wipe with a clean damp cloth to remove soap

5. Let it air-dry completely

Important Tip

Never put a briefcase in a washing machine unless the manufacturer clearly allows it.

How to Clean a Hard-Shell or Vintage Briefcase

Hard-shell briefcases—whether they're plastic, fiberglass, aluminum, or vintage—are usually the easiest ones to clean.

Steps

1. Wipe with a damp cloth

2. Use mild soap for stubborn dirt

3. Clean grooves, corners, and edges carefully

4. Rinse cloth and wipe again

5. Dry with a towel

For old or vintage cases, be gentle around joints and locks to avoid loosening them.

How to Clean the Inside of a Briefcase

The inside lining often holds:

• Dust

• Paper residue

• Ink stains

• Food crumbs

• Odors

Steps

1. Turn the briefcase upside down and shake it

2. Use a vacuum (low power) if possible

3. Wipe fabric lining with a damp cloth

4. For stains, use a small amount of mild soap

5. Let the inside dry fully before closing

Never close a damp briefcase—this causes odor and mold.

How to Remove Bad Smell from a Briefcase

Old briefcases often smell due to moisture or long storage.

Safe Odor Removal Methods

• Place baking soda in a small open bowl inside overnight

• Use activated charcoal or odor absorbers

• Leave the briefcase open in a well-ventilated area

What Not to Do

• Don’t spray strong perfumes

• Don’t use harsh chemicals

• Don’t store with damp items inside

How to Clean Metal Parts, Locks & Handles

Briefcases often have metal zippers, locks, or clasps.

Steps

1. Wipe with a dry cloth

2. Use a damp cloth for grime

3. Dry immediately

4. Apply a tiny drop of oil if locks feel stiff

Avoid getting oil on leather or fabric parts.

Common Mistakes People Make While Cleaning Briefcases

• Soaking the bag in water

• Using bleach or disinfectant sprays

• Drying in direct sunlight

• Scrubbing aggressively

• Ignoring the inside lining

These mistakes shorten the life of a briefcase.

How Often Should You Clean a Briefcase?

• Light cleaning: once every 1–2 weeks

• Deep cleaning: every 2–3 months

• Immediately after spills or heavy dirt

Regular light cleaning prevents the need for aggressive methods later.

When You Should NOT Clean It Yourself

Avoid DIY cleaning if:

• The briefcase is very expensive or antique

• Leather is cracking or peeling

• Mold is present

• Hardware is loose or damaged

In these cases, professional cleaning is safer.

Quick Cleaning Checklist

• Identify material

• Use mild cleaners only

• Test first

• Clean inside and outside

• Air-dry fully

• Store properly

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to clean your briefcase the right way helps it last longer, keeps it looking professional, and stops bad smells from building up. Whether you've got leather, fabric, faux leather, or a hard-shell briefcase, the secret is using gentle methods that match the material and not taking shortcuts.

Most briefcases don't need fancy, expensive products—just a little patience, gentle cleaning, and regular upkeep. When you do it right, your briefcase can last for years and still look sharp every single day.

FAQs

FAQ 1: Can I clean a briefcase with water?

Yes, you can use a bit of water for cleaning, but you need to be careful about it. For leather and faux leather briefcases, just wipe them down with a slightly damp cloth. Fabric briefcases can handle mild soap and water a bit better. Just never fully soak your briefcase—that's asking for trouble.

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FAQ 2: How do I remove bad smell from an old briefcase?

To get rid of odors from an old briefcase, put some baking soda or activated charcoal inside it overnight and leave it somewhere with good airflow. Don't use strong perfumes or harsh chemicals—they can damage the material and actually make the smell worse.

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FAQ 3: How often should I clean my briefcase?

You should give your briefcase a light cleaning every week or two to get rid of dust and dirt, then do a deeper clean every 2–3 months or right away if there's a spill, stain, or you've been using it heavily.