How to Clean A Violin Case: Using Household Tools

Your violin case goes everywhere with you—rehearsals, performances, gigs, and maybe even on flights. Over time, dust, rosin, and dirt build up inside and out. A dirty case isn’t just an eyesore—it can actually cause potential damage your violin if left unchecked.

But don’t worry. Cleaning your violin case doesn’t have to be complicated, and you don’t need fancy cleaning supplies. In this guide, we’ll walk you through a step-by-step process to get your case looking fresh again using simple household tools.

We’ve cleaned hundreds of cases and tested different methods, so you can skip the trial and error. By the end of this, your case will not only look cleaner, but it’ll also help protect your violin better.

What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, here’s what you’ll need:
✅ A soft toothbrush (used ones work great!)
✅ Mild dish soap (nothing too harsh)
✅ A vacuum cleaner (handheld or full-size)
✅ Tape (for lifting stubborn dust)
✅ A soft clean cloth or dish towel

Ready? Let’s get started.

How to Clean a Violin Case the Right Way (Without Damaging It)

Here are our top tips the team at Great Violin Cases will share to clean your dirty violin case.

Step 1: Dry Cleaning the Exterior

Before we bring in any water or soap, we need to get rid of as much loose dirt as possible. This makes the deeper cleaning process way easier (and less messy).

Start with a Toothbrush

Grab your soft, used toothbrush and gently brush the entire exterior of the case. Work in small circular motions to loosen up dust, lint, and any stubborn dirt. Pay extra attention to corners, seams, and textured areas—these are where dust loves to hide.

Use Tape for Stubborn Dust

Even with a good brushing, some lint and fine dust just won’t budge. That’s where tape comes in. Take a small strip of regular tape (packing tape works great) and press it lightly onto the surface, then peel it off. You’ll be surprised how much dirt lifts up! Repeat this across the case, especially on fabric or canvas surfaces.

If your case has a logo or decals, be extra careful when brushing or using tape. You don’t want to accidentally peel off any branding.

Once the surface looks cleaner and dust-free, you’re ready for the next step.

Step 2: Vacuuming the Exterior

Now that we’ve loosened up the dirt, it’s time to suck it all up with a vacuum.

Choose the Right Vacuum

A handheld vacuum works great for this, but if you have a standard one, just use a soft brush attachment to avoid scratching the case. If you have a high-performance vacuum (like a Dyson), even better—it’ll pick up fine dust more efficiently.

Vacuum in All Directions

Go slow and steady, moving the vacuum vertically, horizontally, and diagonally to ensure you’re pulling dirt from every angle. Focus on:

• Edges and seams (dust loves to hide here)

• Handle areas (where grime builds up from daily use)

• Zippers and latches (make sure they stay clean and functional)

Once you’ve thoroughly vacuumed the outside, your case should already look significantly cleaner. But we’re not done yet—next, we’ll move on to wet cleaning for a deeper refresh.

Step 3: Wet Cleaning the Exterior

Now that we’ve removed all the loose dust and dirt, it’s time for a deeper clean to get your violin case looking fresh again. But before we dive in, here’s the golden rule: less water is better. You don’t want to soak your case—just enough moisture to break down dirt without damaging the material.

Mixing Your Cleaning Solution

✅ Grab a small bowl of water and mix in a tiny drop of mild dish soap. Nothing too strong—harsh chemicals can damage fabric or finishes.
✅ Dip your soft toothbrush into the soapy water, but don’t drench it. Damp, not dripping, is what we’re going for.

Gentle Scrubbing

• Work in small sections, using gentle, circular motions with the toothbrush.

• Be extra cautious around logos, zippers, and stitching—you don’t want to fray or peel anything.

• Dab with a soft cloth as you go to soak up excess moisture.

Why a Dishcloth Works Better Than Paper Towels

Initially, you might think paper towels are a good idea—but they tend to leave behind little bits of lint. A dishcloth or microfiber towel is much more effective for absorbing water and lifting dirt without leaving residue.

Once you’ve cleaned the entire exterior, do a final wipe-down with a dry cloth to remove any leftover moisture. Let the case air dry completely before moving on to the next step.

Step 4: Cleaning the Interior

Now for the tricky part—cleaning the inside of your violin case. This step is crucial, especially if you’ve noticed rosin dust, lint, or mysterious crumbs from who-knows-where.

Step 1: Dry Cleaning with a Toothbrush

Just like we did with the outside, start by loosening up dust and dirt with a dry toothbrush.
✅ Focus on corners, bow holders, and compartments—these areas collect the most grime.
✅ If you have silk lining or delicate fabric, be extra gentle to avoid fraying.

Step 2: Vacuuming the Interior

Now that we’ve loosened the dirt, it’s time to vacuum. Use a soft brush attachment if possible to avoid damaging the lining.
✅ Move slowly and carefully, especially around padding and seams.
✅ Pay attention to rosin build-up—this can be stubborn, but a few extra passes with the vacuum should do the trick.

Step 3: Wet Cleaning (Optional)

If your case still looks dirty, you can use a damp cloth to lightly clean it.
✅ Use a tiny bit of dish soap and water on a soft toothbrush (just like we did for the exterior).
✅ Gently scrub any problem areas, but don’t overdo it—too much moisture can damage the lining.
✅ Immediately dab with a dry cloth to soak up any moisture.

If you accidentally use too much water, vacuum the area again to help dry it out faster.

Once the interior looks clean, let the case air dry completely before putting your violin back inside. You don’t want any trapped moisture—that’s a recipe for mold, and nobody wants that!

Step 5: Final Drying & Preventing Moisture Damage

Now that your instrument case is fully cleaned, the last thing you want is lingering moisture causing mold or warping—especially if your case has wooden components. Drying properly is just as important as cleaning!

Let It Air Dry Completely

✅ Keep your case open in a warm, dry room for at least a few hours—overnight is even better.
✅ If you live in a humid area, consider using a small fan or a dehumidifier to speed up drying.
✅ Avoid direct sunlight or heaters—too much heat can warp certain materials.

Double-Check for Damp Areas

Before putting your violin back in, run your hand over the interior to check for any damp spots.
✅ If anything still feels slightly damp, pat it dry with a cloth and let it air out longer.
✅ If you’re in a rush, use a vacuum on low power to help pull out extra moisture.

A fully dry case means no trapped moisture, no weird smells, and most importantly—a safe home for your violin.

Step 6: Maintaining a Clean Violin Case (So You Don’t Have to Deep Clean Again Soon)

Now that your case is fresh and spotless, let’s keep it that way for as long as possible. A few small habits can save you from having to deep clean again anytime soon and helps maintain your cases.

1. Gently Wipe It Down Regularly

✅ Use a dry microfiber cloth once a week to remove dust before it builds up.
✅ If you notice rosin dust inside, wipe it out immediately—it’s easier to clean when fresh.

2. Store It in a Clean Area

✅ Avoid placing your case on dirty floors or dusty corners—this is how grime builds up fast.
✅ If you’re traveling, keep it off the ground whenever possible.

3. Keep a Small Cleaning Kit Inside

✅ Store a microfiber cloth and a small brush inside your case for quick touch-ups.
✅ If you use rosin often, consider keeping a lint free cloth or roller handy to remove extra dust.

4. Air It Out Occasionally

✅ Every few weeks, leave your case open for an hour or two to prevent moisture buildup.
✅ If your case has a musty smell, try placing a silica gel pack inside to absorb excess humidity.

These small violin maintenance habits will keep your case looking brand new and protect your instrument from unnecessary dust and damage. A clean case = a happy violin.

Top Violin Case Recommendations for Easy Maintenance

Based on our years of testing, here are some of our top picks for the best violin cases for easy maintenance.

1. Bam Hightech Contoured Violin Case – Ultra-Light, Ultra-Durable

If you want a compact, travel-friendly case that stays looking clean with minimal effort, the Bam Contoured High tech case is the one. Here's why it’s easy to maintain:

• Made with polycarbonate and ABS in Bam’s triple-layer Hightech protection system, meaning the case is scratch-resistant and super easy to wipe clean

• Airtight rubber seals prevent dust and moisture from getting inside, so you won’t have to clean the interior as often

• Sleek, contoured shape means no unnecessary crevices where dirt can gather.

2. Bam Hightech Oblong Violin Case – Maximum Protection, Minimum Maintenance

If you love the Hightech Contoured but need more storage space, High Tech oblong case is your best bet. Here are some of the reasons why it’s easy to maintain:

• Uses the same Hightech ABS-polycarbonate shell as the contoured version, making it water-resistant, dust-proof, and easy to clean

• The interior features Bam’s signature suspension system, which keeps your violin from touching the case walls—less rosin dust and grime buildup inside

• Airtight latches help maintain stable internal conditions, reducing the need for frequent cleaning

3. Bam Panther Violin Case – Sleek, Stylish & Low-Maintenance

If you want a modern, low-maintenance case that hides dirt well, the Bam Panther is a great choice. Why it’s easy to maintain:

• Matte black carbon-fiber finish is less prone to fingerprints and scuffs compared to glossy cases

• Interior features plush velour lining that’s easier to vacuum than fluffier interiors

• Combines lightweight portability with a scratch-resistant shell, making it ideal for musicians who want both style and durability.

4. Bam Classic Violin Case – Simple, Affordable & Easy to Clean

If you need a practical, everyday case that won’t require constant upkeep, the Bam Classic delivers. Why it’s easy to maintain:

• Features a durable ABS exterior that wipes clean with just a damp cloth

• No unnecessary fabric layers inside, meaning less dust and rosin buildup

• Budget-friendly option that still provides Bam’s signature protection.

A Clean Case = A Happy Violin

And that’s it! With just a few essential household tools and a little bit of effort, your violin case is now looking fresh, smelling clean, and ready to keep your instrument safe. No more dust clouds every time you open it, no more mysterious crumbs lurking in the corners—just a well-maintained home for your violin.

But here’s the real secret: keeping it clean is so much easier than deep cleaning it later. If you follow the simple maintenance steps—wiping it down, storing it properly, and giving it a little air now and then—you won’t have to go through this whole process again anytime soon.

So take a moment to appreciate your work. Your violin deserves the best, and now it has a case that’s just as well cared for. Keep it up, and your case will last for years—protecting your instrument every step of the way.