Featured Thoughts on my lap desk?

You could try water and GENTLE brushing/scrubbing, but on fabric that old, using any kind of abrasion or friction sounds kind of dangerous.

Another alternative is to simply dampen/moisten the skiver with water over the stained area, press damp paper-towels over the top, and simply dab and press. If it's damp enough, the capillary action of the water should lift some of the grime up. Some LIGHT scrubbing might encourage it to move as well.

 

Another great reply. I've got to admit that when I posted this I was only wanting to clean mainly the outside. I'm not sure I dare doing anything with the fabric inside {but I might now that I know how} Looks like we'll all have a lot of time on our hands.

 

The exterior looks fine, to be honest. Although you might want to put some felt or something on the underside, to stop the base from scratching any table-surfaces.

 

And felt or something on the bottom would also serve to cover up the water stains.