Wipe the shell down with warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap on a soft cloth, working in circular motions rather than a single direction to avoid dragging grit across the surface. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth and dry fully before storing to avoid trapping moisture against the shell.
For scuff marks that don’t lift with soap, a small amount of white toothpaste (not gel) rubbed gently with a soft cloth can help on lighter-colored shells — test on a small hidden area first, since results vary by shell material and color.
What travelers ask
Can I use household cleaning sprays on a hardside case?
Avoid ammonia-based glass cleaners and solvents like acetone — they can cloud or discolour polypropylene and polycarbonate shells. Warm water with a small amount of dish soap, applied with a soft cloth, safely handles most dirt and scuffs.
Last reviewed 26 August 2026