Avoid bleach on a hardside shell, even a white one. Unlike fabric, where bleach can genuinely whiten, it tends to react differently with polypropylene and polycarbonate plastics — causing yellowing, clouding or a chalky finish over time rather than the crisp white result it’s being used to achieve.
Warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap, applied with a soft cloth, safely handles most dirt and grime on a white shell without any risk of discolouration. For scuff marks specifically, a small amount of white (non-gel) toothpaste rubbed gently can help lift marks on lighter-colored shells.
If a stain genuinely doesn’t respond to mild soap, a plastic-safe cleaner specifically formulated for the shell material (check the case’s care instructions if available) is a safer next step than reaching for a household bleach product not designed for this kind of plastic.
Last reviewed 26 August 2026