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Hi. I recently acquired a hatchling around 2 weeks back. It's shell length is a little less than 2 inches. I saw a little orange brown deposit in between their shell grooves and around the edges and also on their bottom shell.
When do we start cleaning their shell ? And how ( with a toothbrush ?) and how often do we need to clean it to maintain proper condition ?
Thanks. Any help is appreciated.

Just try with water at first. Is he basking?

Hi Steve, I put him in a small tub (one he can't climb out of) with a little water and 2 terracotta bowls. One is put upside down in the middle of the tub, this acts as an island and one is resting on this bowl so that he can go under it for shade. I put this tub in my room on the ground near the window for about 3 hrs max everyday.
I have seen him sit and bask a few times but whenever I come too close he slides into the water and hides under the bowl.
Most of the times he's in the water but also in the sunlight.

I just used a new toothbrush dipped in water and gently cleaned his shell in round circular motion.
It worked! He is almost back to his old green color .
Can we use a little toothpaste to clean their shell ?

Toothpaste could be harmful.

I don't think it would be harmful if it's throughly washed off but it's definitely skippable.

Alright. Thank u so much. Will skip it then. Have a question about shell rot.. my hatchling stays in the water all the time.
I rarely see him out and drying himself. I'm very concerned that he might develop shell rot.
How can I avoid it from now ?
Thanks again in advance! You have been a tremendous help Steve!

How is the basking setup like? Any pictures? Does he have some privacy?