Is your clear phone case looking dirty, yellow, and stained? It’s rather gross to handle, especially as you’re putting your mouth up to your dirty phone case every time you make a phone call. Today we’re discussing how to clean a clear phone case that has turned yellow.
This means you won’t need to be putting your mouth next to a dirty phone, because your phone case will be good as new.
Key Takeaways
- Make a bowl of soapy water by adding 2-3 drops of dish soap to 1 cup of water.
- Use a toothbrush to scrub your phone case with soapy water. Make sure you clean it thoroughly.
- Rinse your phone case under running water.
- Dry it with a soft cloth and let it air dry for an hour before putting your phone in its case.
Why Do Cases Turn Yellow?
Clear phone cases are usually made from a silicone polymer that’s inexpensive and flexible. This is great when you’re looking for an inexpensive and transparent phone case for your phone. However, the cases are affected by heat, UV rays, and chemicals such as the oil and sweat from your skin causing the yellowing to occur.
How to Clean a Clear Phone Case
Cleaning a dirty and stained phone case will not only help to prevent the case from turning yellow. This is because you will remove the oil, dirt, and sweat that may be reacting with the silicone polymer which causes it to turn yellow. In addition, cleaning your clear phone case will also help to disinfect it.
Remember to make sure that the case is completely dry before putting it back on your phone.
With Baking Soda
Baking soda can clean most stains on plastic phone covers, but it may not remove all of them.
1. Sprinkle Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda all over the surface of your phone case.
2. Scrub
Use a wet toothbrush to scrub the baking soda into the stains making sure that you cover the entire phone case.
3. Rinse
Rinse the baking soda off of your phone case.
4. Wash Your Phone Case
Wash your phone case with soapy water to remove all of the baking soda that may still be on it. Do this by adding a few drops of dish soap to 1 cup of water in a bowl. Use the toothbrush to scrub your phone case with soapy water.
5. Rinse and Dry
Rinse the case under soapy water and dry it with a soft cloth. Wait at least an hour before replacing your case on your phone.
With Vinegar
Vinegar and baking soda are an excellent mixture to use to whiten and clean your phone case.
1. Place In Container
Place your phone case in a small container.
2. Add Vinegar and Baking Soda
Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of baking soda to the container. You will need to add a small object on top of your plastic phone case to keep it from floating.
3. Soak
Soak the phone case for several hours.
4. Rinse & Dry
Rinse the case under running water and dry with a soft cloth. Wait at least an hour for the phone case to be completely dry before putting it back on your phone.
With Dish Soap
Dish soap is an excellent cleaning agent to use once a week to help remove any excess oils and chemicals that may cause your phone case to turn yellow.
1. Make Soapy Water
Mix 1 cup of warm water and 2-3 drops of dish soap together in a small bowl.
2. Scrub
Scrub the phone case with a toothbrush making sure that you cover the entire case. This includes the interior and exterior of the case as well as the nooks and crannies.
3. Rinse and Dry
Rinse your phone case under running water and dry it with a soft cloth. Wait an hour before putting your phone back in its case.
With an Eraser
If your phone case is dirty, try cleaning it with a rubber eraser.
1. Clean the Phone
Run the eraser along the side of the phone case and scrub at the marks to remove them from the case.
2. Clean the Case with Dish Soap
Wash your case with dish soap to remove the eraser reside.
3. Rinse and Dry
Rinse the case under running water before drying it with a soft cloth. Make sure your case is completely dry before putting it back on your phone.
With Hydrogen Peroxide
If you’re desperate you can try using hydrogen peroxide to restore a phone case that turned brown. Be careful though as it may damage some phone cases. It will, however, disinfect your case.
1. Make the Solution
Fill a small container with water and add ½ cup of hydrogen peroxide.
2. Submerge Case
Add your phone case and make sure it’s completely covered by the solution.
3. Soak
Soak your phone case for several hours until it is clear.
4. Rinse and Dry
Rinse your case and dry it with a soft cloth. Wait an hour before putting your phone back in its case to make sure that the case is completely dry.
With Rubbing Alcohol
Rubbing alcohol is perfect for disinfecting an iPhone or android case. It will also keep your phone case from turning yellow. However, it may discolor some clear cases so either double-check with the manufacturer or test the rubbing alcohol in an inconspicuous spot before you use it on the entire case.
1. Fill Spray Bottle
Fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol. If you prefer, you can soak a soft cloth in rubbing alcohol instead.
2. Mist Phone Case
Mist or coat the phone case with rubbing alcohol by spraying it or rubbing the case with the soaked cloth. Make sure that the case is completely covered.
3. Remove Alcohol
Use a clean and dry microfiber cloth to remove the rubbing alcohol from your phone case.
4. Air Dry
Allow your phone case to air dry for an hour before putting it back on your phone.
Can You Prevent a Phone Case From Yellowing?
Cleaning your case regularly can help slow down the yellowing process as it removes the oil and sweat that your hands have left on the case.
Keep your case away from heat and don’t use a blow-dryer in an attempt to speed up the process. This will cause your case to turn yellow faster.
Also, keep your case away from direct sunlight as UV also causes phone cases to turn yellow.
When to Replace a Phone Case
You should replace your phone case if it’s turned yellow or you notice cracks or worn material around the edges.
How Often to Clean Your Phone
The phone should be removed from the case at least twice a week to clean the phone and its screen. Use an electronic screen wipe to clean it.
You should also deep clean the phone case every week to prevent stains from forming. This will also help to prevent the case from yellowing as well.
FAQs
Can You Use Bleach To Clean Your Phone Case?
Yes, you can deep clean your phone case with bleach but it may damage the case. Place your phone case in a container of water and make sure it’s submerged. Then add 1 teaspoon of bleach and let it soak until the case is clear.
Do Anti-Yellow Phone Cases Work?
Yes, anti-yellow phone cases do work. This is because the anti-yellow cases use acrylic which is a material that doesn’t turn yellow along with a soft bumper.
How Long Does It Take for a Clear Case to Turn Yellow?
Knowing how long it takes for a clear case to turn yellow depends on the material the case is made from. Typically, after nine hours of exposure to light and the atmosphere, a clear case will start to turn yellow.
Do Apple Clear Cases Turn Yellow?
Apple clear cases do not yellow. However, the inside of the case can get a little bit dirty, so you will need to clean it regularly to show off your phone design.
How Do You Decorate a Clear Phone Case?
There are several ways you can decorate a clear phone case, including using stickers or nail polish. You can even use pressed flowers or photos.
How to Make a Clear Case Clear Again
The best way to make a clear case clear again is to soak your phone case in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for several hours. After it has soaked, pull it out of the vinegar and baking soda solution, rinse, and dry it with a soft cloth. You should have a clean and clear case again.
