How to Clean a Clear Phone Case
The days of black being the default color for smartphones are long gone. People who opt for a colorful phone often want to admire their chosen shade, from the pastel hues of the most recent iPhone to the rich jewel tones of the Samsung Galaxy lines.
However, clear phone cases can yellow over time. OtterBox believes in protecting phones, and that means maintaining the first line of defense: your phone case. Read on for a step-by-step guide on how to clean a clear phone case that turned yellow.
Why Do Clear Phone Cases Turn Yellow?
It’s time to address one common misconception. Clear cases already have a yellowish tint to them, but it’s often neutralized with a bit of blue dye. Beyond that, the material chosen for the case can also influence its crystal-clear longevity. Harder cases tend to resist yellowing, but soft, silicone ones age the worst.
This happens due to material degradation, which can be caused by all sorts of environmental factors, including:
- Ultraviolet light from the sun degrades the chemical bonds between molecular chains that build the case. As these bonds break, the natural yellow color of the material becomes more apparent.
- Heat also degrades chemical bonds. The sun or even your hands can heat your phone and, therefore, your case.
- The natural oils on your skin build up on your case over time, and as it does, the case may appear more yellow.
With a bit of forethought and maintenance, you can keep your case clear for longer. A regular cleaning routine helps prevent the buildup of oils so the colors of your phone shine through.
Remedies for Yellowed Clear Phone Cases
Dish soap: A mixture of warm water and soap is an effective solution for yellowing caused by grease and grime.
You'll need:
- A bowl or other dish large enough to soak your case
- A squeeze of dish soap
- A toothbrush
Step 1: Fill your dish with warm water and add a quick squeeze of dish soap. Give it a good mix to combine it.
Step 2: Place your case in the water and let it soak for five minutes.
Step 3: Inspect your case. If there are still yellowed spots, use the toothbrush to scrub the surface and break down the grease and grime..
Step 4: Rinse in cool water. The yellowing should be reduced if it was caused by grime.
Baking soda: Making a baking soda mixture works a lot like dish soap.
You'll need:
- One tablespoon of baking soda
- One cup of warm water
- A bowl large enough to hold the water and immerse your case
- Toothbrush
Step 1: Start by mixing the baking soda and water in a bowl.
Step 2: Put your phone case into the mixture and let it soak for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Remove the case from the mixture. If there are any stubborn yellow spots, sprinkle some more baking soda onto them, then scrub with the toothbrush.
Step 4: Rinse in cool water. Be sure you get all the baking soda off and thoroughly dry the case before putting it back onto your phone.
Pro Tips: Enhancing Longevity and Clarity
To extend the longevity of your phone case, you need to be proactive. Be careful with the environments you use it in and maintain a consistent cleaning routine. Try these tips to keep your case looking crystal clear:
- Clean your phone case frequently with soap and water. This is necessary even for cases that aren’t prone to discoloration because cases tend to harbor a lot of bacteria from daily use.
- Keep your phone and case out of direct sunlight.
- Be careful with heat. While phones are exposed to heat through usage, the case should be protected. One example of this is hot water. While you can use extremely hot water as a disinfectant, it can accelerate degradation and cause your phone case to become more yellow.
- Choose a clear case with anti-yellowing properties to skip the issue altogether.
Beyond Cleaning: Time for a Non-Yellowing Clear Phone Case
]It’s only natural to want something both stylish and functional, and that’s what you get when you OtterBox it! Choose a clear phone case from OtterBox’s Symmetry Series or Defender Series for extra protection against yellowing.
Unfortunately, once a clear phone case has started to turn yellow, it’s hard to reverse. The above tips can help reduce the external causes of discoloration but can’t stop or reverse material degradation that's already set in. It may be time to replace your not-so-clear phone case. Explore OtterBox clear phone cases to find the next perfect fit for your phone.