How to Clean a Clear Phone Case That’s Turned Yellow

There is nothing worse than a once brilliantly clear phone case turning an unattractive yellow color.

It’s something we’ve probably all experienced at one point. Nonetheless, it is equally disappointing when a new phone case yellows.

In this article, learn what makes clear phone cases age to a sickly yellow, and 4 tips to prevent it from fading to yellow.

Why Do Phone Cases Turn Yellow?

Clear phone cases are normally made from silicone—a polymer that’s popular for its inexpensive and flexible properties.

Unfortunately, these polymers turn yellow as they age. This natural process is accelerated when they are exposed to excessive amounts of chemicals, light and heat.

Rather than just being a stain, the yellowing is part of the material degradation.

4 Tips on How To Clean a Clear Phone Case That’s Turned Yellow

Tip #1: Clean with Dish Soap

First, you should try to clean the phone case using dish soap. A simple cleaning solution and instructions are as follows:

• Make a mixture of one cup of warm water (or 240ml) and a few drops of dish soap.
• Mix the solution together.
• Use a toothbrush to scrub the solution over the phone case.
• Work into all the nooks and crannies and clean it on the interior and exterior.
• Rinse it and use the soft cloth to dry it.

Let it air dry for at least an hour to make sure it’s completely dry before putting it back on your phone. Repeat this process on a regular weekly basis to move excess oils and chemicals from your phone case that can degrade the material.

Tip #2: Scrub with Baking Soda

Baking soda works on various stains; however, it is not guaranteed to remove all of them.

To use this phone case cleaning hack, start by sprinkling baking soda over the phone case surface. Then, use a wet toothbrush to work the baking soda into the stain. Rinse the baking soda off and use a soft cloth to dry.

Follow up this process with tip number one to remove any residual baking soda.

Tip #3: Disinfect with Rubbing Alcohol

Disinfecting your phone is a good habit to practice on a regular basis. In addition, it is also a useful tactic to prevent phone case yellowing.

Use a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol or use a soft cloth soaked in alcohol to coat the phone case. Once the phone case is coated, use a clean and dry cloth to remove it.

Let it air dry for an hour before placing it back on your phone. Even if it doesn’t remove the yellowing, it will be free from bacteria and more hygienic.

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Tip #4: Scour with Toothpaste and Paint Thinner

If all else fails, you could try using toothpaste and paint thinner.

First, cover the case in toothpaste, then scrub at it using steel wool. Then, rinse the toothpaste off, and coat in paint thinner. Again, work at it with the steel wool. Finally, remove the paint thinner with water.

Follow this process up with tip number one to remove any residual toothpaste or paint thinner.

Maybe It’s Time to Get a New Phone Case

As we’ve previously noted, even with these tips on how to clean a clear phone case, once a phone case starts to turn yellow in color it can be very hard to reverse. While the tips above will help, they are not foolproof solutions. Therefore, it might be time to get a new one and check out Sahara Case’s latest clear phone cases, privacy screen protectors, and phone cases for drop protection