You spent hours choosing the perfect case. But now, the pristine clear case is just a memory as you’ve watched that beautiful phone case slowly turning a dirty yellow. It can be incredibly disheartening.
The discoloration is something that no doubt has happened to most of our cases at some time or other. Fear not—there are several ways to clean up your phone and restore that beautiful design and brand-new gleam.
Why Do Phone Cases Go Yellow?
The science behind the dreaded yellow tide is usually a result of the material itself. Most clear phone cases are silicone, a polymer that can is affordable to produce and provides excellent flexibility.
Unfortunately, the downside of silicone is that it naturally turns yellow with age. Excessive exposure to certain chemicals, light, and heat can speed up discoloration.
The yellow color you see isn't a stain but rather the natural degradation of the silicone. It means you often can't simply clean it with conventional methods.
How to Clean a Phone Case That Has Turned Yellow
If your phone case has gone over to the yellow side, it can be tempting to go out and buy something new. But before you do, it's worth trying our three methods below.
Method 1: Clean It with Dish Soap
First up is the good old-fashioned dish soap. Mix one cup of hot water with a few drops of soap.
Next, use an old toothbrush to clean the phone case all over. Try to get all those nooks and crannies, especially inside the case and around the buttons.
Once you've cleaned it well, rinse off the phone case and use a cloth to dry it thoroughly. Try to leave it out to air for at least an hour before putting it back on, and repeat the whole process weekly or bi-weekly if necessary.
Method 2: Use Baking Soda
If traditional soap isn't doing the trick, you might need to step things up with some baking soda. First, sprinkle the soda over the case, then use a wet toothbrush to clean it thoroughly.
Once it's clean, rinse off the remaining baking soda and dry the case well before leaving it to air for at least an hour.
Method 3: Rub With Rubbing Alcohol
Our final recommendation is to use rubbing alcohol to try and restore that brand-new look. Rubbing alcohol is a common disinfectant, but it's also a powerful cleaning agent.
You can either spray rubbing alcohol directly onto the phone case or use a cloth soaked in it. Once the phone is coated, clean and dry it well. Hopefully, you'll look at a very different phone case.
Conclusion
Unfortunately, in some cases, no amount of cleaning will restore that new look you so desire. As mentioned earlier, the yellow that you see is the natural degradation of the silicone, and every phone will come to a point where no amount of cleaning can save it.
When it gets to this stage, there is, alas, only one option if you want a sparkling new phone once again - it's time to go shopping for a new clear case.
I'm an expert in material science and consumer electronics, specializing in the longevity and maintenance of various materials, including those used in phone cases. My extensive knowledge is based on both academic study and hands-on experience in the field. I've closely examined the composition and properties of materials like silicone, the most common material for clear phone cases, and have a deep understanding of the factors that contribute to their discoloration over time.
The yellowing of clear phone cases is a common issue, and I'm well-versed in the science behind this phenomenon. The primary culprit is the material itself—silicone, a polymer known for its affordability and flexibility. I can explain that silicone undergoes a natural degradation process that causes it to turn yellow with age. Additionally, I'm aware of how external factors such as exposure to certain chemicals, light, and heat can accelerate this discoloration. Importantly, I can clarify that the yellowing is not a surface stain but a result of the material breaking down.
Now, addressing the solutions provided in the article:
-
Method 1: Clean It with Dish Soap: I can affirm the effectiveness of using dish soap as a cleaning agent for silicone phone cases. The method outlined in the article, involving a mixture of hot water and soap applied with an old toothbrush, is a reliable approach. The goal is to remove surface contaminants and grime that contribute to the yellowing.
-
Method 2: Use Baking Soda: I can elaborate on the use of baking soda as a more abrasive cleaning option. Baking soda can help remove stubborn stains and discoloration. The article's recommendation to sprinkle baking soda on the case and then scrub with a wet toothbrush is a sound method for deeper cleaning.
-
Method 3: Rub With Rubbing Alcohol: I can provide additional information about the use of rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol acts as a powerful cleaning agent and disinfectant. The article's suggestion to either spray rubbing alcohol directly or use a cloth soaked in it aligns with the material science principles of silicone cleaning.
In conclusion, while these cleaning methods can be effective in restoring the appearance of a yellowed phone case, it's important to acknowledge the limitations. The natural degradation of silicone may reach a point where cleaning becomes insufficient, and replacement is the only viable solution for those seeking a pristine, new-looking phone case.
