Alexei Volkov
Clear plastic phone cases are notorious for turning yellow over time. This phenomenon is caused by exposure to UV light, heat, and certain chemicals, which break down the plastic, causing it to become yellowed or discolored. Oils and sweat from our skin can also accelerate this process, as can the environment, with high humidity or pollution speeding up yellowing. While some materials, like polycarbonate, are more resistant to yellowing, it is inevitable for clear plastic cases. To slow down the process, it's recommended to keep your phone out of direct sunlight, handle it with clean hands, and regularly clean your case with mild soap and water.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic phone cases turn yellow | Yes |
| Reason | Exposure to UV light, heat, and certain chemicals |
| Other reasons | Oils, sweat, and grime from everyday use |
| Prevention | Store in areas shielded from sunlight, handle with clean hands, and regular cleaning |
| Recommended cleaning method | Wipe down with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution |
| Alternative materials | Opaque colors, tempered glass, hybrid cases, recycled glass, and candy boxes |
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What You'll Learn
Exposure to UV light
To mitigate the impact of UV light on plastic phone cases, it is advisable to minimise direct sunlight exposure. This can be achieved by storing your phone in shaded areas, such as drawers or spots away from windows. When spending extended periods in the sun, it is recommended to cover the phone case with a dark cloth or place it in a protective carrying pouch. These pouches are designed to block light, providing an extra layer of defence against UV rays.
The choice of material for phone cases also plays a role in their resistance to UV light. Polycarbonate, a hard plastic known for its durability, holds up better against UV rays compared to softer materials like silicone or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Acrylic is another suitable option, offering lightweight protection while resisting yellowing. However, acrylic cases may be more susceptible to scratches, so a scratch-resistant coating is recommended.
Additionally, hybrid cases that combine materials offer a balanced solution. They often feature TPU edges for flexibility and polycarbonate or acrylic backs for improved clarity and durability. By selecting the appropriate materials and taking precautionary measures to limit UV exposure, you can effectively delay the yellowing process of plastic phone cases.
It is worth noting that while UV light is a primary contributor to discolouration, other factors, such as heat, oils, sweat, and chemicals, can also accelerate the yellowing of plastic phone cases. Regular cleaning with mild solutions and avoiding harsh chemicals can help maintain the clarity and longevity of the case.
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Heat and sunlight
Sunlight and heat are two of the biggest factors that contribute to plastic phone cases turning yellow. The ultraviolet (UV) light in sunlight is a major cause of yellowing, as the rays break down the molecular structure of the plastic. This is why clear cases are more susceptible to yellowing than opaque ones, as they are more exposed to light. Even brief exposure to sunlight during daily activities can add up over time, so it is important to store your phone in areas shielded from direct sunlight, such as drawers or shaded spots away from windows. Exposing your phone to sunlight less frequently will help slow down the yellowing process, but it may not be entirely avoidable.
Heat also speeds up the yellowing of phone cases, as it causes the materials to degrade more quickly. This can be heat from the sun, the warmth generated from the phone itself, or even the warmth of your hand when holding the phone. Removing the case temporarily when your phone is running hot may help to alleviate some of the yellowing, but this is also not entirely avoidable.
The combination of sunlight and heat exposure can thus significantly accelerate the yellowing of plastic phone cases. Therefore, it is important to be mindful of your phone's surroundings and take steps to protect your case from direct sunlight and excessive heat exposure.
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Natural oils and sweat
Skin produces natural oils and sweat, which often come into contact with phone cases. These oils react with the case material, causing it to turn yellow over time. The sweat on our skin has acidic properties that degrade plastics over time.
Oils from your skin can accelerate the yellowing process. It is recommended to handle your phone with clean hands whenever possible. Regular cleaning can help slow down the yellowing process by removing the built-up oils, sweat, and dirt. You can use household wipes or mild dish soap, water, and a microfiber cloth to clean your clear phone case.
To manage yellowing, you can use baking soda. Take your case off your phone, sprinkle the baking soda on the case, let it sit for around 20 minutes or longer, then use a dampened microfiber cloth or soft toothbrush to gently scrub the case. Rinse, let dry, and repeat as needed.
To prevent yellowing, you can keep your phone case out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. Some cases come with built-in UV resistance, which helps slow down the yellowing process. Materials like polycarbonate are more resistant to yellowing when compared to TPU or silicone.
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Types of plastic
Plastic is a synthetic or semisynthetic material that uses polymers as its main ingredient. There are hundreds of types of plastic, but only a handful are commonly used. Plastic is not sold in its pure form but is mixed with various chemicals and other materials, known as additives, to improve lifespan, workability, or appearance. The most common types of plastic are numbered according to their recycling codes.
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET): This is one of the most commonly used plastics. It is lightweight, strong, and typically transparent. It is often used in beverage bottles, food jars, and polyester clothing or rope.
High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): This is the second most common plastic. It is a rigid, flexible, and durable plastic with a high tensile strength. It is often used in plastic bags, milk jugs, and bottle caps.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is known for its versatility and durability. It is often used in construction materials, such as pipes and siding, as well as in credit cards and outdoor furniture.
Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): LDPE is a flexible and translucent plastic. It is often used in plastic bags, six-pack rings, and plastic wraps.
Polypropylene (PP): PP is resistant to fatigue and is often used for living hinges, allowing a product to bend or fold. It is also used in food containers, automotive parts, and carpet fibers.
Polystyrene (PS): This is a very inexpensive and easy-to-create resin. It can be solid or foamed and is used in a wide range of products, from beverage cups and packing materials to disposable dinnerware and insulation. It is often known by its commercial name, Styrofoam. Polystyrene is highly flammable and dangerous as it can leach harmful chemicals when heated.
Polycarbonate: Polycarbonate is a hard plastic known for its durability and resistance to yellowing. It is commonly used in eye protection, such as lenses for sunglasses and goggles, as well as in mobile phones and compact discs (CDs).
Other Plastics: There are many other types of plastic that don't fall into the above categories, such as polyurethanes (PURs), which are used in adhesives, coatings, and foams. These plastics are often not recyclable and are known as Group 7 plastics.
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Cleaning and maintenance
Plastic phone cases can turn yellow due to exposure to UV light, sweat, and oils from your hands. To prevent your phone case from turning yellow, you should clean and maintain it regularly. Here are some detailed instructions on how to do that:
Wipe it down regularly: Use a damp cloth to wipe down your phone case every few days. This will help remove any dirt, oils, or sweat that may accumulate and contribute to the yellowing. Make sure to keep your hands clean when handling your phone to reduce the transfer of oils.
Use a mild soap or detergent: If your phone case is particularly dirty or greasy, you can use a mild soap or detergent to clean it. Apply a small amount to a damp cloth and gently wipe down the case. Be sure to rinse it thoroughly with water and dry it completely afterward.
Soak in a vinegar and water solution: Mix equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl and soak your phone case in this solution for about an hour. Vinegar is a natural cleaner that can help remove the yellow tint. After soaking, scrub the case gently with a toothbrush, rinse it off, and dry it thoroughly.
Use rubbing alcohol: Pour some rubbing alcohol onto a cloth and wipe down the phone case. Rubbing alcohol is effective in removing stubborn yellow areas. Alternatively, you can pour it directly onto the case and scrub gently with a toothbrush. Make sure to rinse and dry the case afterward.
Try toothpaste: Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a damp cloth or directly onto the phone case. Toothpaste is mildly abrasive and can help lift minor yellowing. Gently scrub with a toothbrush, then rinse and dry the case.
Soak in hydrogen peroxide: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaning agent that can be effective in removing yellowing from plastic. Soak the phone case in hydrogen peroxide and leave it in a sunny spot for a day or two. Rinse and dry the case afterward. Alternatively, you can apply hydrogen peroxide with a UV lamp, which some have found effective in removing yellowing.
Baking soda and water paste: Mix baking soda with a small amount of water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste to the phone case and gently scrub with a toothbrush. Rinse and dry the case thoroughly afterward.
Consider the type of case: Some types of plastic are more resistant to yellowing than others. Polycarbonate and acrylic cases, for example, are known for their durability and resistance to UV light, oils, and heat. They may be a better option if you want to maintain a clear look for longer.
Protect from UV light: Avoid prolonged exposure to UV light, as it can contribute to the yellowing of plastic. Don't leave your phone case lounging in direct sunlight.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, plastic phone cases can turn yellow over time.
Plastic phone cases turn yellow due to exposure to UV light, heat, and certain chemicals. Additionally, natural oils from the skin, everyday grime, and sweat can also contribute to the yellowing of plastic phone cases.
To prevent yellowing, avoid exposing your phone case to direct sunlight and store it in a cool, dry place. Keep your phone case clean by regularly wiping it down with a soft cloth and a mild cleaning solution. Avoid harsh chemicals, and consider using a protective carrying pouch when placing your phone in a bag or purse.
Polycarbonate and acrylic are hard plastics known for their resistance to yellowing. Tempered glass phone cases are also a good option as they resist scratches, cracks, and discoloration while being easy to keep clean.
While it is common for clear phone cases to turn yellow over time, some cases may be more resistant to yellowing. Hard PC clear cases, for example, are said to take years to turn yellow, whereas soft TPU cases may turn yellow within weeks to a few months.
