Chloe Zhang
Phone cases are made from a variety of plastics, such as thermoplastic polyurethane, polycarbonate, and silicone, and can quickly accumulate dirt, dust, fingerprints, and oil from our hands, causing them to turn yellow over time. To prevent discolouration, it is recommended to clean your phone case regularly – at least once a week. There are several methods to clean a phone case, depending on the type of plastic and the degree of staining. Here are some common techniques to restore your phone case to its original clarity and prevent discolouration.
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What You'll Learn
Use a mixture of water and vinegar
Plastic phone cases can turn yellow due to oxidation, oil and grease, sweat and moisture, dirt, dust and debris, and UV exposure. To prevent discolouration, it is recommended to clean your phone case regularly.
One way to clean your phone case is to use a mixture of water and vinegar. White vinegar is a natural cleaning agent that can remove stains from your phone case. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a bowl.
- Submerge the phone case in the solution and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. You can also use a spray bottle to apply the mixture directly to the case, being careful not to soak the case.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the case, focusing on the yellowed areas. Pay extra attention to the hard-to-reach spots, such as the case's corners and openings.
- Rinse the case under warm running water to remove the vinegar solution.
- Pat the case dry with a microfiber cloth and let it air dry completely before putting your phone back in the case.
You can also add a few drops of mild dish soap after removing the case from the vinegar bath. Use a toothbrush to scrub the entire surface, concentrating on stained areas. Use tweezers to remove any debris lodged in the cracks and crevices.
This method of using a mixture of water and vinegar is an effective way to remove the yellow tint from your phone case and restore its original colour.
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Apply baking soda
To apply baking soda to a yellowed plastic phone case, start by taking your phone case off your phone and placing it in the sink or on top of a clean towel, with the stained side facing up. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire case, making sure that the stains are completely covered. You can't really use too much baking soda, so keep adding more until the stains are well-covered.
Next, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of warm water in a bowl. Take a clean toothbrush, dampen it with water, and scrub the phone case in a circular motion. Make sure to get into the spots that are tough to reach, such as the edges and openings. If the toothbrush starts to dry out, dampen it again under running water or in a bowl of water.
After scrubbing the case, rinse it off in clean water, using a toothbrush to knock loose any remaining debris. Keep scrubbing and rinsing until all of the baking soda is gone. Finally, wipe the case dry with a clean cloth, shaking out any excess moisture first. Pay particular attention to smaller areas like the corners and openings to ensure all the moisture is removed.
You can then wash your case with soap and water if it still looks dirty. Mix about one cup of warm water with a few drops of liquid dish detergent in a bowl, and stir until it's soapy. Then, wipe down the entire case with a sponge, cloth, or toothbrush.
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Wash with dish soap
Dish soap is a great option for removing mild stains and debris from your phone case. It's also good for regular maintenance to prevent your case from yellowing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to effectively wash your phone case with dish soap:
Prepare the Soap Solution:
Mix about one cup (240ml) of warm water with a few drops of liquid dish detergent in a bowl. Stir the mixture until it forms a nice, soapy solution. You can also do this directly in your sink if you prefer.
Scrub the Case:
Remove your phone from the case and set it aside, keeping it far from the water. Take an old toothbrush and dip it into the soapy solution. Start scrubbing the case thoroughly, paying extra attention to areas with noticeable stains. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies, especially around the camera, buttons, and charge port openings. You can also use a sponge or cloth to wipe down the case, but a toothbrush will help you reach the smaller spots more effectively.
Rinse and Dry:
Once you're satisfied with the scrubbing, rinse the case under clean, running water to remove any remaining soap. Use a microfiber cloth to pat it dry and then leave it out to air-dry completely. Make sure your phone case is entirely dry before putting it back on your phone to avoid any potential damage.
Maintenance:
To maintain the cleanliness of your phone case and prevent yellowing, it's recommended to wash your case with soap and water at least once a week. Additionally, try to keep your case away from direct sunlight and excessive heat, as these factors can contribute to discoloration. Regular maintenance will help extend the life of your clear phone case and keep it looking brand new.
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Bleach the case
If your phone case has turned yellow, you can try using bleach to restore its original color. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
First, make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area as you will be using bleach, which has strong fumes. Wear protective gear, such as rubber gloves and eye protection, to avoid any contact with the bleach solution.
Prepare a mixture of bleach and water. For this purpose, a mild solution is best, so mix one part of household bleach with five parts of water. Stir it well, and always add bleach to water, not the other way around, to avoid splashing concentrated bleach.
Submerge your phone case in the bleach solution. Make sure the case is completely immersed and that all the yellowed areas are in contact with the liquid. You may need to use a container that is slightly larger than the case to ensure it can be fully submerged. Let the case soak for about 30 minutes.
After half an hour, remove the case from the bleach solution and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Ensure that all traces of bleach are removed by rinsing the case multiple times. Inspect the case—if the yellowing is significantly improved, you can move on to the next step. If not, you may need to repeat the process or try a different method.
Finally, dry the phone case completely. You can use a soft, absorbent cloth to wipe it down and ensure no water droplets are left inside the case. Allow the case to air dry fully before putting it back on your phone.
With this method, you should be able to remove the yellow discoloration from your phone case. Just be sure to exercise caution when handling bleach and always test a small area of the case first if you're concerned about compatibility or potential discoloration.
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Preventative measures
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the factors contributing to the yellowing of plastic phone cases. The primary culprit is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. UV light accelerates the process of oxidation and the breakdown of substances, altering the molecular structure of the plastic surface and leading to yellowing over time. Therefore, minimizing UV exposure is vital. Store your phone in drawers or shaded spots away from direct sunlight. Using a protective carrying pouch can also help block light and provide an extra layer of defence against UV rays.
Additionally, exposure to heat and certain chemicals can accelerate the yellowing process. Avoid placing your phone near sources of extreme heat, such as ovens or induction cooktops. Substances like oils and sweat from your hands, along with everyday grime, can also build up on the case, making the yellowing more noticeable. To prevent this, regular cleaning is essential.
For effective cleaning, you can use a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap or a gentle hand soap. Dip a soft cloth or microfiber cloth into the cleaning solution and gently wipe down the entire surface of the case, including the interior and exterior. You can also use a toothbrush to scrub the solution into all the nooks and crannies of the case. Ensure you remove your phone from the case before cleaning to avoid any damage or moisture exposure.
Another method is to use baking soda and water. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one cup of warm water in a bowl. Remove your phone from the case and place the case in the bowl with the mixture. Alternatively, sprinkle the baking soda onto the case and then use a wet toothbrush to work it into the surface. Finally, rinse the case and use a soft cloth to dry it.
By implementing these preventative measures and regular cleaning routines, you can effectively minimize the yellowing of your plastic phone case and maintain its clarity for a more extended period.
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Frequently asked questions
First, remove your phone from the case and set it somewhere safe. Then, fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild dish soap. Dip a soft-bristled toothbrush into the soapy water and gently scrub the case. Pay extra attention to any nooks and crannies, as well as stained areas. Rinse the case under clean water, removing any soap residue. Finally, dry the case with a clean towel and let it air dry completely before putting it back on your phone.
Baking soda is a great option for removing stains from a plastic phone case. Sprinkle it onto the stained areas, then use a wet toothbrush to scrub it into the case until it forms a paste. Rinse the case under running water, then repeat on the other side if needed. You can also try using a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda for a deeper clean.
Regular cleaning is key to preventing your plastic phone case from turning yellow. Wash your phone case at least once a week with mild soap and water, and dry it completely before putting it back on your phone. You can also apply a UV protective spray designed for plastics to help prevent future staining. Additionally, try to keep your phone case away from direct sunlight, coins, and keys, as these can contribute to yellowing.
