How to Unyellow a Clear Phone Case

There's no better feeling after purchasing a new phone than admiring its beautiful design. However, to keep the silky glass back and metal frame safe from scratches or cracks, you'll need to cover it up with a durable phone case.

If you don't want to obscure the design, clear phone cases offer a convenient solution. They also make great minimalistic pieces that slot seamlessly into your wardrobe, so you won't have to worry about clashing with any of your favourite outfits!

Most clear cases are made from silicone, however, which is where the problems begin. Although they offer excellent grip and flexibility, silicone cases do begin to degrade over time – and that involves them turning a yellow color. This process is triggered by regular exposure to UV rays, direct sunlight, heat, and certain chemicals, as well as our natural sweat and body oils.

But don't panic. If the yellowing is caught early, and cleaned up using the practices we'll explore in this article, your clear phone case can be restored to a pristine, almost new condition. Here's how!

Unyellowing a Clear Phone Case: 4 Effective Methods

At the first signs of yellowing, it can be incredibly tempting to ditch your case in favour of a new one. Before giving up all hope, try one of the following methods to banish yellow stains and save yourself some dollars:

1. Dish Soap

The first and most simple method for cleaning a clear phone case involves using something you should already have in your cleaning cupboard: mild dish soap.

A dish soap solution causes any grease, excess oils, chemicals, and residue to break down, preventing them from degrading the phone case material. Here's how to get started with this method:

1. Combine one cup of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
2. Take a wet toothbrush and give the case a thorough scrub, making sure to get into all of the corners, holes, buttons, and charging ports.
3. Let the case air dry for at least an hour after shaking off any excess moisture and patting with a clean microfiber cloth. Repeat this process around once per week to keep your clear phone case stain-free!

2. Rubbing Alcohol

Not only does rubbing alcohol prevent yellowing, but it can also kill germs that your clear case may unknowingly be harbouring. This is a great method for those tough stains that won't come out with dish soap and some good old-fashioned elbow grease.

1. Dampen a clean, soft cloth with a small amount of rubbing alcohol. Wring out the cloth to eliminate any excess moisture before using it on your case. Alternatively, fill a spray bottle with the alcohol solution or use an isopropyl alcohol wipe.
2. Scrub the phone case in a circular motion, paying special attention to the spots with the toughest yellow stains.
3. Then, remove the alcohol and any excess dirt with a clean cloth. Allow the case to completely dry for a few hours before putting it back onto your phone.

Try using the rubbing alcohol in just one spot before cleaning your whole case. Some clear cases may discolour, so check the manufacturing instructions first too.

3. Baking Soda

Another handy way to get rid of stubborn yellow stains that soapy water won't remove is by using baking soda. This chemical compound is free of harsh chemicals, yet easily dissolves grease and tackles debris trapped in those small nooks and crannies. Baking soda also acts as a natural odour absorber.

What's great about baking soda is that you can never use too much. So, don't be afraid to submerge your clear case in the powder until the yellow stains are completely covered!

1. Place your case face down on a microfiber towel to catch any excess powder. Then, generously sprinkle the baking soda over any yellow stains.
2. Next, wet the head of a soft bristled toothbrush with warm water and scrub in a circular motion, which should form a paste. Keep going until all visible stains are eliminated.
3. Rinse the baking soda and any debris from your case using warm water and dish soap if necessary, before repeating this process on the other side.
4. Wipe the clear phone case with a soft cloth then allow it to air dry.

4. White Vinegar

The final method we'd recommend combines white vinegar with baking powder. This triggers a chemical reaction, causing the baking soda to foam up and form sodium acetate.

Sodium acetate is a natural, highly effective cleaning agent that's great for getting rid of stains – especially if you have a clear case that turned yellow! The strong acidic properties of this solution also kill bacteria and dissolve any mineral deposit.

To start:

1. Weigh your clear phone case down with a heavy object in an empty bowl.
2. Sprinkle two tablespoons of baking soda into the bowl and slowly pour one cup of distilled white vinegar on top.
3. Leave your phone case to soak for around 2 hours. Then, rinse the case thoroughly and pat dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

While it can be frustrating trying to eliminate yellow stains, be patient with these methods and don't resort to harsh cleaning products. Strong or highly concentrated chemicals can simply cause further material degradation, such as:

• Aerosol sprays
• Solvents
• Window cleaner
• Bleach/ Hydrogen peroxide

When Should I Replace My Clear Phone Case?

When your phone case begins to naturally turn yellow, reversing it can be tricky. That's why it's vital to clean a clear phone case regularly and keep those dark stains at bay.

However, there comes a point when it's impossible to return your clear case to its former glory because of the natural degradation process – and this is when it's time to invest in a brand new one.

If you enjoy the sleek, minimalistic look, but don't want to deal with the same discolouration, go for the Ghostek Covert. One of this case's biggest benefits is its anti-yellowing technology, which keeps discolouration at bay for at least 18 months.

The Covert also comes with shockproof R2X silicone corners and a secure anti-slip hand grip. These features provide military-grade protection to keep your phone safe from drops and falls as high as 8 feet.

You'll also benefit from precise detailed cut outs for easy charging, along with MagSafe compatibility that works with wireless chargers, vehicle mounts, power banks, and more.

Visit the Ghostek website today to browse our collection of crystal-clear and brightly coloured cases for a range of Apple iPhone, Samsung, and Google devices.