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When it comes to safeguarding my phone, I always choose a clear phone case. These cases not only provide a good grip but also allow the original look and design of the phone to shine through. Additionally, they offer features like raised edges for display and body protection during accidental falls, and some even come with kickstands for added convenience.
However, there’s a significant drawback to clear phone cases – they tend to yellow over time. Despite being careful, they eventually appear discolored, leading to frequent replacements. This article delves into why clear phone cases turn yellow, the contributing factors, and methods to clean them to retain their transparency.
Why Clear Phone Cases Turn Yellow Over Time
The yellowing of clear phone cases can be attributed to various factors, including the materials used and exposure to heat. Nonetheless, the primary reasons for the discoloration and yellowing of these cases are:
Exposure to UV Light
The main cause of clear phone case yellowing is exposure to UV light. Although using a clear case with dirty hands can also contribute to discoloration, UV light exposure remains the primary culprit. The materials in these cases can react with UV radiation, accelerating the yellowing process when exposed to sunlight or other UV sources. Minimizing exposure to UV light can slow down this process, but complete avoidance in daily use is challenging.
Natural Oils and Sweat from the Hands
Another factor leading to yellowing is the accumulation of natural oils and sweat from hands on the case. With daily phone usage, hands leave behind oils and moisture, causing the case to discolor over time.
While oil and sweat production by the skin are normal, especially in warmer climates or with extended phone use, the combination accelerates the yellowing process of clear phone cases.
Many case manufacturers are addressing this issue by incorporating materials in their clear cases that are less prone to yellowing. These materials possess anti-yellowing properties, ensuring extended clarity compared to traditional clear cases. Leading brands like Supcase and Spigen offer such cases with anti-yellowing features.
How to Clean a Transparent Case That’s Already Turned Yellow
If your clear phone case has started yellowing, can it be cleaned? Yes, you can attempt to clean a yellowed clear case using various methods. However, it’s essential to understand that while these methods can partially clean the case surface, they cannot reverse the irreversible UV-induced damage. Here are some cleaning techniques you can apply:
Clean Using Isopropyl Alcohol
One effective method involves using rubbing alcohol to clean the case. Apply a small amount on a paper towel or cleaning cloth and wipe the case surface. This method can also be used to clean the screen.
Clean Using Baking Soda and Water
Alternatively, you can create a paste using baking soda and water to clean the yellowed case. Apply the paste on the case, scrub gently, and rinse thoroughly to remove any residue.
Clean Using Toothpaste
If baking soda is unavailable, non-gel toothpaste can be used to clean the case. Apply toothpaste, gently scrub with a damp cloth or toothbrush, and rinse off the residue with water.
Clean Using Soap
Another method involves using mild soap and water. Create a soapy solution, wipe the case surface with a soft cloth or sponge, rinse with clean water, and dry with a towel.
If the yellow tint persists despite cleaning efforts, it indicates irreversible UV damage. In such cases, replacing the clear case with an anti-yellowing variant or a different type of case may be the only solution.
