How to clean a clear phone case that turned yellow

Phone cases can quickly get dirty; you handle them daily, after all. If you’re tired of seeing that yellow stain, here is how to clean a clear phone case and bring it back to sparkling transparency again.

How to clean a clear phone case

You have a few options for cleaning a clear phone case. You can try one or all of these, depending on how dirty your case is.

Dish soap

Dish soap is a natural choice for cleaning a phone case. Its grease-cutting power is suitable for handling oil fingerprints and other stains, plus it is usually gentle enough not to cause damage to the case or your hands. Here are the basic steps to follow:

1. Fill a sink or bowl with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Plunge your transparent phone case (remember to take your phone out first!) into the water and get it nice and sudsy.
3. Take the case out and scrub it gently with a soft brush, such as a fresh toothbrush. Be sure to concentrate on the corners and port covers, as these areas can get quite grimy.
4. Dunk the case back into the water several times and swirl it around to help dislodge more dirt.
5. Once the case is sufficiently clean, drain the sink or bowl and then rinse the case under fresh running water to remove any traces of soap or dirt.
6. Towel dry the case with a microfiber cloth and then let it air dry completely. Do not use the case again until it is completely dry to avoid water damage to your device.

Baking soda

Baking soda is a natural light abrasive and cleanser; if dish soap is not cutting it, you can try it. Here is what to do:

1. Take the clear case off your phone and lay it on a towel.
2. Lightly sprinkle a layer of baking soda over one side of the case.
3. Lightly dampen a fresh toothbrush and gently scrub the case in a circular motion. Remember to concentrate on the corners and port covers, as these areas can get quite grimy. Repeat this step for both sides of the case.
4. Rinse off any excess baking soda under warm running water.
5. Towel dry the case with a microfiber cloth and then let it air dry completely. Do not use the case again until it is completely dry.

Vinegar

Where there’s baking soda, there is vinegar. This fizzy combo can help dislodge some stubborn dirt. Here is how:

1. Find a small bowl that accommodates your clear phone case and put the case inside, followed by around two tablespoons of vinegar.
2. Add around a cup of distilled white vinegar. Go slowly to prevent spills, and be sure the bowl is large enough to accommodate the foam.
3. Leave the case to soak for a few hours.
4. Rinse the case thoroughly under warm running water.
5. Towel dry the case with a microfiber cloth and then let it air dry completely. Do not use the case again until it is completely dry.

Rubbing alcohol

If it is time to break out the big guns, you can reach for rubbing alcohol. If you have alcohol wipes, these are handy and less messy than a bottle of rubbing alcohol, but either will work.

1. Apply a dab of rubbing alcohol to a microfiber cloth or get a fresh alcohol wipe.
2. Wipe down the clear phone case thoroughly. This may require multiple passes. If your cloth or wipe dries out, re-wet it or get a fresh one.
3. Towel dry the case with a microfiber cloth and then let it air dry completely.

Still not clean? It might be time to get a new case

If, after trying everything, your case is still yellow, you may have to face the fact it is time for a new phone case. Clear cases quickly get dirty, and there is no getting around that. Plus, sometimes, they are made from material that turns yellow and cannot be returned to their original clear state after some time.

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