Whitening your phone case can give it a fresh and clean appearance, whether it’s discolored from daily use or exposure to elements.
We have all experienced it at least once in our lives, having the case that we want and suddenly starting to get yellowish color. Such an ugly sight, isn’t it?
I’ve tried a lot of ways to prevent or reverse that.
Below you can find 15 of my favorite ways to do it, ranked according to my experience and their effectiveness.
How to whiten a phone case
Here are 15 methods you can try to whiten your phone case.
Soap and Water
Whitening a phone case with soap and water is a straightforward process. Mix a mild soap with water, use a cloth or sponge to gently clean the case, paying attention to detail around sensitive areas, such as buttons and camera openings. Afterward, rinse with clean water, pat dry, and your phone case will look refreshed and clean.
Baking Soda
Whitening a phone case with baking soda is another effective method. Create a paste by mixing baking soda with a bit of water, apply it to the case’s surface, and gently scrub with a soft cloth or sponge. Be cautious around sensitive areas like buttons and camera openings. Rinse thoroughly with water, ensuring no residue remains, and dry it well.
Hydrogen Peroxide
To whiten your clear phone case with hydrogen peroxide, follow these steps:
- Prepare the Solution: Start by diluting hydrogen peroxide with water. Use a 1:1 ratio, meaning equal parts of hydrogen peroxide and water. This will ensure that the solution is not too harsh for your phone case.
- Remove Your Phone: Take your phone out of the case to prevent any contact with the solution.
- Apply the Solution: Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the hydrogen peroxide and water mixture. Gently wipe the entire surface of the clear phone case. Pay special attention to any stained or discolored areas.
- Let it Sit: Allow the solution to sit on the case for a few minutes, but not too long to avoid potential damage. A couple of minutes should be sufficient.
- Rinse and Dry: Rinse the phone case thoroughly with water to remove any residual hydrogen peroxide. Make sure there’s no lingering solution. Then, pat it dry with a clean, dry cloth.
- Reassemble: Once the case is completely dry, reassemble your phone.
Always be cautious when using chemicals near your phone and avoid getting any solution into the phone’s openings or ports.
Lemon Juice
To whiten your clear phone case with lemon juice, mix fresh lemon juice with an equal amount of water to create a gentle solution. Remove your phone from the case to avoid contact. Dip a cloth or sponge into the diluted lemon juice, gently wipe the case, paying attention to stains or discoloration.
Allow it to sit briefly to let the natural acidity work, then rinse thoroughly with water and ensure no residue remains. Pat dry with a clean cloth, and once the case is completely dry, reassemble your phone. Just be cautious to prevent lemon juice from entering your phone’s openings or ports, as it can harm electronic components.
Toothpaste
To whiten your clear phone case with toothpaste, choose a plain white toothpaste (non-gel) and remove your phone from the case to avoid any contact. Squeeze a small amount of toothpaste onto a soft cloth or sponge and gently rub it onto the case using a circular motion, paying extra attention to areas with stains or discoloration.
Afterward, thoroughly rinse the phone case with water to remove all traces of toothpaste, ensuring there’s no residue left behind. Finally, pat it dry with a clean cloth, and once the case is completely dry, reassemble your phone.
However, exercise caution to prevent toothpaste from entering your phone’s openings or ports, as it can potentially damage electronic components.
Dish Soap and Vinegar
To whiten your clear phone case with a mixture of dish soap and vinegar, start by removing your phone from the case to prevent any contact with the cleaning solution.
In a bowl, combine a small amount of dish soap with an equal quantity of white vinegar.
Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the solution and gently scrub the entire surface of the clear phone case, paying extra attention to any visible stains or discoloration.Allow the solution to sit for a few minutes to work its magic.
Afterward, thoroughly rinse the phone case with water to eliminate all traces of the cleaning mixture, ensuring there’s no residue left behind. Finally, pat it dry with a clean, dry cloth, and once the case is completely dry, reassemble your phone. Remember to exercise caution to prevent the solution from entering your phone’s openings or ports, as it could potentially harm electronic components.
Magic Eraser
To whiten your clear phone case using a magic eraser, begin by taking your phone out of the case to prevent contact with the eraser. Dampen the magic eraser slightly, as they work best when moistened, but be cautious not to oversaturate it.
Gently scrub the entire surface of the clear phone case, focusing on any visible stains or discoloration. The magic eraser’s abrasive quality can help remove stubborn marks effectively.
After cleaning, rinse the phone case thoroughly with water to remove any residue from the eraser, and ensure it’s completely dry before reassembling your phone.
Rubbing Alcohol
To whiten your clear phone case using rubbing alcohol, first remove your phone from the case to avoid contact with the alcohol. Dampen a clean cloth or cotton ball with rubbing alcohol, ensuring it’s not overly saturated.
Gently wipe the entire surface of the clear phone case, paying attention to any visible stains or discoloration. Rubbing alcohol is effective at removing dirt and stains.
After cleaning, allow the case to air dry or use a dry cloth to speed up the process. Once it’s completely dry, reassemble your phone.
Baby Shampoo
Mix a small amount of baby shampoo with water to create a mild soapy solution. Dip a clean cloth or sponge into the mixture, ensuring it’s not too wet, and gently clean the entire surface of the clear phone case. Pay special attention to areas with stains or discoloration.
Rinse the case thoroughly with water to remove any soapy residue and ensure it’s completely clean. Afterward, pat it dry with a clean, dry cloth, and once the case is entirely dry, reassemble your phone.
This method is gentle and safe for your phone case, but be cautious to prevent the soapy solution from entering your phone’s openings or ports.
Bleach and Water
It’s crucial to proceed with caution due to the potential for damage and safety concerns.
First, ensure your phone is removed from the case to avoid any contact with the solution. Mix a very small amount of bleach (a few drops) with a larger quantity of water in a well-ventilated area.
Dip a cloth or sponge into this diluted bleach solution, gently wipe the surface of the clear phone case, with a particular focus on stained or discolored areas.
After cleaning, rinse the case thoroughly with water to remove any remaining bleach, and ensure it’s completely free of bleach residue. Let it air dry thoroughly before reassembling your phone.
However, use extreme care and be mindful to prevent bleach from coming into contact with your phone’s openings or ports, as bleach can be harsh and potentially harm electronic components. This method should only be considered as a last resort and is not recommended for frequent use.
Sunlight
Leave the case in direct sunlight for a few hours to naturally bleach and whiten. This method is gentle but requires patience and may take some time to achieve noticeable results.
Oxygen Bleach
Begin by removing your phone from the case to prevent any contact with the cleaning solution. In a well-ventilated area, mix a small amount of oxygen bleach with water according to the product’s instructions.
Typically, a few tablespoons in a gallon of water will suffice. Submerge the clear phone case in this diluted oxygen bleach solution and let it soak for a few hours or until you achieve the desired level of whitening.
Monitor it closely to avoid overexposure. After soaking, remove the case, rinse it thoroughly with water to remove any bleach residue, and ensure it’s completely clean. Let it air dry before reassembling your phone.
This method can be effective for stubborn stains but should be used sparingly and with care.
Eraser Pen
Ensure that the eraser pen is clean and free of any dirt or debris. Gently rub the eraser pen over the entire surface of the clear phone case, focusing on areas with stains or discoloration.
The eraser’s abrasive quality can help lift dirt and marks effectively. After cleaning, wipe the case with a damp cloth to remove any eraser residue, and ensure it’s completely dry before reassembling your phone.
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
Begin by taking your phone out of the case to avoid contact. Wet the Magic Eraser slightly, but don’t oversaturate it. Gently rub the eraser over the entire surface of the clear phone case, paying extra attention to any visible stains or discoloration. The Magic Eraser’s unique abrasive quality can effectively remove dirt and marks.
After cleaning, rinse the phone case thoroughly with water to eliminate any residue from the eraser, ensuring there’s no leftover debris. Once it’s completely dry, reassemble your phone.
This method is quick and efficient for minor stains and marks on your phone case.
White Paint or Nail Polish
Remove your phone from the case to prevent any contact with the paint. Ensure that the paint or nail polish is specifically designed for plastics and won’t harm your case.
Apply a thin, even coat of white paint or nail polish to the surface of the clear phone case, covering any stains or discoloration. Allow it to dry completely according to the product’s instructions.
You may need to apply multiple coats if the discoloration is severe. Once the paint or nail polish has dried, reassemble your phone.
This method can be effective for concealing stains and discoloration, but it permanently alters the appearance of the case, so consider it carefully before proceeding.
Why do phone cases turn yellow?
Phone cases can turn yellow for several reasons:
- Sunlight Exposure: Prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV rays can cause phone cases to yellow over time.
- Heat: High temperatures and heat can accelerate the aging process of plastics, leading to yellowing.
- Oxidation: Oxygen exposure can react with the materials in phone cases, leading to discoloration.
- Chemical Reactions: Contact with certain chemicals, such as those found in cosmetics or cleaning products, can cause yellowing.
- Age: As phone cases age, the natural breakdown of materials can contribute to yellowing.
- Smoking: Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that can cause yellowing of phone cases.
- Environmental Factors: Pollutants and environmental factors can also play a role in discoloration.
How long does it take for clear cases to turn yellow?
The timeframe for clear phone cases to develop a yellowish tint can vary significantly based on multiple factors.
High-quality clear cases, particularly those designed with premium materials and UV-resistant coatings, tend to resist yellowing for a longer duration. These cases may stay clear for several years or even more under normal usage conditions.
However, usage patterns and environmental factors also play a crucial role. If your phone case is regularly exposed to direct sunlight, high temperatures, or other environmental elements, it’s more likely to show signs of yellowing within a year or two.
Additionally, even in the absence of excessive exposure, some clear case materials may naturally break down over time, contributing to the yellowing process. To prolong the clarity of your clear phone case, consider investing in a high-quality UV-resistant case, minimize exposure to harsh conditions, and follow proper care and maintenance practices.
How can I stop my phone case from yellowing?
To prevent your phone case from yellowing, consider these strategies:
- UV-Resistant Coating: Opt for phone cases with UV-resistant coatings, which provide an additional layer of protection against sunlight-induced yellowing.
- Silicone Gel Desiccant Packs: Place silica gel desiccant packs inside your phone case when not in use to absorb moisture, which can contribute to yellowing.
- Store Indoors: When not using your phone, store it indoors or in a shaded area to minimize exposure to direct sunlight and UV rays.
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your case regularly with a mild detergent to remove oils, dirt, and potential yellowing agents.
- Avoid Smoking: If you smoke, try to keep your phone away from smoking areas, as cigarette smoke can accelerate yellowing.
- Rotate Phone Cases: If you have multiple cases, rotate them to reduce prolonged exposure to environmental factors.
- Screen Protectors: Consider using a transparent screen protector on your phone’s screen instead of a clear case to minimize UV exposure.
- Case Rotation: Change your phone case periodically to give each case a break from continuous use and exposure.
- Avoid Chemicals: Be cautious with chemicals and avoid contact with substances that may cause yellowing, like certain cosmetics or cleaning products.
- Keep in a Sleeve: Store your phone inside a protective sleeve when not in use to shield it from potential yellowing factors.
