Why Do Clear Phone Cases Turn Yellow? + Cleaning Tips

Don’t want to cover the beautiful Ceramic Shield back of the iPhone 17 Pro or the Google Pixel 10’s elongated camera bar? Whichever device you have, try a clear phone case.

Transparent covers showcase the sleek design of your phone, without sacrificing protection. But there’s one problem. Fast forward a few months, and these once crystal-clear cases can quickly, well… turn yellow. But dust or dirt aren’t always the main culprits.

Wondering why this happens? In this article, we explore the reasons behind clear phone cases turning yellow and the steps you can take to prevent it.

What Triggers the Phone Case Yellowing Process?

Environmental factors are perhaps the biggest culprit for triggering the phone case yellowing process, particularly with cases made from flexible polymers, like TPU and silicone.

These materials are sensitive to environmental stressors such as UV light, which triggers oxidation and alters the polymer’s structure. The result? A case that will turn yellow over time.

Other factors include: 

• Sweat and Skin Oils: Your skin produces natural oils, which transfer from your fingers onto the case. 

• Heat Exposure: Excessive heat accelerates the breakdown of your case’s polymer chains.

• Air Pollutants: Smoke and regular household chemicals or sprays contribute to chemical buildup, resulting in a stained or yellow case.

There isn’t one single factor that results in a yellowed phone case. Instead, each one works together to trigger a gradual degradation of your case’s material.

Can I Remove Yellowing From My Phone Case? 3 Cleaning Methods

Not all phone cases can be “un-yellowed,” particularly if the stains are severe or deep-set. However, mild buildup or surface staining is easy to address through one of the following three methods:

Mild Dish Soap

Looking for a simple cleaning method? Start with soap. This mild cleaning solution breaks down oils, chemicals, grease, and other dirt when mixed with warm water to slow down yellowing. To begin:

1. Combine a cup of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.

2. Apply to the case’s interior and exterior with a wet toothbrush, using gentle scrubbing motions. Remember to remove the case from your phone first, as moisture can damage the handset.

3. Rinse the solution off with warm water.

4. Pat the case dry with a clean microfiber cloth, then leave it until completely dry before putting it back on your phone.

Baking Soda

This mildly abrasive compound naturally absorbs odors. Try this method if soapy water isn’t quite cutting it, since baking soda is an excellent grease dissolver. It also gets right into hidden nooks, like button and charging port cutouts. 

Place your phone case onto a microfiber towel, then:

1. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the case, ensuring all yellow stains are covered. Leave it to sit for around 20 minutes.

2. Next, take a wet toothbrush and scrub thoroughly, yet gently, in circular motions.

3. After a few minutes, rinse the baking soda paste from the case. Repeat the dish soap method if stains are still present.

4. Wipe the case and leave it to air dry.

Pro Tip:

Try incorporating one cup of white vinegar. This triggers a chemical reaction that forms sodium acetate, a natural cleaning agent with strong acidic properties that effectively kills bacteria and eliminates mineral deposits.

Rubbing Alcohol

Rubbing alcohol doesn't directly remove stains. However, it can prevent yellowing by targeting bacteria that live on its surface. A win-win situation! Alcohol also effectively lifts dirt without leaving a residue behind, meaning a lower risk of oils damaging your phone. 

We’d recommend using a 70% solution. The higher water content slows evaporation, providing more time for the alcohol to kill any harmful bacteria on your case’s surface. Start by grabbing a soft cloth, and then:

1. Dampen it with some of the rubbing alcohol. You could also fill a bottle and gently spray it onto the case, but using a cloth offers a more targeted solution.

2. Thoroughly wipe the case with the cloth, focusing more on areas with high oil buildup, such as where your fingers naturally rest.

3. Use a clean cloth to remove any excess alcohol and let the case fully dry.
   

Which Methods Should Be Avoided When Cleaning a Clear Phone Case?

Even if the yellow stains aren’t lifting with any of the methods we recommend, avoid using more potent chemicals on your phone case. 

Following ‘creative’ DIY hacks and cleaning methods can actually worsen the case’s condition and cause it to discolor or degrade faster. Some methods may also remove protective coatings or distort the shape of your phone case, meaning you’ll need to replace it anyway.

Prevent this by avoiding these chemicals and methods:

• Nail polish remover 

• Bleach

• Boiling

• Heat guns

How to Prevent Further Phone Case Yellowing

Avoiding direct sunlight is one of the best ways to prevent your phone case from yellowing further. Continued UV exposure causes the case’s materials to warp and eventually decompose.

We’d also recommend inspecting your case regularly for any early signs of discoloration. Then, use a tried-and-tested cleaning method to remove oils or pollutants that may start the yellowing process.

To avoid yellowing in the first place, opt for a high-quality phone case. Harder cases, such as those made from rigid plastics like polycarbonate, are more likely to resist yellowing. They also provide protection from environmental factors that cause chemical degradation over time.

Ghostek’s Covert case, for instance, includes anti-yellowing properties such as oil and fingerprint resistance to ensure your case stays pristine for longer. The crystal-clear cover also offers superior protection from everyday bumps and drops up to 8 feet high, thanks to R2x shock-absorbing corners and lifted bumpers.

When Should You Replace a Clear Phone Case?

It’s time to replace a clear phone case if it remains yellow or discolored, even after thorough cleaning. 

Invest in a new case if yours is degrading due to anything from UV light exposure to everyday wear. A damaged case can compromise your phone’s protection.

If you're unsure where to start, check out Ghostek’s comprehensive collection of scratchproof clear cases today.