Every few months, your smartphone case yellows. It`s frustrating and a waste of money. Here`s how to stop it from happening. Transparent phone cases are highly popular because they go well with all smartphone colors. However, they have an annoying downside: transparent phone cases often turn yellow quickly. So, let`s look at the reasons why your transparent smartphone case turns yellow, several ways to slow down the yellowing process, and some alternative phone case materials you can try to avoid this issue.

To begin with, your brand new smartphone case isn`t fully transparent. By nature, the material is ever so slightly yellow. Manufacturers add a little blue dye, making our eyes see the material as clear rather than yellow. Now, most transparent phone cases are made of silicone, acrylic, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). These materials undergo degradation over time, mostly due to UV light and heat. Other factors may include the oil and sweat from your hands. This is why you`ll notice your crystal clear smartphone case adopting a yellow hue within one to three months. Of course, the duration depends on the case`s quality and the extent to which it`s exposed to the elements.

It`s impossible to reverse the effect once your transparent phone case turns yellow. However, there are some steps you can take for your transparent smartphone case to stay clear for as long as possible.

How long has it been since you cleaned your smartphone screen, let alone the case? Set a reminder to clean it every one to two days. You`ll only need to use a slightly wet cloth to wipe away the grease, fingerprints, and dirt. Due to the active daily activity, smartphones contain many bacteria.

Cleaning your smartphone and its case will keep your device hygienic and slow down the speed at which the transparent case turns yellow.
Hand holding cloth and black smartphone on orange background
Remove your smartphone from the phone case every 1-2 weeks and thoroughly clean the clear material. Rinse with a little mild soapy water, dry as much as possible with a soft cloth, and let it air dry completely for several hours.

When cleaning or washing your cell phone case, do not use a heating device such as a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. Also, don`t use scalding liquids like hot water in an attempt to “disinfect” your case. All this will cause your transparent smartphone case to turn yellow faster. Don`t Place Your Smartphone Case Under Direct Sunlight As discussed earlier, UV light is a factor that causes your transparent phone case to turn yellow. Don`t leave your case-protected smartphone right beside a window, where sunlight will likely stream through the glass panes. Place your smartphone in a cool, shaded place.

If the transparent smartphone case turns yellow, some people recommend using a strong detergent, such as bleach, to "clean" the shade. Soak your smartphone case in a mild bleach solution to create a sparkling, clean, bacteria-free case. However, bleach cannot return the yellow smartphone case to a transparent state. It just doesn't work.
It however removes stubborn, waxy stains covering the edges and corners of the case.
This thorough cleaning will make your smartphone case a little sharper and more transparent. However, the yellow color below remains.
You may come across other methods on the internet: clean with toothpaste, alcohol, baking soda, etc. They are just myths.

Also, do not try to mix the detergent. The yellowed material remains under the surface of the case and does not allow the solution to enter and settle.
Mixing different detergents and chemicals can cause unexpected and potentially dangerous reactions.

All you can do is slow down the yellowing process of your transparent phone case, so let's take a look at some alternatives that you can try to avoid the problem altogether. Buy a clear polycarbonate case Whether it's silicone, TPU, or acrylic, the transparent smartphone case turns yellow no matter what the phone accessory shop says. The cheaper the case, the faster the yellowing. If you're willing to pay more, you can try a clear polycarbonate phone case that is more durable than the materials listed above. However, don't forget that someday the polycarbonate will change color. Again, the cause is UV light and heat. However, polycarbonate is the best choice for a more durable and transparent smartphone case.

Replacing your smartphone case frequently is costly. In pursuing this aesthetic, it creates a lot of consumer waste as well, transparent smartphone cases shouldn`t be seen as the be-all end-all. To avoid getting frustrated time and again, wondering why your transparent phone case turns yellow, try stepping out of your comfort zone.

Four colors of iPhone cases: white, black, light blue, and pink, on white surface For example, you can start by exploring ecofriendly phone cases.

These are better for the environment. You`re sure to find one that fits your style and budget.
Since many of us like to showcase our personality with unique or customized smartphone cases, refreshing your style is a fun process.
This way, you can cut down on your phone care expenses and prevent unnecessary waste.

Everyday factors will cause your transparent phone case to turn yellow. You can only slow down the yellowing process by cleaning the case and keeping it away from sunlight and heat. Unfortunately, there`s no real way to make your phone case clear again once it turns yellow. If you don't want to spend time maintaining your smartphone case, check out other phone cases that are easy to manage.