How to prevent clear phone cases from turning yellow too quickly?

A brand new clear phone case always looks shiny and clean at first, but after just a few months, that once-clear case can turn that awful yellowish color that everyone hates. The good news is that you can prolong that like-new look a little longer and prevent yellowing with a few handy tips.

 

5. Avoid direct sunlight as much as possible

 

The sun may be great for selfies, but it's the enemy of clear cases. UV rays react with plastic, especially if the case is made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), accelerating oxidation and causing discoloration.

To slow down the yellowing process, try to keep your phone out of direct sunlight. Avoid leaving your phone near windowsills, picnic tables, or any indoor surface that gets daily sunlight. If you frequently use your phone outdoors — such as when you're hiking or climbing — consider storing it in your bag or pocket when not in use.

4. Do not expose the phone to high temperatures for too long!

Just like sunlight, high temperatures can trigger chemical reactions in plastics that can cause your phone to break down faster, which means your phone is more susceptible to yellowing. Leaving your phone in a hot car or placing it near a vent or heating device can cause your phone to overheat and damage your phone case over time.

 

If you regularly charge your phone overnight (which has its own drawbacks), be mindful of where you place it. Charging a phone naturally generates heat, so placing it under a pillow or thick blanket (which traps heat) can speed up the process of the gold plating. A cool surface is a much safer option.

3. Avoid using oily or sweaty hands to wipe your phone.

Sometimes your phone is the only thing keeping you awake while you cook or after a workout. Unfortunately, natural oils, sweat, lotions, and even food residue all contain varying levels of chemicals that can damage the plastic coating on your case over time.

So make it a habit to wipe or wash your hands before using your phone for long periods of time, especially after applying skin care products like sunscreen or moisturizer. It may sound simple, but this small change can really help your case look a lot cleaner.

2. Clean the case regularly

Yellowing cases don't look clean. So, once a week, take a few minutes to clean your case with mild dish soap and warm water. For more stubborn stains, sprinkle some baking soda on it and scrub it with a soft brush (like an old toothbrush). Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol, as they can do more harm than good by weakening the plastic.

 

After washing, make sure the case is completely dry before reattaching it to the phone.

1. Rotate the phone case (if you have multiple cases)

 

If you have a collection of phone cases, use them! Rotating your cases keeps each case from being constantly exposed to heat, sunlight, and handling. This simple strategy can spread the wear and tear across multiple cases, giving your clear case a longer life.

Even if you don't like to change your style often, consider keeping a spare case for use at home or when you know you'll be working in hot or dusty environments. This will keep your clear case in place for times when you want your phone to look its best.

No matter how careful you are, most clear cases will eventually turn yellow. It's just the nature of the material. But incorporating a few of these habits can help you buy more time before you need to replace them.

And when your case finally starts to lose its opacity, it might be time to try a new style. After all, no case lasts forever, but with the right care, your case can definitely last a lot longer.

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