Getting a new phone is always exciting, and since we understand the value and importance of our phones, the first thing we generally do is to buy a cover for the new phone, to make sure it is protected from damage. We buy the new cover, put it on the phone, and… forget about it. Every day we use our phones for so many different things, and the average person touches their phone almost 100 times a day. Often we will notice that the screen is dirty, and give it a wipe so it looks better, but seldom do we consider the cover.
Mobile phones are one of the dirtiest items in our possession. We touch them regularly, and after many tasks we do in the day, such as opening public doors and touching grocery carts, we pull out our phones and get that bacteria all over them. It has even been claimed that our phones are dirtier than our toilet seats, with up to 25,000 bacteria per square inch! So wiping your screen now and then for a cleaner look is probably not going to be enough if you don’t want all that bacteria getting on your hands and face.
Here are 7 simple ways to clean, disinfect and de-yellow your clear phone case.
1. Dish Soap
You will need:
- Warm water
- Dish soap
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
- Container
Method:
- Remove the case from your phone, and divide it into separate pieces if it is sectioned.
- Put some water and dish soap into a container deep enough to submerge the phone case, and stir it with the toothbrush to create some foam.
- Place the case, or pieces of the case, into the soapy water, and allow to soak for a few minutes.
- Remove the case from the soapy water, and scrub it with the old toothbrush, being sure to get into the corners and crevices where the most dirt gathers.
- When you are happy that the phone case is clean, rinse it under cold, running water, and make sure to get all dish soap residue off it.
- Dry the case with a soft cloth, and then allow it to air dry for about an hour before reattaching it to your phone.
2. Baking Soda
You will need:
- Baking soda
- Old toothbrush
- Eraser
- Water
- Soft cloth
Method:
- Remove the case from your phone.
- Sprinkle dry baking soda over the phone case, and scrub the whole thing with a damp toothbrush.
- Pay special attention to areas that are stained and yellowed, as well as the corners and crevices.
- Reapply and repeat the second and third steps if you are not happy with the results the first time.
- Should there still be stubborn marks that do not want to come off, dry the case, and use the eraser to remove the stains.
- Rinse the case under running water, being sure to remove all traces of baking soda.
- Dry with a soft cloth, and then allow to air dry for an hour before returning the cover to your phone.
3. Rubbing Alcohol
You will need:
- Isopropyl alcohol
- Spray bottle
- Soft cloth x 2
Method:
- Remove the cover from your phone.
- Here you can choose your method of application – either place the alcohol in a spray bottle and spray the entire phone cover with it, or apply some alcohol to one of the soft cloths, and wipe down the cover with it.
- Either way, rub the cover well with the cloth, paying attention to stained and dirty areas.
- Once you are happy with the results, wipe the case down with the second soft cloth which has not had alcohol on it, and then allow the phone to air dry.
- The alcohol will evaporate quickly, but make sure your phone case is completely dry before reattaching it to your phone.
4. Detergent
You will need:
- Laundry detergent
- Water
- Container
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
Method:
- Remove the case from your phone.
- Mix some laundry detergent with water in a container large enough to submerge the phone case.
- Soak the case in the detergent for a few minutes.
- Scrub the case with the toothbrush until clean.
- Rinse the case off in clean water, dry with the soft cloth, and then allow to air dry for an hour.
5. Nail Polish Remover (Acetone)
You will need:
- Nail polish remover
- Cotton balls
- Soft cloth
Method:
- Remove your phone from the case.
- Pour some acetone onto a cotton ball, and rub the case down well.
- Repeat if necessary, until the phone case is clean.
- Dry the case off with a dry cloth, and allow to air dry before use.
6. Toothpaste
You will need:
- Toothpaste
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
Method:
- Remove the cover from your phone.
- Apply some toothpaste to your phone cover, and scrub well with the old toothbrush or a soft cloth.
- Be sure to pay attention to corners and crevices.
- Repeat if needed, until the phone case is clean.
- Rinse the case in clean, cold water, and dry with a clean, soft cloth.
Allow to dry fully before use.
7. Bleach
Be aware that this method should only be used rarely, and if all else fails. Bleach is both a corrosive and an irritant, so be sure to wear gloves and a face mask if choosing this method.
You will need:
- Bleach
- Water
- Gloves
- Face mask
- Container
- Old toothbrush
- Soft cloth
Method:
- Remove the case from your phone, and put on some protective gloves and a face mask.
- Dilute the bleach as per the manufacturer’s instructions, and pour the mixture into a container big enough to submerge the phone case.
- Soak the case in the bleach and water for a few minutes.
- Scrub the case in the bleach until clean, using the old toothbrush – pay special attention to heavily yellowed and dirty areas.
- Rinse the case under clean, running water, and dry with a soft cloth.
- Allow to air dry for an hour before use.
Conclusion
Most clear phone cases will eventually go yellow, due to degradation and dirt. If your phone case is new, use the first few methods above for weekly maintenance, to avoid early yellowing, and to disinfect your phone case. For more regular cleaning, a mild disinfectant can be used in between weekly cleans, or as needed, even as often as daily, should you deem it necessary. Keep your phone out of sunlight, and away from hot and humid conditions, and always keep your phone away from food and drink, to avoid unnecessary spills and damage.
If your phone case is old and yellow already, try the methods above, starting with the first, until you either reach the desired clean and clearness, or you decide the case is beyond saving. If that does happen, your best option is to go out and buy a new phone case, and take better care of it in the future, by following our suggestions on regular cleaning and disinfecting.
