Here’s What You Can Do to Stop Your Clear Phone Case From Turning Yellow So Quickly

A brand-new, clear phone case always starts out looking crisp and clean, but give it a couple of months, and the once-pristine case is likely to degrade into that awful yellow hue we all know and hate. The good news is that you can extend the fresh-out-the-box look a little longer and stop your case from going yellow with a few handy tricks.

5

Keep It Out of Direct Sunlight as Much as Possible

Sunlight might be great for selfies, but it’s pretty much the villain when it comes to clear phone cases. UV rays react with the plastic, particularly if it’s made of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), accelerating oxidation and causing discoloration.

To help slow down the yellowing, try not to leave your phone out in direct sunlight. Keep it away from window sills, picnic tables, or any surface that gets daily sun exposure indoors. If you tend to use your phone outside a lot—say, during long walks or hiking—consider slipping it into your bag or pocket when not in use.

4

Don’t Let It Sit in the Heat for Long

Just like sunlight, high temperatures can trigger chemical reactions in plastic, leading to faster degradation, which means more yellowing. Leaving your phone in a hot car or placing it near heating vents or appliances can cause it to overheat and damage your case over time.

If you tend to charge your phone overnight (which has its own downsides), be mindful of where you place it. Charging naturally generates heat, so placing it under a pillow or a thick blanket (which traps heat) could accelerate the yellowing process. A cool, well-ventilated surface is a much safer bet.

3

Avoid Using Oily or Sweaty Hands on Your Phone

Sometimes your phone is the only thing keeping you sane while cooking dinner or after a workout. But unfortunately, natural oils, sweat, lotion, and even food residue contain varying degrees of chemicals that can break down the plastic coating on your case over time. And—you guessed it—yellowing.

So, make it a habit to wipe your hands or wash them before extended phone use, especially after slathering on skincare products, like sunscreen or moisturizer. It sounds simple, but this small change can actually go a long way in keeping your case looking clearer for longer.

2

Clean Your Case Regularly

A dirty case is a yellowing case. So, once a week, take a few minutes to clean your case using gentle dish soap and warm water. For tougher stains, sprinkle in a little baking soda and use a soft brush (like an old toothbrush) to scrub it down. Avoid harsh chemicals like bleach or alcohol here, as they do more harm than good by weakening the plastic.

After washing, ensure the case is completely dry before reattaching it to your phone.

1

Rotate Phone Cases (if You Have Several)

If you’ve got a collection of phone cases, use them! Rotating between cases gives each one a break from constant exposure to heat, sunlight, and handling. This simple strategy can spread out the wear and tear across multiple cases, giving your clear case a longer life overall.

Even if you don’t like to change styles often, consider keeping a backup case for home use or when you know you’ll be in hot or messy environments. This will help preserve your clear case for when you want your phone to look its best.

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I hate to end on this note, but no matter how careful you are, most clear cases will eventually yellow. It’s just the nature of the material. That said, combining a few of these habits can buy you a lot more time before that fade sets in.

And when it does finally start to look more banana than transparent, maybe it’s your cue that the universe is permitting you to try a new style. After all, no case lasts forever, but with the right care, yours can definitely stick around a lot longer.