This is why your clear iPhone your Android case turns YELLOW – and how to clean it
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Has YOUR clear phone case turned ugly yellow? Here’s the science behind why plastic changes color – and how to clean it
Smartphone users who opted for a transparent cover to show off the tech design may have noticed that the clear plastic has turned a dingy yellow.
While the change may be annoying, the truth is that the plastic used to make these cases is actually yellow, but manufacturers add a blue tint that makes them transparent.
The tint disappears and the original color becomes visible when the housing is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, natural oils and sweat of the human body.
However, the off-putting hue can be turned back into the transparent cover – and experts have shared ways to keep them looking as good as new.
A Reddit user recently shared this image, stating, “The fact that this will inevitably happen with any clear phone case.” But there are cleaning tips to get rid of the annoying yellow color
Why does a transparent smartphone case turn yellow?
Most clear smartphone covers are designed with silicone, acrylic, or thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
All three are durable and resistant to high temperatures – which can increase when using a smartphone.
However, Ecmco Industrial Plastics states that “American-made acrylics turn yellow in sunlight.”
Polycarbonate is a type of TPU that is more resistant to breakage than acrylic, which is probably the material of choice for manufacturers.
This material, acrylic and silicone are all yellow throughout an oxidation reaction that is activated when exposed to UV light.
And a similar reaction occurs with sweat and oils.
How do you clean a yellow smartphone case?
ESRa company specialized in cases for tablets, smartphones and other devices, has shared what it calls “the simplest and most affordable solution.”
Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water and gently scrub the case with a toothbrush.
And make sure you get into all the little cutouts and notches on the inside and outside.
Finally, rinse the case and dry it with a soft cloth. You can let it air dry for an hour or so. If possible, repeat this process once or twice a week,” ESR told me.
You can also use backing soda, but then apply the powder dry to the sleeve.
Grab a wet toothbrush and scrub away.
When you’re done, rinse the case and dry it with a soft cloth. Let it dry before using it on your phone.
And the last method of ESR is rubbing alcohol.
‘Pour the alcohol into a spray bottle and use the bottle to spray the alcohol on the case. You can also use a cloth soaked in alcohol,” ESR’s blog post reads.
While the outside and inside are coated, take a soft, dry cloth to remove the alcohol. When you’re done, let it air dry for about an hour.
“This will make sure it’s dry enough to use on your phone.”
Another online tip, called “Grandma’s Recipe,” calls for a mixture of baking soda, lemon juice, and vinegar.
First mix the backing soda and lemon juice into a paste and apply it to the socket with a toothbrush, then in a bowl of vinegar.
Let it sit for about an hour and then rinse.