Finding that your once sparklingly clear phone case has turned yellow can be puzzling. But understanding the reasons behind this ubiquitous phenomenon is crucial to preventing it from happening again in the future. From exposure to sunlight and UV rays to the natural degradation of materials over time, let’s delve into the scientific principles that explain why transparent phone cases turn yellow and how you can extend their original clarity.
why did my clear phone case turn yellow
UV exposure: The above materials can undergo oxidation reactions caused by exposure to ultraviolet rays for a long time. This reaction will then cause a gradual change in color to yellow, making the case dirty and old in appearance.
Skin oil and sweat: If there is much contact with skin oil and sweat, it accelerates the process of yellowing. These substances have acids and enzymes that react with the case material, causing discoloration.
Time factor: Most phone cases that are crystal clear are typically made from silicone, acrylic, or thermoplastic polyurethane. While these materials are pretty hardy against extreme temperatures and other forms of impacts, this does not rule out the possibility of discoloration over time, usually turning yellow due to by-products of chemical reactions.
High temperature: Another reason the phone cases turn yellow could be the high temperatures that smartphones reach when used continuously or under direct sunlight.
Is it possible to restore the transparency of a yellowed clear phone case
1.You might want to try some specialist cleaners or bleach agents to see if they would return your phone case to clarity, but the effectiveness may vary according to the material of the case and how bad the yellowing is.
2.You can also clean the phone cover under running water by adding a few drops of mild soap to ensure deep cleaning in all the nooks and crannies. For tough spots on the case, you might gently rub with a sufficient amount of alcohol or white vinegar, then you have to rinse it well with water and dry thoroughly.
3.It may be time to get a new one if the phone case does not turn back to being transparent after using the specialized cleaners, soap, alcohol, and white vinegar.
what are the other common issues with transparent phone cases
Scratches: Of course, scratches are probably the most common problems in clear phone cases, mostly in those that have a hard material, such as polycarbonate (PC). While these materials have high hardness and resistance against drops, they can easily make fine scratches when one rubs them against hard objects, like keys or coins, affecting their looks.
Wear and tear: The edges and corners of phone cases wear out with time due to frequent usage and friction. Thereby, wear and tear may alter the outlook of a case and even reduce its protective feature to the phone.
Deformation: Soft-material phone cases, mainly silicone and TPU, are highly elastic and resistant to shock. Long-term use or inappropriate storage will cause them to be deformed by squeezing or high temperatures. That may lead to some bad conditions whereby this deformed case won’t firm the phone well, thus affecting the user experience and the protective effect.
Fading: This is less prevalent than the yellowing, wherein transparent phone cases that have color or pattern designs may undergo fading in some cases. This can be due to poor dye quality or even light and chemical non-resistance of the material.
Dust and stain attraction: Dust, fingerprints, and other grease in the air are quickly attracted to the top layer of clear phone cases. Not only do these stains look bad on the case, but they may also impact the feel when touching.
How do I choose the right material for a transparent phone case
Anti-yellowing performance: To users who want to see transparency maintained over time, anti-yellowing performance is a big consideration. While silicone and TPU materials turn yellow, there are some specially treated products on the market that have, for instance, UV inhibitors, which tend to slow down the process of yellowing.
Scratch resistance: This would generally provide scratch resistance properties against scratching or abrasion through hard materials, such as PC and glass fiber-reinforced plastics. Those materials, however, are more likely to shatter or crack.
Resistance to drop: Hard and soft materials should have the properties or abilities of drop resistance in a sufficient manner so that they can help the phone during an accidental fall. In this regard, TPU and silicone materials are excellent because they are capable of absorbing impact energy and hence reducing force transmission onto the phone.
Feel: This is another factor to consider in choosing amongst the phone cases. Most silicone materials give a soft, slip-resistant feel, while TPU may feel more durable and has elasticity to some degree. Therefore, users can choose them based on their personal preference of usage style.
Cleaning and preventive measures to prevent phone case yellowing
From time to time, clean the casing with a mild soap and warm water solution: Do this gently, making sure all corners and crevices are attended to. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials since they might ruin the case.
Avoid direct sunlight: Ensure you keep your phone and, in effect, your phone case in a cool, dry place with little or no direct sunlight to avoid the effects of UV damage.
Take off the case regularly: You can remove your phone case from the phone from time to time to avoid excessive skin oil and sweat accumulation on it.
Replace your case with another color: In general, black-colored phone cases never discolor or change color. This category of phone case is available at She Verve.
Apply protective coating: Some companies provide protective coating or spray that can be applied to the phone case to avoid yellowing. However, its effectiveness may vary.