Phone cases are an essential accessory that not only protects your beloved phone from scratches and cracks but also showcases your style. After a period of use, phone cases often get dirty and yellowed, especially soft plastic and silicone cases.
In this article, VOH (Vietnam Online Hockey) will provide you with simple ways to clean and whiten yellowed phone cases.
The reasons why phone cases turn yellow
Soft plastic phone cases are popular for their diverse designs and lightweight. Most plastic cases on the market are made from Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) material. This is a durable, flexible, and easy-to-use plastic.
However, the characteristic of this type of plastic is that it easily turns yellow after a period of use. The reason for the yellowing of plastic cases is due to exposure to sunlight, heat, sweat from your hands, etc. Although this issue does not affect the protective function of the phone case, it affects the aesthetics.
Methods to clean phone cases at home
In this article, VOH will provide you with simple methods to “transform” your old phone case into a brand new one.
Toothpaste
Using toothpaste is one of the effective ways to whiten phone cases. Toothpaste contains fluoride that helps gently remove yellow stains.
You should choose toothpaste with a smooth texture, without any abrasive particles, to clean the phone case without scratching or dulling it.
The steps are simple:
- Apply toothpaste evenly to the area that needs cleaning.
- Gently brush with a soft toothbrush.
- Rinse the case with water.
Dish soap
Dish soap can clean fresh dirt on your phone case. If your phone case has just gotten dirty, clean it immediately with dish soap for the best cleaning results.
You can follow these simple steps:
- Dilute the dish soap solution.
- Soak the phone case for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Brush the case with a toothbrush until all stains are removed.
Alcohol solution
For heavy and stubborn stains, you can use alcohol to clean the surface of the case. You can find this solution at stores selling chemical solutions or pharmacies.
The steps to whiten a silicone case with alcohol are as follows:
- Moisten a clean cloth or cotton ball with alcohol solution.
- Gently wipe the case, focusing on heavy stains.
- Rinse the case with clean water.
Vinegar and lemon mixture
A mixture of vinegar and lemon with high acid concentration helps create strong cleaning properties. You can mix vinegar and lemon at home to whiten yellowed phone cases.
The steps are as follows:
- Mix vinegar and lemon in a 1:2 ratio.
- Use a fabric or soft brush to scrub the stains on the case.
- Soak the case in the mixture for 10 – 15 minutes.
- Rinse the case with clean water.
Vim cleaner
Vim cleaner is an excellent choice for whitening transparent phone cases. Just apply the cleaner evenly to the case for about 15 – 20 minutes and rinse thoroughly with water, the case will significantly improve its color.
However, Vim cleaner is a strong detergent, so direct contact with the body should be avoided. Therefore, it is recommended to use gloves when using this method.
Tin solder
Combining tin solder mixture with dishwashing liquid is also a method that many people use to whiten silicone phone cases. After diluting the mixture in a bowl of water, soak the silicone case inside for 1 – 2 hours. Then scrub with a brush and rinse with clean water to greatly improve the yellowing of the case.
Baking soda
Baking soda is readily available at supermarkets, grocery stores, and can be mixed with a little water to form a thick mixture. You can add a bit of lemon juice, then apply the mixture evenly to the phone case and let it dry completely before rinsing with clean water.
Baking soda has a gentle abrasive nature and when combined with lemon juice, it acts as a good cleaning agent. You can easily find baking soda anywhere.
To clean a phone case with baking soda, follow these simple steps:
- Mix baking soda with water or lemon juice to form a thick mixture.
- Apply the mixture evenly to the phone case.
- Gently brush the surface to remove stains.
- You can let it sit overnight until the mixture is completely dry, then rinse with clean water.
Bacterial solution
Cleaning phone cases with a special antibacterial solution is useful if you want to disinfect and clean at the same time. However, hand sanitizer can change the color of some phone cases. Therefore, before using this solution, you need to consider the material of the case.
The steps are as follows:
- Soak a piece of cloth in the hand sanitizer solution.
- Wipe both the front and back of the phone case.
- Rinse the phone case with clean water.
Nail polish remover
Nail polish remover can also help make your phone case look like new, did you know that?
The steps are similar to cleaning with alcohol. After soaking a cotton ball with nail polish remover, you wipe off the stains thoroughly. Finally, wipe again with clean water before using it.
Hydrogen peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide solution is also an excellent choice for whitening phone cases. The steps are simple:
- Mix water and hydrogen peroxide in a 2:1 ratio in a container.
- Put the phone case in the container, ensuring that it is fully immersed in the solution. Soak for about 1 – 2 hours.
- Rinse the phone case and dry it with a soft cloth.
Above are 10 simple and effective ways to clean phone cases at home that you can easily perform. Properly cleaning phone cases not only extends the lifespan of the case but also enhances its aesthetics, making you feel more confident when using your phone.
Don’t forget to update the latest and most interesting knowledge at VOH Tips and Tricks.
Simple yet highly effective tips for phone disinfection
Regularly cleaning and sanitizing your mobile phone is essential for preventing illnesses and protecting your health. To disinfect your phone, here are some methods you can apply:
