Clear Case Turns Yellow: Is there a Solution?
Getting a case is an essential part of owning a phone these days to protect our fragile devices. Consequently, no matter how beautiful and slim your phone is, it will definitely look different in cases. It changes the personality and original intended design. That said, that’s the reason why clear cases are an attractive choice for many.
The transparent cases allow it to show through the design of the phone. However, there is one caveat that repeat users are already familiar with. Something to be aware of but is expected: Clear cases will eventually get a yellow tinge makeover… whether you like it or not.
For something that reflects personality, sporting a yellowed case does not look hygienic and may attract attention for the wrong reason. If you’re a tidy person or just annoyed by the appearance, you may have tried one of the few tips below to remove unsightly stains and blemishes:
- Laundry detergent, dishwashing liquids, or soaps – this is readily available in every kitchen and bathroom. Can be used to soak the case with mildly warm water for a few minutes. Then, you can use a sponge to remove softened dirt and oils that may cause stains on the surface. However, once cleaned and if the yellow hues still persist, it could be permanent discoloration.
- Alcohol – another method is to put alcohol on a cloth or cotton ball and rub it on the clear case- if you like quick disinfection and remove sticky residue. However, it won’t turn a UV-damaged case into a clear one.
- Baking Soda – is a more natural and safer choice. It is mildly abrasive and can clean the dingy surface of the case. Sprinkle baking soda on a wet case and leave it for a while. You can use a soft brush or your fingertips (be careful of the sharp edges though) to wipe oils and dirt off the case. The result is you have a squeaky clean cover, but the aged case may still be marred by yellow highlights.
If we are going to be upfront about the yellowing issue of clear cases:
It is irreversible once it happens.
There we said it.
There is little you can do about it and the aforementioned solutions only fix superficial stains and discoloration. The ghastly yellow hue is already imbued with the case as oxidation or chemical reaction may have taken over. Of course, you can still use it with its dingy cosmetics as long as the integrity of the case is still intact.
From Crystal Clear to Unsightly Yellow – Why the Sudden Color Change?
Most clear cases typically contain silicon. Manufacturers prefer them because they are flexible and inexpensive to make. However, there is one big caveat. The crystal clear, neat-looking cover on your phone wont stay that way for too long. The polymer is notorious for turning yellow as time goes on and that is its nature.
There are other factors that will fast-track the aging process of the case and this one is a big contributor. The worst offender is exposure to ultraviolet rays which will surely expedite the process, just like most clear plastics under the sun.
At this point, we have established that clear cases will turn yellow naturally and it seems inevitable. To further prove that the odds are not in its favor, simply day-to-day use will trigger yellowing. Our hands and face produce oil, and that is also where the phone comes into contact frequently. Oils, whether from a commercial product or naturally produced by the body can speed up the process.
Are Yellowing-Resistant Clear Cases Worth It?
After a failed restoration attempt, maybe it is time to consider getting a replacement. Since clear cases are quite cheap, buying a new one will make less of an impact. However, it would be nice if the clear case remains almost in pristine condition. The good news is there are more expensive clear cases that apparently can resist yellowing better.
Case-makers adopted different methods in order to come up with transparent phone cases that don’t change color. Popular brands such as Supcase have clear case lineups that don’t contain silicon, the material that causes yellowing. Therefore, you’ll notice that some of the available cases that claim to have anti-yellowing attributes have a more rigid TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) material to them.
Since UV rays can be rough on clear phone coverings, manufacturers also add a special coating to their products. The protective layer also prevents oxidation which diminishes the clarity of the case over time.
Aside from utilizing a hard TPU component, some of these so-called anti-yellowing cases have a tough polycarbonate layer. Based on my experience, a PC tends to less likely turn into cloudy or muddy color, unlike a softer clear TPU. You’ll find clear cases that combine a more rigid kind of TPU on the bumper and tough polycarbonate on the back.
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