How to Clean a Clear Phone Case (and Why Clear Cases Turn Yellow)

A clear case shows off your iPhone's color, and it also shows every bit of dust, lint and grime that gets underneath. The good news: most of what makes a clear case look dirty comes off in five minutes with things you already have at home. The bad news: real yellowing is a change in the plastic itself, and no cleaning product can fully undo it. Here's how to tell the two apart, how to clean a clear phone case without damaging it, and how to keep it clear for longer.

Dirty or yellow? Check first

Take the case off and hold it over a sheet of white paper in daylight.

  • Patchy, grey or brown marks, especially along the edges, in the corners and around the buttons, are dirt, skin oil and pocket lint. They come off.
  • An even yellow or amber tint across the whole case, often darker where your hand holds it, is the plastic itself discoloring. Cleaning can lighten the grime on top of it, but the tint stays.

Many cases have both. Clean first, then judge what's left.

How to clean a clear phone case: step by step

What you need

  • Warm (not hot) water and mild dish soap
  • A soft toothbrush
  • A microfiber cloth
  • Baking soda, for stubborn stains
  • Optional: isopropyl alcohol (70%) and a cotton pad

1. Remove the case and check for metal or magnets

Always take the case off the phone, and never clean it on the device. Look at what the case is made of. A fully plastic case can go under the tap. If it has a magnet ring, metal buttons, metal badges or plated accents, don't soak it: clean it with a damp cloth and brush instead.

2. Wash with soap and a soft brush

Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of warm water. Dip the toothbrush in it and scrub the inside and outside of the case in small circles. Spend most of your time on the corners, the camera cutout and the button covers, where grime builds up. Rinse, or wipe with a clean damp cloth if the case has magnets or metal parts.

3. Lift stubborn stains with baking soda

For marks that stay after washing, make a paste of about two parts baking soda to one part water. Brush it gently onto the stain, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse or wipe it off. Baking soda is a mild abrasive, so scrub lightly, especially on glossy surfaces, which show fine scratches.

4. Spot-clean with alcohol (sparingly)

A cotton pad with a little 70% isopropyl alcohol removes leftover oil and sticky residue, and it disinfects. Use it occasionally and only on clear plastic. Keep it away from leather, printed designs, soft-touch coatings and painted or plated parts, which alcohol can dull or strip.

5. Dry completely before putting it back

Pat the case dry with the microfiber cloth, then leave it to air-dry for at least an hour. Water trapped between the case and the phone leaves marks and can get into the ports. Make sure the inside is fully dry before you put the case back on.

What not to use

  • Bleach: it can make TPU cloudy or brittle and doesn't reverse yellowing.
  • Acetone and nail polish remover: they can melt or haze many plastics.
  • Abrasive sponges and scouring powder: they leave scratches that hold dirt.
  • Boiling water and the dishwasher: heat can warp the case so it no longer fits well.

Why clear phone cases turn yellow

Most soft clear cases are made of TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane), a flexible plastic that absorbs shocks well. Over time, UV light from the sun, heat, and oils from your skin slowly break down the material, and it gradually turns yellow. That's why a case left on a car dashboard or a sunny desk ages faster than one that spends most of its time in a pocket. It's a property of the material, so it happens to soft clear cases from every brand, sooner or later.

Rigid PC (polycarbonate) backs tend to stay clear longer than soft TPU, and frosted or tinted finishes make any change in color much less visible.

How to keep a clear case clear for longer

  • Keep the phone out of direct sun and hot cars when you can.
  • Wipe the case with a dry microfiber cloth every few days to remove skin oil before it builds up.
  • Wash your hands after applying lotion, sunscreen or hair products, which speed up discoloration.
  • Do a quick soap-and-water clean every couple of weeks rather than one deep clean a year.
  • If yellowing bothers you, choose a frosted, tinted or colored-frame design next time.

Clear and translucent cases that hide wear better

If your current case is past saving, these designs show your iPhone's color while making everyday wear less obvious. Choose your exact model in the Model selector on each page.

Browse every option in our clear and translucent iPhone cases collection. To compare clear cases with leather, metal and carbon fiber, see our case material guide.

Clear phone case FAQ

Can you make a yellow clear case clear again?

Not completely. Cleaning removes grime and can make the case look noticeably better. But when the plastic itself has yellowed, the tint is in the material and household cleaners can't remove it.

How often should I clean a clear case?

Give it a quick wipe every few days and a soap-and-water wash every two weeks or so. Clean it right away after contact with sunscreen, makeup or food.

Is it safe to use hand sanitizer on a clear case?

Now and then, on clear plastic only. Like isopropyl alcohol, it can dull coatings, prints and plated parts, so keep it away from those.

Do frosted cases turn yellow too?

A frosted or tinted finish can still change color with age, but it's much less visible than on a crystal-clear case.

Shipping and returns

Every order ships free with tracking, worldwide, and returns and exchanges are free within 30 days of delivery. You save 10% on 2 cases and 15% on 3 or more.

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