If you’ve ever seen your previously clear phone case turn an unattractive yellow, you’re not alone. This widespread problem can be both annoying and puzzling. Knowing why it occurs and how to avoid it can spare you the disappointment of a yellowed case.
Why Phone Cases Turn Yellow
Material Composition
The majority of transparent phone covers are constructed of materials such as TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or silicone. Such materials are malleable, resilient, and well-liked for phone drops and scratch protection. Yet they tend to become yellowish in the long term, particularly upon exposure to certain environmental conditions.
Causes of Yellowing
- Exposure to UV Light:
Sunlight is one of the largest offenders when it comes to yellowing phone cases. The sun’s UV rays have a tendency to degrade the chemical bonds in materials such as TPU and silicone, causing them to discolor. This is a gradual process but an inevitable one, particularly if your phone is outdoors a lot. - Oxidation Process:
When exposed to oxygen, materials such as TPU or silicone experience a chemical reaction referred to as oxidation. The reaction would make the material discolor and turn from transparent to yellowish. It’s a natural occurrence, but it can be precipitated by weather conditions such as heat and sunlight. - Heat Exposure:
Heat can accelerate the chemical reactions that lead to yellowing. Whether the heat is from your phone processor or from being left in a parked car, heat exposure will aggravate the discoloration. - Sweat and Oil:
Our skin naturally produces oils, and when combined with sweat, these oils can transfer to the phone case. Over time, these substances can cause the case to yellow, especially if it’s not cleaned regularly. - Environmental Pollutants:
Environmental pollutants, smoke, and other contaminants in the environment can also cause phone cases to turn yellow. Such particles may settle on the case’s surface, leading to color change.
How to Prevent Phone Cases from Yellowing
Now that you understand why your phone case yellows, let’s find some real-life solutions to make it look fresh and new.
Choosing the Right Material
One of the best methods of preventing yellowing is by selecting a phone case constructed from materials that are less likely to discolor. Polycarbonate, for instance, is a hard, rigid plastic that does not yellow as readily as TPU or silicone. Spending money on a case constructed from Polycarbonate material can spare you the annoyance of yellowing.
Regular Cleaning
Keeping your phone case clean is important in avoiding yellowing. A routine of wiping it with mild soap and water can do wonders. Make sure not to use harsh chemicals, as they can weaken the material and speed up the yellowing process. For tough stains, a soft toothbrush can be used to gently brush away dirt without harming the case.
Minimizing UV Exposure
Since UV light is a major cause of yellowing, try to limit your phone’s exposure to direct sunlight. When outdoors, consider keeping your phone in a bag or pocket. If your phone is regularly exposed to sunlight, this small change can help preserve the appearance of your case.
Proper Storage
Whenever it is not being used, leaving it in an air-conditioned room, shaded area, or in the open but out of direct sunlight would slow down yellowing. Also, keeping the phone in high-temperature, high-light exposures like the car dashboard or against a window will speed up the yellowing effect.
Using Anti-Yellowing Products
There are treatments and sprays that can be used to prevent yellowing. These products form a protective barrier on the phone case surface, minimizing the effect of UV light and oxidation. Although they may not entirely prevent yellowing, they can definitely slow it down.
Replacing the Case Periodically
No phone case lasts forever, and replacing your case periodically is the simplest way to keep your phone looking fresh. If your case has already turned yellow, it might be time to consider getting a new one. Sometimes, it’s better to start fresh with a new case rather than trying to restore an old one.
When It’s Time to Replace Your Phone Case
If your phone case has come to the point where cleaning is not enough, and it’s yellow, then it may be time to get a new one. A yellow case not only makes your phone look bad but also reflects badly on your style. Getting a new one is a simple way to get your phone looking like new again.
Conclusion
Yellowing is a problem for most phone cases, but knowing the reasons behind it allows you to do something about it. With the selection of suitable materials, regular cleaning of your case, and protection against UV rays, you can maintain your phone case clear and bright longer.
At Cazify, we provide phone cases constructed from 100% polycarbonate, a material that is both durable and resistant to yellowing. These cases are engineered to retain their clarity and safeguard your phone without sacrificing style. If you’re fed up with the hassle of yellowing phone cases, check out our range today and discover a case that’s designed to last.
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