Mobile Phones
> Android
Have a clear case, but let it get dirty? Not to worry, cleaning is it easy
By
Ruben Circelli
Ruben Circelli
Editor
- University of Massachusetts, Boston
Ruben Circelli has been a freelance technology writer and editor since 2014. His work has appeared on dozens of sites, including Komando.com, Twinfinite, and TheGamer.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Updated on September 9, 2021
Reviewed by
Ryan Perian
Reviewed byRyan Perian
- Western Governors University
Ryan Perian is a certified IT specialist who holds numerous IT certifications and has 12+ years' experience working in the IT industry support and management positions.
lifewire's editorial guidelines
Android
- Switching from iOS
Trending Videos
What to Know
- First, with some mild soap and some warm water, thoroughly scrub your case with a brush. Be careful with any cracks or peeling portions.
- If the case is still dirty, with a soft (preferably microfiber) cloth, scrub it with isopropyl alcohol to remove stains and yellowing.
- Lower-strength alcohol will be less abrasive but also a less effective cleaner. Not all cases will react well with alcohol, though.
This article explains how to clean a clear phone case. Depending on your case, you may not need anything more than soap and water, but you may need to pick up a brush, microfiber cloth, and some isopropyl alcohol if you need to get some heavy-duty cleaning done.
You can best clean most cases with alcohol, but it may cause damage to some. Before cleaning, it's best to search online to see how to clean your case's material and how others have fared using alcohol-based cleaners.
How Can I Make My Phone Case Clear Again?
Before you get to cleaning, make sure to brush off any dirt or debris from your case as well as tear off any frayed or peeling bits that might rip out larger sections of your case during cleaning, if applicable.
Get to the sink, and run the water until it's warm to the touch. You don't need it to be a specific temperature, and a little more on the warmer side is entirely okay.
Rinse off your case thoroughly, and with a brush or a sponge, do your best to wipe away any visible patches of dirt or grime.
With a hearty dollop of soap, give your case a full-body scrub-down. Don't feel like you have to be too gentle, but be careful not to snap, tear, or crack your case, depending on the material.
Rinse off all the soap, and dry your case thoroughly. If you're happy with its cleanliness, you're done; if not, it's time for the alcohol.
Wet a microfiber cloth with a bit of your isopropyl alcohol, and give your case a full-body wipedown. Then, focus your efforts on any stains or yellow areas with rigorous scrubbing, reapplying alcohol to the cloth as needed.
You can use any strength isopropyl alcohol, which is a helpful cleaning product for a wide variety of electronics. Still, as a rule, lower-strength alcohol will clean less efficiently and require more scrubbing than higher-strength alcohol. However, higher-strength alcohol is more abrasive and can peel or discolor or even crack certain materials.
Repeat this process until you're satisfied. If you start to notice any chipping, cracking, tearing, or anything that would indicate you're too rough with your case, stop.
FAQ
How can you protect a phone without a case?
If you're going caseless, a screen protector can help safeguard your display. If you're keeping the phone in a pocket or purse, make sure it's not near keys or other items that can scratch it. Take extra care not to drop it while using it, and keep it away from the edges of tables or shelves.
How can you customize a clear phone case?
If you're looking for quick DIY options, try decorating your clear case with fun stickers, fake jewels, or glitter. You can also try painting the case with nail polish. Some pressed flowers inside the case can provide a romantic touch.
How do you remove a phone case?
Gently pry a corner of the phone case away from the phone, then do the same to the other corner on the same side. Remove that entire side of the phone case, then lift the phone out completely. You may want to place a towel underneath the phone while you do this in case of accidental drops.
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for letting us know!
Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day
Subscribe
Tell us why!