Why does the clear case turn yellow after a period of use?

Clear cases for tech devices often turn yellow after a long period of use .

Many people buy clear cases to show off the original design and color of their phones. However, these cases often turn yellow after long-term use.

Despite being annoying and unsightly, the plastic used to make the case is actually yellow. The manufacturer just added blue dye to increase transparency.

In other words, it is inevitable that the transparent case will turn yellow. However, there is still a solution to help users bring back the clear white color of this accessory.

Clear phone case turns yellow. (Photo: Reddit).

Most clear smartphone cases are made from silicone, acrylic, or TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane ). All three are highly durable and heat-resistant.

According to How-To Geek, not all clear cases turn yellow . Hard cases are almost unaffected by this condition. Meanwhile, soft, flexible and cheap cases are at the highest risk of yellowing.

Several environmental factors cause clear cases to discolor more quickly . The first is ultraviolet (UV) rays, radiation commonly encountered when exposed to sunlight.

Over time, UV light breaks down the chemical bonds that hold the long-chain polymer molecules that make up the case. This creates shorter molecular chains, which brings out the natural yellow color of the case.

Heat from the sun, your phone, and sweat from your hands can build up and speed up this process. Even cases that aren't completely clear can yellow due to environmental factors.

ESR, a company that specializes in making cases for smartphones and tablets, offers a solution to turn cases back to transparent. Just mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with warm water, then scrub the solution onto the case with a toothbrush.

During the cleaning process, pay attention to cleaning the button grooves and connection ports. Finally, wash and wipe the case with a soft cloth, leave it outside at room temperature for 1-2 hours to dry completely before attaching it to the phone.

Users can also sprinkle baking soda on the case and scrub with a wet toothbrush. In addition, cleaning with alcohol is also a solution to consider.

Put alcohol in a spray bottle, spray it on the case and wipe it with a dry cloth. Once finished, leave the case at room temperature for 1-2 hours to dry completely.