Smartphones are ever-present in our lives. They ассomраny us everywhere, even through dust & dirt. This constant usage leads to a significant accumulation of germs or dirt on the phone cases. If you want to learn how to clean phone case like a pro then you are at the right place.

The mobile phone protective cases market is valued at USD 24.99 billion in 2024. It is expected to grow to more by 2031. The increased usage reflects the importance of these accessories for your phone.

Phone cases are essential for protecting phones from dirt & grime. They even save your device from blunt force damage.

There has been an increased hygiene awareness post-pandemic. But still, dead skin cells, food residue, & dirt might get stuck in most phone cases. These may start to make your phone case look worn out over time.

This detailed guide will take you through the process of cleaning your phone case. We will talk about cleaning methods for different types of cases you should know.

Let’s get straight to it

Why Clean Your Phone Case?

Phone cases are essential accessories. They protect our smartphones from various forms of damage. Maintaining their cleanliness is equally important. This ensures optimal functionality & longevity. Cleaning your phone case offers several benefits beyond just aesthetic appeal.

● Hygiene

Regularly cleaning your phone case helps eliminate bacteria & germs. Harmful microorganisms that accumulate on its surface can also be reduced with it. It reduces the spread of pathogens. You can minimize the risk of illness & maintain better personal hygiene.

● Appearance

Upkeep of your new phone case improves its appearance. It prevents the buildup of dirt & obvious stains. A clean phone case looks attractive. It reflects positively on your overall image.

● Durability

Dirt and debris can contribute to premature wear & tear of the case. Material degradation can potentially reduce the lifespan. Cleaning it regularly can increase the durability of the case.

● Functionality

A clean phone case maintains its structural integrity. It can properly safeguard your smartphone against impacts & scratches. Cleanliness can prevent interference with buttons, ports, and other features. It ensures optimal functionality of your device.

● Healthier Environment

A clean phone case contributes to a healthier living environment. It does that by reducing the presence of harmful bacteria & allergens on the case surface. It minimized the exposure to contaminants. You can create a cleaner space for yourself and those around you.

How to Clean a Phone Case: Complete Guide

Your phone case is a protector for your phone. Your style & personality are also reflected in these cases. Maintaining the pristine appearance of the case is important. But phone cases start to look bad with time. Discoloration & stubborn stains are quite common. These can reduce the aesthetic appeal of the case.

The below sections will explore how to clean phone cases in detail.

Material You Need

• Mild soap or detergent (rubbing alcohol as an alternative)
• Water
• Soft cloth or sponge
• Microfiber towels (soft paper towels as an alternative)
• Toothbrush (to remove stains)
• Disinfectant wipes (optional, for sanitizing)

How to Clean a Phone Case – For Silicone Phone Cases?

A silicone phone case is easy to clean. Most people go for these cases for the phone due to their durability. The following step-by-step guide is here to walk you through the process of cleaning silicone cases:

1. Remove the silicone phone case.
2. Apply an ammonia-free disinfectant all-purpose cleaner. A few drops of glass cleaners can also be applied to the case. You can put it in a spray bottle for effective usage.
3. Allow the spray or soapy solution to sit on the case for a few minutes. Wait for the natural process to complete. It will effectively kill germs.
4. Thoroughly wipe the phone case clean with a dry microfiber towel. This will remove any remaining cleaner on the surface. It will ensure the case is fully dry before you put it on again.
5. Use the microfiber towel to buff the phone screen to a shine. This extra step will add to the look of your phone with the phone case.
6. Put the silicone case on the phone. You are good to go!

How to Clean a Clear Phone Case?

Clear phone cases get yellow with time. The process of getting dull may occur faster with prolonged exposure to heat. Here is how to clean a phone case that is clear and transparent:

1. Detach the case.
2. Take warm water & mix it with a small amount of dish soap in a bowl. Submerge the cover in it. Allow it to soak for a few minutes.
3. Delicately scrub the case. A soft toothbrush can be used for it. Scrub until all traces of dirt are eliminated.
4. Employ a microfiber towel slightly moistened with soapy water. Use it to wipe down the phone.
5. Rinse the phone case under cold running water.
6. Thoroughly dry both the case and phone using a high-quality microfiber cloth. This will prevent any potential scratches.
7. Polish the screen with a clean cloth. Its smooth weave guarantees no lint or streaks will remain.
8. After that, you can put on the case again.

How to Clean a Rubber Phone Case?

Rubber phone cases are easy to clean. The process is almost the same as for silicone and transparent cases. Here is how you can do it right:

1. Take the case off the phone.
2. Create a mix of warm water & a small amount of dish soap. Submerge the case in the bowl for several minutes.
3. Use a magic eraser. Gently remove embedded dirt & stains. Make sure not to over-rub. It risks dulling the surface.
4. If stains persist, create a paste by combining baking soda with the soapy water mixture. Apply it to the case. Let it sit for a few hours.
5. Rinse the phone case under cold water. Use a toothbrush to clean the residue.
6. Utilize a microfiber towel. Lightly moisten it with dish soap water to wipe down the phone.
7. Thoroughly air dry both the case and phone. Do it using a premium microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.
8. Polish the screen with a microfiber glass cloth.
9. Put the case on the phone again. That’s it!

How to Clean a Wood Phone Case?

Cleaning a wood case can be tricky. Their cleaning process requires extra care as you don’t want to scratch the surface. Here is how you can clean a wooden phone case:

1. Take off the case from your phone.
2. Apply wood deep cleaner onto a microfiber towel. Avoid direct spraying onto the case.
3. Gently wipe the wooden phone case. Follow the direction of the wood grain. Do it until all traces of dirt are eliminated. Immediately buff the case dry using a dry section of the towel.
4. With a separate microfiber towel, lightly moisten it with an ammonia-free all-purpose cleaner. Wipe down the phone & screen.
5. Ensure both the case and phone are completely dry. You can do that using a dry microfiber towel before reassembly.
6. Polish the screen with a microfiber cloth. This will create a glossy finish.

How to Clean a Leather Phone Case?

Leather phone cases are often premium. They can be quite expensive. Extreme care is needed to clean these cases well. Here is how you should go about cleaning leather cases:

1. Detach the leather case.
2. Moisten a portion of a microfiber towel with leather cleaner. Make sure to avoid direct application onto the case.
3. Carefully wipe the leather case in a circular motion. Gently remove all dirt. Immediately dry the case with a dry section of the towel.
4. Apply leather conditioner onto a microfiber towel. Spread it evenly over the leather cases. Make sure to do it in a thin layer. Allow the product to absorb for 5 minutes. You can wipe off the excess after that.
5. Use a separate microfiber towel. Dampen it with an ammonia-free cleaner. Clean the phone & screen carefully.
6. Ensure both the case and phone are completely dry with a dry microfiber towel.
7. Put the leather phone case on again & you are good to go.

Cleaning a Clear Phone Case – DIY Tips & Tricks

Access to professional cleaning equipment is always not possible. You often have to make do with what you have for cleaning your phone case. This section is for DIYers. Go through it to learn how to clean a yellowing phone case. Let’s get straight to it:

How to Clean a Phone Case with Dish Soap

Dish soap is a common household item. It is often used for everyday cleaning. And it works well for phone cases too. Here is how you can use dish soap to clean a phone case:

1. Take off the yellowing phone case.
2. Mix dish soap with warm water in the sink. This will create a sudsy solution.
3. Take a spare toothbrush & scrub every nook and cranny of your phone case with the soap mixture. Make sure to reach into all corners and crevices. Clean ports and buttons as well.
4. Periodically immerse your case in the water while cleaning. This will ensure a thorough cleansing.
5. Once satisfied with the cleanliness, drain the soapy water. Rinse the case under fresh water. This will remove any remaining soap residue.
6. Use a dry cloth to dry the case.
7. Ensure the phone case is entirely dry. You can put it on your phone after that.

How to Clean a Phone Case with Baking Soda?

Baking soda is great for cooking. It is a great natural cleaner as well. Its abrasiveness makes it ideal for cleaning purposes. It dissolves dirt & dust. Here is how you can use it to clean a phone case:

1. Place your empty phone case on a towel for this method. You can prevent a lot of mess with that.
2. Sprinkle baking soda mixture evenly over one side of the case. Switch to the other side once done with this.
3. Dampen the head of a spare toothbrush. Begin scrubbing the baking soda into and around the case. Take your time and ensure the powder transforms into a paste-like consistency.
4. Use a circular motion and focus on heavily stained areas. Add more water to the toothbrush as needed.
5. After scrubbing, rinse off the baking soda under running water.
6. Flip the phone case & repeat the process on the other side.
7. Use a damp cloth to ensure all traces of baking soda are rinsed away. You can dry the case with a microfiber cloth after that.
8. Let the case air dry.
9. Put the case on the phone. And you are done!

Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Your Phone Case

Cleаning your phone case is tough. Especially for beginners who are trying the process for the first. We have outlined the exact process in this guide. Still, there are some common mistakes most people make. These can be damaging to the case & even your phone.

Here are the common phone case cleaning mistakes you should avoid:

1. Using Wrong Cleaning Agents

Avoid harsh chemicals. Bleach and ammonia-based cleaners are recommended at all. They can damage the case material or cause discoloration. Choose mild and non-abrasive cleaners to wash the phone case.

Gentle hand soap or a mixture of water & white vinegar are great. Always check the manufacturer's recommendations for compatible cleaning solutions.

2. Neglecting Manufacturer Guidelines

Mаnufасturers often provide specific cleaning guidelines. Ignoring these recommendations is not a good idea. It can lead to unintended consequences. These include discoloration & reduced durability.

3. Overlooking Regular Cleaning

Regular cleaning is essential. It is required for maintaining the cleanliness & appearance of your phone case. Dirt & bacteria can accumulate over time. UV exposure can cause discoloration.

Set a routine for cleaning your phone case regularly. It could be weekly or bi-weekly. Cleaning the case on a monthly basis works too. Consistent upkeep keeps your case looking fresh. It also prolongs its lifespan.

4. Ignoring Hard-to-Reach Areas

Don't neglect the nooks & crannies of clear cases. This is where dirt tends to accumulate. Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas. Crevices around buttons are often overlooked.

Ports & edges should also be looked after. A soft-bristled brush or cotton swab would be great. Dip it in a gentle cleaning solution to gently scrub these areas.

5. Using Abrasive Materials

Avoid using abrasive materials. Rough sponges or scouring pads can make things worse. These abrasive tools can scratch or damage the surface. They may compromise the appearance & structural integrity of the case.

Stick to soft clothes or brushes. These should be specifically designed for delicate surfaces. Gentle cleaning methods are key to preserving the look & feel of your phone case.

Conclusion

This is it! Our guiԁe on how to clean phone case the right way has covered all you need to know to restore the brilliant shine of your phone case. We have talked about the steps to take. We have also reviewed the mistakes to avoid to give you a comprehensive overview.

Cleaning your phone case is a fun experience. It can feel rewarding if you do it in the recommended way. The guidelines mentioned here are great for cleaning. These work for DIYers as well who want to clean their phone case.

Feel free to reach out to us with questions about cleaning your specific phone case.