Why Do Clear Phone Cases Turn Yellow Over Time?

Why Do Clear Phone Cases Turn Yellow?

Clear phone cases are popular because they have the sleek design of smartphones while protecting and maintaining the minimal aesthetics of the phone. However, many users notice a frustrating change over time—their once-transparent cases start turning yellow and losing their originality. This phenomenon can be frustrating, and it's important to understand the root cause of this. Let's understand the factors behind the yellowing of the covers, how yellowing affects different phone covers and some quick tips to prevent the yellowing of phone cases.

Material Breakdown: The reason why clear case turns yellow

Most clear phone cases are made from materials like thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) or silicone. These substances are known for their durability, flexibility and transparency. Despite having the mentioned benefits, it does turn yellow over a period of time. This process of yellowing is called oxidation. Phone covers turn yellow due to natural oils from our hands, sweat, overexposure to water, etc. As a result, the material's chemical composition changes, leading to a yellowish tint. When it comes to a custom transparent phone case, this, too, turns yellow despite a stylish appearance. This shows that cases turning yellow doesn’t mean that it failed as a cover; it is a cosmetic issue.

Why Does Transparent Cover Turn Yellow?

Clear phone covers often turn yellow due to material breakdown caused by exposure to UV light, heat, and oils from handling. This yellowing is a result of oxidation, which alters the chemical structure of the case material over time, making it lose its original transparency. There are many reasons why clear case turns yellow; here are some of them:

UV Light Exposure

Sunlight, particularly ultraviolet (UV) rays, is a major cause of yellowing. The rays break the molecular structure of materials like TPU and silicone. Since clear cases are more exposed to light than opaque ones, they become subject to yellowing sooner.

Heat:

Apart from the UV light, heat also speeds up the yellowing of the phone cover. It happens due to a warm environment, the warmth generated from the phone itself, etc. This heat causes the materials to degrade quickly.

Sweat and Oils

Our skin naturally produces oils and sweat, which often come in contact with phone cases. These oils react to the case material, making it yellow for some time. This is an answer to why does the transparent cover turns yellow.

Phone Case Materials that Turn are Vulnerable to Yellowing

It’s important to remember that not all clear cases are made equally. Some materials are subject to yellowing faster than other materials:

TPU Cases:

TPU cases turn yellow primarily due to oxidation. When exposed to UV light, heat, and natural oils from handling, the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) undergoes a chemical reaction. This causes the material's molecular structure to break down, leading to discolouration, that is, a yellowish tint over time.

Silicone Cases:

Clear silicone cases are another common option. Silicone cases are popular for their flexibility and grip, but they can also develop yellowing over time due to unique factors. One significant reason is the chemical composition of silicone itself, which can react to heat and UV exposure, causing it to oxidise. Also, silicone attracts dust and oil from fingers, which can lead to discolouration.

Polycarbonate Cases:

Polycarbonate cases, while being more resistant to yellowing than other materials, still can discolour due to many factors. Chemical reactions with substances like cleaning agents or lotions can lead to yellowing. Environmental pollutants, such as smoke or smog, also contribute to the degradation of the material.

The Lifespan of a Clear Case

The lifespan of a clear case depends on how often you use your phone, how much exposure it gets to sunlight and heat, and how well you take care of it. In most cases, yellowing starts as early as the months, especially when exposed to the factors we’ve mentioned. In this case, using an anti-yellowing clear case or cleaning it regularly can extend the life of the case, but it’s inevitable that even the best non-yellowing clear phone case too will fade away in due course of time.

 

Clear phone cases offer great protection and style, but many users see them turn yellow over time. This discolouration occurs due to exposure to sunlight, heat, and natural oils. Regular cleaning and choosing UV-resistant materials can slow the process. Using an anti-yellowing clear phone case helps maintain transparency longer.

What to Consider in a Clear Case?

Here are things to consider before the clear case turns yellow:

UV Protection:

Some cases come with built-in UV resistance, which helps slow down the yellowing process.

Material:

As mentioned earlier, materials like polycarbonate are yellow slowly when compared to  TPU or silicone phone covers. Consider purchasing a harder, durable and long lasting material.

Cleaning:

Make sure the case is easy to clean. A simple way to clean the cover is to wipe it regularly.

Clear Case Turns Yellow—Is There a Solution?

Unfortunately, once a clear case turns yellow, it’s almost impossible to bring back its original transparency.  However, there are steps to be taken to keep the case clearer for a longer period of time.

1. Clean the Case Regularly

 One way to prevent the buildup of oils and dirt is by regularly cleaning your phone case. A simple solution of mild soap and water can do wonders. As an alternative, try rubbing alcohol for tougher stains. Cleaning the case daily for weeks together will slow down the yellowing process.

1. Avoid Direct Sunlight

To limit the exposure to UV light, avoid leaving your phone in direct sunlight for extended periods. This might not prevent the yellowing entirely, but it can help slow down the degradation of the materials.

1. Use Anti-Yellowing Clear Cases

There are clear anti-yellowing cases available on the market. These cases are made from materials specifically designed to resist discolouration. While they may still be yellow over time, the process can be a bit slower, but it will make your phone transparency longer.

1. Choose A Non-Yellowing Clear Phone Case

Look for non-yellowing clear phone case options that utilise materials treated with UV-resistant coatings. These coatings block the negative effects of sunlight, preventing or delaying the oxidation process. While no case can stay completely clear forever, these options provide a much better defence against yellowing.

Conclusion

No matter how well you care for your clear phone case, it's likely that it will turn yellow at some point in time. This is the natural result of material degradation, especially when exposed to factors like sunlight, heat, and skin oils. When yellowing does occur, replacing your case is often the best solution. Lastly, the question arises: Why does the transparent cover turn yellow? The answer to this question lies in the materials and environmental factors contributing to the yellowing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can clear phone cases turn other colours besides yellow?

Ans: Yes, while yellowing is the most common, clear phone cases can sometimes develop other colours, such as brown or green. This depends on the specific materials and the environment to which they are exposed. 

How often should I clean my clear phone case to prevent yellowing?

Ans: It is recommended to clean the cover every 1 to 2 weeks, especially if you are a frequent phone user. Timely cleaning can help remove oils and dirt that accelerate the yellowing process.

Will frequent wireless charging affect how quickly a clear phone case turns yellow?

Ans: Wireless charging does generate heat, but it won’t increase the yellowing. However, prolonged exposure to heat from any source, including charging, can accelerate the material's degradation.

Will storing my phone case when not in use prevent yellowing?

Ans: Storing a clear phone case away from sunlight and heat when not in use can delay yellowing. However, as the cover ages with time, yellowing follows, even when stored.