Silicone phone cases offer durability, flexibility, and excellent grip. However, you'll notice that they can collect dirt, oils, and stains, making them look dingy or discolored really quickly. If you want your phone case to continue looking fresh, you'll need to adopt some basic cleaning habits.

Avoid These Products

  • Harsh Chemicals: Bleach, ammonia, and alcohol-based cleaners can discolor the silicone.
  • Abrasive Materials: Steel wool, rough sponges, or any abrasive cloth can scratch the surface of your phone cover.
  • Solvents: Acetone, hydrogen peroxide and other solvents found in window cleaners or aerosol spray cleaners may break down the silicone or cause the colors to fade.
  • High Heat: Avoid using hot water or direct sunlight, as direct heat can warp the silicone. High-quality silicone phone cases are more resistant.

You'll Need:

  • Bowl or dish large enough for your phone case
  • Mild dish soap or a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner
  • Warm water
  • Soft cloth or non-abrasive sponge
  • Soft-bristled toothbrush (optional for stubborn stains)
  • Microfiber cloth or lint-free towel
  • Baking soda (optional for difficult stains)

Cleaning a Silicone Phone Case in 5 Steps

  1. Remove the Case from Your Phone: Take the silicone case off your phone. You don't want to expose your phone to water.
  2. Prepare a Dish Soap Solution: Mix a few drops of dish soap into a bowl of water. The mild soap helps break down oils and dirt buildup without harming the silicone.
  3. Clean the Case: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the soapy water and gently scrub the entire surface of the case. For areas with stubborn dirt or stains, use a soft-bristled toothbrush dipped in baking soda to gently scrub for 1-2 minutes.
  4. Rinse Thoroughly: After cleaning, rinse the case under warm running water to remove all soap residue. Make sure no soap remains, as it can leave a sticky film on the silicone.
  5. Dry Completely: Use a dry cloth to pat the case dry. Let it air dry completely on a paper towel before placing it back on your phone. Trapped moisture can lead to mold or mildew.

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Do you need to do anything special for MagSafe cases?

If your silicone cell phone case is MagSafe-compatible, the cleaning process remains the same. Avoid harsh cleaning products and rinse well in clean water. You should also avoid scrubbing too hard around the magnetic ring area, because it can damage the alignment or reduce the effectiveness of the MagSafe connection. Trapped moisture can interfere with the magnets so make sure that the case is completely dry before placing it back on your phone.

Person holds a clear phone case.
Can you prevent your clear phone case from yellowing in the sun? Credit: Adrian Ridwan / Getty Images

Can you prevent a transparent phone case from yellowing?

Transparent silicone cases are prone to yellowing over time. Yellowing can’t be entirely prevented because it's caused by exposure to UV light, oils from your hands, and environmental factors. But there are some ways to slow the process.

  • Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep your phone case out of direct sunlight when not in use to reduce UV exposure.
  • Frequent Cleaning: Clean your case regularly to remove oils and the buildup of dirt that can contribute to yellowing.
  • Store Properly: When not in use, store your case in a cool, dark place. Exposure to heat will cause discoloration.
  • Use Baking Soda: Occasionally, use a paste of baking soda and water to gently scrub the case with a gentle brush for a couple of minutes. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that can help remove surface stains and slow the yellowing process.