Every time you drop your phone, your heart leaps into your throat. Is the screen shattered? Living in a world where the right to repair is still a dream, replacing it can be a nightmare.

Phone protection is a must-have - especially a clear case, to show off the finish. The thing is, clear cases also have a tendency to show off all the grime you've accumulated. Attacking the case with a wet wipe often does nothing.

Not sure how to clean clear phone cases and make them look brand new? We are here to help. Keep reading for your definitive guide to cleaning a phone case - especially if it's clear.

Why Do Clear Cases Get So Dirty?

All cases naturally accumulate dust and dirt from the environment and your hands. Clear cases, unfortunately, don't hide the filth as well.

For starters, they break down under the sebum oil from your hands. This can degrade the material at a microscopic level and help adhere to more gunk - pollen, pet dander, you name it.

The main issue with clear cases, though, is how they yellow. This isn't just from dirt, it's from heat exposure and ultraviolet light. Even if your phone case is clean, it may still appear filthy.

How to Clean Clear Phone Cases

There's no need to throw out your clear phone case just because it's noticeably yellow. Follow the steps below so you can make it look brand new.

1. Clean Your Phone Case With Dish Soap

Dish soap is an excellent choice that you likely have right there by the sink. It excels at breaking down thick grease and residue.

Add a few drops of soap to some warm water in your sink to create a soapy froth. Dunk your case and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, grab a toothbrush - ideally a new one - and scrub every inch of it.

Take the chance to tackle those hard-to-reach places. Use the bristles to access the button covers, near the port, and under the inner lip.

Getting rid of germs on the outside, too, is essential. Your phone is 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat, after all.

If successful, that yellow patina should be visibly gone. Make sure to rinse thoroughly and then pat dry with a paper towel. Let it air dry for a half-hour before reinstalling it on your phone.

2. Clean It With Baking Soda

If you don't have dish soap - or it didn't work - then baking soda is an excellent alternative. It's not just a great natural cleaner, but it's also abrasive. By scrubbing with a toothbrush's bristles, it succeeds in breaking down the crap that dish soap may have missed.

First, prepare for a bit of mess. Set out a towel where you can do the cleaning.

Sprinkle baking soda around the inside of the case. Dip your trusty toothbrush in warm water and begin scrubbing. Add more soda as needed until you have a thick paste.

Give some extra love to those deeper-stained, yellower areas. Repeat the steps for the opposite side.

Once finished, simply rinse all the baking powder off and pat the phone case dry. Let it air dry and check for any leftover crust of baking soda.

3. Clean It With White Vinegar

White vinegar and baking soda go hand-in-hand. Combined together, they make for a tough stain remover and natural sanitizer. If you really want a thorough, complete clean, this is the ticket.

We recommend a towel for this one, too. Put the case in a bowl and sprinkle a couple of tablespoons of baking soda on top. Then, top it off with one cup of distilled white vinegar.

Let it fizz and soak for at least an hour or two - longer, if you like. It's a good idea to submerge it by placing something heavy on the case to pin it down. Once complete, thoroughly rinse the case in water until all traces of the cleaning agent are gone.

It's OK if your case still has a trace smell of vinegar. This will go away with time. Make sure to pat dry and air dry before using it again.

Other Tips for Cleaning Your Case

Your phone is an expensive, delicate piece of electronics, so clean it with care. Even the best phone case is susceptible to everyday grime. Here are some extra tips for when you clean.

Avoid Strong Cleaning Chemicals

There are some cleaning materials that you should avoid at all costs. Bleach is the perfect example. Although an exceptional cleaner and disinfectant, it can break down all types of phone cases.

As a general rule, you should avoid cleaning your case and phone with most household cleaning products. All-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, sprays - these could damage your case or phone.

Clean Your Phone Itself

Take the time to clean your phone itself in the process. Despite the case's protection, there's probably a healthy coating of dirt around the screen protector and charging port. Tackle this while the case is off.

Be Careful with Wet Wipes

Wet wipes are easy, convenient, and disposable - perfect for a quick phone clean. That said, be very careful not to use wet wipes that could damage your phone and/or case.

Avoid using wipes that are antibacterial or contain powerful scents or smells. These additives, similar to other cleaning products, may degrade the materials of your device and case. Scentless, water-based wet wipes are preferable.

Avoid Getting Your Phone Wet

All it takes is a single drop of water to short-circuit your phone's internal motherboard. Even if your device has a water resistance rating, take care not to get water in the charging or headphone port. We recommend double-checking that your phone case is dry before reinstalling it.

Find the Right Phone Protection at Case Store Outlet

Clear phone cases show off the beautiful glass or matte background your phone has to offer. Sadly, this makes them a dirt magnet. Learn how to clean clear phone cases rather than just throwing them away for a new one.

Case Store Outlet is the best one-stop shop in Australia for all types of phone cases. Check out our all under $20 sale whether you have an iPhone, Samsung, or any other brand.