Your phone case needs proper maintenance to protect your device. It constantly encounters dirt and germs that can diminish its lifespan. If you fail to maintain your case, it will wear out and become useless.
It’s easy to keep a case sanitary. Oftentimes, soap and water can do the job. But depending on the materials, additional care might be necessary. Here are some tips for proper (and easy) iPhone case care for different case materials.
What iPhone Case Care Measures are Effective for Different Case Materials?
Your iPhone case will look brand new again through correct cleaning procedures. And to properly perform these procedures, you must be familiar with your case’s specialty materials.
Silicone Cases
Silicone cases are known for their durability. However, they’re still prone to lint, grime, and dust. So, regular wiping using a soft, damp cloth (e.g. eyeglass cloth) is important to keep them sanitary. And for deep cleaning, you can use mild soaps and disinfectants.
Meanwhile, clear silicone cases often turn yellowish due to age and UV exposure. Unfortunately, the discoloration is irreversible even with the strongest bleach. To avoid this, clean the case regularly with soap and water.
Plastic Cases
Plastic cases are also vulnerable to dirt and high temperatures. They also turn yellow over time due to aging and chemical oxidation
Gentle scrubs using a toothbrush and mild soap (or baking soda) can maintain a plastic case’s cleanliness and quality. If it’s too grimy, you can soak it in warm water for five minutes before scrubbing it. After cleaning, use a microfiber cloth for drying to avoid scratches.
Leather Cases
Leather is a delicate material, so leather cases are easily susceptible to damage due to dirt, moisture, and chemicals. Frequent cleaning is a must to keep them sanitary.
Regular light cleaning is advisable to maintain the leather case without wearing out the material. Simply use a soft cloth to wipe smudges and dirt from the case. If the leather case is too dirty, use a clean cloth dampened with leather cleaner to sanitize it. Don’t soak the leather case in water, nor directly apply the cleaner to the case.
If it has absorbed the smell of sweat, it may need more intensive cleaning. Leather cleaners, baking soda, and vinegar may help.
Wooden Cases
Wood cases are brittle and sensitive to various factors like moisture and heat. So, regular cleaning is important to prolong their life.
As with leather cases, you use a soft cloth to clean wooden cases. But for deep cleaning, you need to apply wood cleaner on the cloth (not directly to the case).
Must-Do Cleaning Techniques for iPhone Cases
General Cleaning Guidelines for All Case Types
Whatever material your case is made of, it needs immediate cleaning when you notice the following:
- The case has a visible build-up of dust and dirt.
- It has an awful odor, which may indicate the huge presence of molds and microorganisms.
- The case has a sticky feel (commonly due to moisture or spilled liquids).
- Apparent surface discoloration or fading of its designs or prints.
Even without the signs above, regular cleaning is still essential so your case won’t look dirty. If you use your iPhone daily, cleaning at least once a week is advisable.
Best Tools for Effective iPhone Case Care
Ensure also that you’re using the right cleaning materials. Not all clothes and liquids in your home are suitable, as some may be too harsh for your device.
Here are some cleaning products appropriate to most cases:
- Microfiber Cloth: A non-abrasive cloth for wiping delicate surfaces.
- Warm water: Effective cleaning agent that doesn’t corrode the case.
- Alcohol/disinfectant: For silicone or plastic cases, disinfectants can easily remove sticky residues and eliminate germs.
- Glass cleaner: Recommended for shiny surfaces but inappropriate for matte cases.
- Mild soap: Good for any material, mix with water thoroughly for effectiveness.
- Toothbrush: Great for gentle scrubbing of delicate surfaces compared to scouring pads or sponges.
- Dish soap: Use a few drops to form a soapy solution. Suitable only for plastic and silicone cases.
How To Prevent Deterioration of iPhone Cases?
As cliché as it sounds, prevention is always better than cure - or buying a new case. As you properly maintain your case, you prolong its lifespan and save money from purchasing a new one.
Regular Case Maintenance Tips
- Set a cleaning routine or schedule. For those who use their iPhones daily, once or twice a week maintenance is suggested. Consistency and discipline is the key for your schedule to work.
- Keep your iPhone (and its case) from sharp, wet, or dirty objects. For instance, avoid using your phone while eating to avoid food residue. Better yet, make sure to get a case with a stand like the MagicStand so you can use your phone hands-free while eating.
- Store the case properly when not in use. You can place it in a pouch, drawer, or pocket if you remove it temporarily from the phone.
What Common Mistakes To Avoid?
- Use of strong and harsh chemicals (e.g. abrasive substances, bleach, acetone, hydrochloric acid).
- Forceful scrubbing of the case’s surface.
- Using substances inappropriate to the case material (e.g. using alcohol for leather cases).
iPhone Case Care Special Considerations
iPhone cases vary not only by their specialty material but also by their unique features. It’s important to consider these as well to properly maintain the case.
MagSafe compatibility: Extra care when scrubbing is essential to maintain the integrity of the case’s magnets. Moreover, never soak the case in water as it might compromise the magnet’s quality.
Presence of kickstand: The kickstand must be properly cleaned as well. Simply use a damp cloth to wipe and remove dirt and smudges.
Textured or colored surfaces: If the case has an intricate texture, deep-seated dirt is more common. If possible, dip the case in hot water before scrubbing it. Meanwhile, dirt is more visible in bright-colored cases, especially the glossy ones.
Final Thoughts
A long-lasting and durable iPhone case entails proper maintenance and cleaning. With the right cleaning materials and a consistent maintenance schedule, an iPhone case will appear as if it’s always brand new and last for many years.
If you’re seeking a high-quality iPhone case known for durability and easy care, consider Casekoo. We offer top-notch cases made of premium materials and designed to withstand dirt, grime, germs, and heat. Visit Casekoo today to learn more.
