How to Clean a Silicone Phone Case

Today, smartphones are an essential part of our lives, allowing us to stay in contact with loved ones, go shopping from the comfort of our homes, and work on the go.

It's no secret that most of us are glued to our devices; wherever we go, they come along too. In fact, according to a NordVPN survey, 62.4% of smartphone owners in Australia even use theirs on the toilet!

This constant closeness makes our phones and phone cases a breeding ground for bacteria, as well as dead skin cells, food waste, body oils, and more. Along with being unhygienic and increasing the risk of disease or infection, a dirty phone case can also compromise its protective abilities, leaving your device vulnerable to damage from sudden impacts.

Regularly cleaning your case is therefore crucial for keeping your device in pristine condition. In this article, we'll explore how to clean silicone cases and explain why this material requires specific methods to maintain its flexible, shock-absorbing properties.

What Makes Silicone Phone Cases Unique?

It's commonly thought that silicone is simply a form of plastic. However, the differences between these two materials become apparent when comparing plastic and silicone cases.

One of the biggest differences is what these phone case materials are made from. For instance, silicone is a hybrid between plastic polymer and rubber. This means that a silicone phone case has unique properties compared with those made from plastic.

While plastic is harder and more rigid, silicone cases are flexible, meaning that they mould to your device more effectively.

Both plastic and silicone are ideal materials for protective phone cases, since they have good shockproof qualities that protect your phone from drops and falls. The rubbery texture of silicone cases also means that they offer excellent grip, although they can become easily misshapen over time if not properly cared for.

These differences are the reason that a silicone case requires its very own cleaning method, ensuring your phone case maintains a long lifespan.

Cleaning Your Silicone Phone Case: Step-By-Step Guide

Keeping your silicone phone case free from dirt, germs, and stains is a relatively simple process. There's no need to spend hundreds of dollars on expensive cleaning solutions and equipment; in fact, many of the tools that we recommend using below may already be stocked in your home's cleaning cupboard.

1. Remove Your Phone Case

Before starting, ensure your hands are clean to avoid transferring any oils or smudges onto the phone screen. Then, place your phone on a solid surface with a soft cloth or towel, which creates a padded landing in case the device suddenly pops out of its case.

Starting at the top corner opposite the volume buttons, firmly push down until one side pops out, before repeating on the other top corner. Silicone phone cases should be relatively easy to remove thanks to their flexibility, so the rest of the case should simply peel off.

2. Create a Cleaning Solution

The most effective cleaning solution for a silicone phone case is simply water and soap.

Combine 1 cup of warm water with a few drops of liquid dish soap, before stirring the solution until it is slightly foamy and the soap is completely dissolved.

3. Clean the Silicone Phone Case

Take a clean toothbrush and soak it in the cleaning solution for 1 to 2 minutes. Then, using small circular motions, gently scrub the case, paying close attention to areas with stains to ensure a thorough clean.

Dip your toothbrush back into the warm soapy water every so often to remove any dust or dirt particles that may have been picked up.

4. Use Baking Soda

If you're struggling to remove stubborn dirt or strains, try baking soda paste. As a natural chemical compound, baking soda is free of harsh chemicals and absorbs trapped dirt from harder-to-reach nooks and crannies. It also dissolves grease and acts as a natural odour absorber.

To use baking soda, sprinkle a small amount onto the affected area and gently scrub with your toothbrush until the stains have been removed.

You can also try a small amount of rubbing alcohol to effectively eliminate bacteria, spraying it onto the case and gently rubbing with a clean microfiber cloth. However, avoid using this method too often, as extended exposure to rubbing alcohol can make your silicone phone case brittle over time.

5. Rinse the Case

After scrubbing, rinse off the soapy water under lukewarm running water. Use gentle rubbing motions to ensure that no stubborn dirt or excess liquid soap remains.

Repeat this thorough process around once every month to kill germs or remove bacteria that may be on your silicone case.

What to Avoid When Cleaning a Silicone Phone Case

Once the cleaning process is complete, don't be tempted to put the phone case back on until it is completely dry. Any moisture infiltration can inflict water damage onto your phone and cause bacteria to begin building up.

Be sure to pat it dry with a paper towel or soft microfiber cloth to remove any excess water, before leaving it to dry for around an hour.

Avoid harsh cleaning products and strong, concentrated chemicals that can thin your phone case and cause it to start degrading. This includes:

• Bleach
• Solvents
• Aerosol sprays
• Products containing hydrogen peroxide
• Window cleaners

You should also avoid using extremely hot, boiling, or cold water, as this can cause the silicone to shrink.

When Should I Invest in a New Silicone Phone Case?

While regularly cleaning your silicone phone case is essential for keeping it germ-free, knowing when it's time to replace the case is equally as important. Old cases harbour dirt and bacteria, and may no longer provide enough durable protection to keep your phone safe from drops and other impacts.

Here are some of the key signs to look out for:

• Loose Fit: Silicone that has lost its shape may no longer mould to your phone as tightly, which compromises its protection.
• Discolouration: While dark stains can often be removed with deep cleaning, a silicone phone case that has started to go yellow with age is more difficult to save. This occurs due to chemical oxidation after regular UV exposure.
• Visible Damage: Any scratches or tears in silicone phone cases not only make your device look worn out, but also affect the case's functionality.
• Damaged Features: Silicone phone cases with built-in screen protectors or kickstands are coming to the end of their lifespan when these additional features stop working.

At Ghostek, our shockproof cases combine the durability of hard plastic with the shock-absorbing capabilities of silicone to ensure complete protection for your device.

If you're ready to upgrade, shop the full case collection today to enjoy a seamless blend of best-in-class engineering and sleek design for your iPhone or Samsung Galaxy phone.