Guides & JournalHow to Clean a Mobile Cover: Yellow to White
To clean a mobile cover at home, take it off the phone, wash it with warm water and a little dish soap using a soft toothbrush, then use a paste of baking soda and water on stubborn stains, rinse and let it dry completely before putting it back. Transparent covers that have turned yellow can look clearer after a deep clean — but some yellowing is the plastic itself ageing, and no home method fully reverses that. Here's how to clean each type of mobile back cover safely.
Before you start
It takes about ten minutes, plus drying time.
- Take the cover off the phone — never clean it while it's on.
- Check what it's made of: clear/transparent, silicone, hard plastic, leather or printed/painted.
- Keep water away from the phone itself.
- Have ready: dish soap, a soft toothbrush, baking soda, a soft cloth.
Everyday clean with soap and water
This works for clear, silicone and hard plastic covers:
- Mix a few drops of dish soap in warm (not hot) water.
- Scrub the cover gently inside and out with a soft toothbrush, especially the corners and button edges.
- Rinse with clean water.
- Dry with a soft cloth, then leave it to air-dry completely before putting it back on the phone.
How to clean a transparent cover that has turned yellow
Clear covers turn yellow for two reasons: dirt and oil from hands, and the plastic itself slowly changing colour with age, heat and sunlight. Cleaning removes the first; the second is permanent.
For a deep clean, make a thick paste of baking soda with a little water, spread it over the cover, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, leave it for a few minutes, then rinse well. Many people see a clearer cover afterwards — but if it's still yellow after cleaning, the plastic has aged and the only fix is a new cover.
💡 Worth knowing
To slow yellowing, keep your phone out of direct sun and hot cars, and wash the cover regularly so oil doesn't build up.
Baking soda, toothpaste or vinegar?
Always test a new method on a small corner first.
| Method | Good for | Careful with |
|---|---|---|
| Dish soap + water | Every cover, everyday cleaning | Nothing — the safest option |
| Baking soda paste | Stubborn stains on clear and hard covers | Scrub gently; can dull glossy prints |
| White toothpaste (not gel) | Small marks on clear covers | Rinse well; avoid on printed designs |
| Diluted vinegar | Grime and smells on silicone | Don't use on leather or painted covers |
Printed, painted and leather covers
Printed and hand-painted covers need a gentle touch: wipe them with a soft cloth dampened in soapy water and don't scrub the design. Leather covers should only be wiped with a barely damp cloth and dried straight away — never soak them.
Avoid bleach, nail polish remover, alcohol-heavy cleaners and rough scourers on any decorated cover — they can lift the print or paint.
Choosing a new mobile back cover
If your cover is past saving, think about how you use your phone. Silicone and soft covers grip well; hard covers protect against scratches; clear covers show off the phone but yellow with age; printed and hand-painted covers are personal and make great gifts. Check the cover is made for your exact phone model so the buttons and camera line up.
On dapxop, small sellers list mobile back covers — including hand-painted designs — with the phone models they fit, and you can message the seller before you order.
Find mobile covers and hand-painted designs from small sellers across Pakistan.
Shop mobile covers on dapxop →Explore on dapxop
Frequently asked
How do I clean my mobile cover at home?
Take it off the phone, scrub it gently with warm water, dish soap and a soft toothbrush, rinse, and let it dry completely before putting it back.
How can I make a yellow transparent cover white again?
A baking soda paste can remove dirt and stains that make it look yellow. But yellowing caused by the plastic ageing is permanent, so if it's still yellow after a deep clean, it's time for a new cover.
Can I clean a mobile cover with baking soda?
Yes. Make a paste of baking soda and a little water, scrub gently with a soft toothbrush, leave it for a few minutes and rinse well. Avoid scrubbing hard on printed covers.
Can I clean a mobile cover with toothpaste?
Plain white toothpaste (not gel) can remove small marks on clear covers. Rinse it off well, and avoid it on printed or painted designs.
Why do transparent mobile covers turn yellow?
Partly from dirt and oil from hands, and partly because the plastic slowly changes colour with age, heat and sunlight.
How do I clean a silicone cover?
Wash it in warm water with dish soap, or wipe it with diluted vinegar to remove grime and smells, then rinse and dry fully.