How to Clean and Disinfect Your Phone Case: A Complete Guide

Alongside some people’s obsession with mobile phones and following the latest models from their favorite brands, many are drawn to phone cases and their diverse designs. However, it is very important for readers to pay attention to regularly cleaning and disinfecting their phone cases to avoid transferring germs, dirt, and bacteria from the case to their face and hands. This can be done easily by following proper methods that vary depending on the material the case is made from.

Cleaning Your Phone Case with Dish Soap and Water

Step 1: Remove Your Phone

Always take your phone out of its case before cleaning. Never try to clean the case while the phone is inside, as liquids could damage your device. Place your phone somewhere safe where it won’t get wet.

Step 2: Separate the Case Parts (if applicable)

If your phone case is made from plastic and silicone, separate the two parts: pull the flexible silicone inner piece away from the hard plastic outer shell.

Step 3: Remove Chemical Smells

If your new phone case has a strong chemical odor, wipe it with rubbing alcohol or white vinegar.

Step 4: Prepare the Cleaning Solution

Mix one cup of warm water with a drop of dish soap in a bowl. Dish soap is ideal for cleaning plastic, silicone, or rubber cases, but use only one drop to avoid excessive foam. If dish soap isn’t available, you can use laundry detergent, liquid castile soap, or hand soap. Stir well with a spoon.

For leather cases, use a drop of gentle baby soap or mild hand soap, or mix one part vinegar with two parts water.

For natural wood cases, avoid soap altogether; water or a wood cleaner is sufficient. If using wood cleaner, lightly dab or spray it onto a microfiber cloth.

Avoid using window cleaners, solvents, ammonia-based products, hydrogen peroxide, or abrasive cleaners regardless of the material.

Step 5: Clean the Case

Dip a sponge, cloth, or soft-bristle toothbrush (only for plastic, silicone, or rubber cases—do not use toothbrushes on wood or leather) into the solution.

Gently scrub the case surface in back-and-forth or circular motions, making sure to reach all corners and crevices, cleaning both inside and outside. Avoid scrubbing too hard, especially on leather or colored cases, as vigorous scrubbing can remove color or finish.

Step 6: Rinse

Wipe the case with a microfiber cloth dampened with water. If you have a glasses or electronic screen cleaning cloth, it works great on all surfaces.

Step 7: Dry

Let the case air dry completely; this may take an hour or more.

Disinfecting Your Phone Case Using Rubbing Alcohol

It is recommended to disinfect your phone case at least once a week by following these steps:

• Soak a clean microfiber cloth with 70% rubbing alcohol. Use only a small amount because excessive alcohol can discolor leather over time, although small amounts generally cause no noticeable change.

• Wipe the entire case thoroughly, inside and out, rubbing gently to avoid surface damage.

• Use a dry soft cloth to wipe the case again; rubbing alcohol evaporates quickly.

• Let the case dry completely in a well-ventilated place.

• Wait at least an hour before putting your phone back in the case.

Removing Stains from Silicone or Rubber Phone Cases Using Baking Soda

To clean dirt and stains from silicone or rubber cases:

• Sprinkle baking soda on the stained areas—just enough to cover the stain.

• Use a damp toothbrush to scrub the baking soda into the stain using back-and-forth motions until the stain fades.

• Wipe the case with a soft cloth dampened with water.

• Let the case air dry for at least an hour before reassembling.

• If stains persist despite scrubbing, consider using a stronger stain remover by adding a few drops of bleach to water and gently scrubbing the stain with a microfiber cloth.

• For yellowing transparent cases, stains cannot be removed as discoloration happens due to UV exposure and chemical oxidation over time, so replacing the case is necessary.