If you've recently purchased a new phone case, you may have noticed a strong, often chemical-like odor. It’s a common complaint among phone case buyers, and it can be especially noticeable with cases made from materials like silicone, rubber, and plastic. But the question on many people’s minds is: will this smell eventually go away? In this article, we’ll dive into the reasons behind the odor, whether it fades over time, and how to deal with it.
Understanding the source of the smell is the first step in determining if it will dissipate. Several factors contribute to the characteristic “new” scent of phone cases, and most of them have to do with the materials and manufacturing processes involved.
Phone cases are made from a variety of materials, each with its own unique scent. Silicone, rubber, and plastic are the most common materials used in phone cases, and they can all emit strong smells when new. Silicone, for example, is made from a mixture of synthetic polymers, and its smell can be more noticeable due to the natural properties of the material.
Rubber cases, while durable, can sometimes have a lingering chemical scent due to the additives used in their production. Even plastic cases, which seem neutral at first, can have a faint odor from the chemicals used to mold and harden them.
The process of making phone cases often involves various chemicals that can contribute to the smell. During production, cases are molded, painted, or coated with finishes that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are typically responsible for the unpleasant odor. These VOCs can take some time to dissipate, which is why your new phone case might still smell a few days after you’ve taken it out of the packaging.
Another factor that contributes to the strong smell of a new phone case is how it’s packaged. Many phone cases are sealed in plastic packaging for shipping, and this can trap the scent inside. When you first open the case, the enclosed air might release all of the odors that have been trapped in the packaging, giving you a noticeable whiff of the “new product” smell.
The good news is that in most cases, the smell of a new phone case will fade over time. However, how long it takes for the odor to completely dissipate depends on a few different factors.
The scent from a new phone case is not permanent. As the case is exposed to fresh air, the volatile compounds that cause the smell will slowly evaporate. The time it takes for the smell to fade can vary depending on the type of material and the production process. For most silicone and rubber cases, the smell will likely dissipate within a few days to a week. For plastic cases, it could take a little longer, but the odor should still fade over time.
While there's no set rule for how long the smell lasts, most people notice that the odor significantly reduces after 3-5 days. If you’ve had your case for longer than a week and it still smells strongly, it could be an indication that the case wasn’t fully aired out during production or packaging.
Several environmental factors can speed up or slow down the process of odor dissipation. Heat and humidity tend to accelerate the evaporation of chemicals, so placing your phone case in a warm, well-ventilated area can help the smell fade faster. On the other hand, if you keep your case in a damp or poorly ventilated space, the smell may linger longer than it would otherwise.
If you’re eager to get rid of the smell faster, there are a few methods you can try to speed up the process.
One of the simplest ways to reduce the smell is to leave your case in an open space for a few hours. Place it in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight, as UV rays can sometimes damage the material. Fresh air is one of the best ways to let the VOCs naturally evaporate.
Both of these household items can help absorb the smell. You can place a dryer sheet near the case or lightly rub it with a sheet to help absorb some of the odor. Alternatively, you can place the phone case in a small container or bag with baking soda. The baking soda will absorb moisture and odors, speeding up the smell dissipation process.
For some materials, like silicone or rubber, wiping down the case with a damp cloth can help reduce the smell. Use a soft, damp cloth (not soaking wet) and gently wipe the surface of the case. Be sure to let the case dry completely before using it again. This method can help remove any residual manufacturing residue that might contribute to the smell.
While it might be tempting to use strong cleaning agents to remove the odor, avoid using harsh chemicals, as they may damage the phone case. Stick to gentle, natural cleaning methods like water and mild soap if you need to clean the case. Over time, exposure to harsh chemicals could degrade the material, making the case less durable.
If you're someone who’s particularly sensitive to smells or simply doesn’t want to deal with any odor at all, you might be wondering if there are phone cases that don’t emit any smell. The good news is that there are options out there.One such option is TORRAS phone cases.
These cases are known for their high quality and sleek appearance. Additionally, they come with a built-in 360° rotating stand, making them not only odor-free but also functional and stylish. TORRAS cases are designed to offer a premium user experience without the annoying smell that often comes with other materials like silicone or rubber.
If you're looking for a reliable, odorless iphone case, TORRAS could be a great choice.
In conclusion, the smell of a new phone case is a common issue, but it’s usually not something to worry about. Most smells will fade over time as the case is exposed to air, and there are simple ways to speed up the process. If you’re looking for a phone case that doesn’t have a strong odor to begin with, consider opting for leather, wood, bamboo, or non-toxic silicone options.
For those looking for a top-quality, odor-free phone case from the start, TORRAS offers the latest iPhone 16 cases and Samsung phone cases, which are known for their high quality, sleek design, and built-in 360° rotating stand.
Related: How to Make a Silicone Phone Case Less Slippery
