Cleaning your Otterbox case is easy! Regularly cleaning your case can prevent unseen, trapped debris from damaging your device. Open your case by removing its components gently. Make sure to release any snaps holding the case in place. Use warm water and mild soap to wash your case. Sanitize it with wipes. Finally, allow it to fully air dry before reattaching it to your device.

Part 1
Part 1 of 2:

Removing the Case

  1. 1
    Locate your product manual. Navigate to https://www.otterbox.com/en-us/case-instructions.html. Select the brand of your device. Find the instructions for your model.
    • Specific model instructions are available via video and PDF files.
    • Case removal instructions may vary slightly by model number.
  2. 2
    Pull off the soft shell. Pinch the silicone by one of the bottom corners of the case. Pull the corner towards you. Continue to separate the case from the device, moving towards the top of the device.[1]
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  3. 3
    Open the hard case. Look for grooves to release the snaps. Place your fingernail inside of any snaps. Pull them apart one at a time to release the case.[2]
    • The grooves are small indentations that are opening points for the hard case.
    • The snaps may be located at the top right side of the case.[3]
    • Separate the hard case carefully; don’t force it. If it is catching in a certain place, there may be another snap for you to release.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 2:

Washing and Sanitizing Your Case

  1. 1
    Place a bowl of soapy water in the sink basin. Put a squirt or two of liquid soap in the bottom of a large bowl. Fill the bowl halfway with warm water.
    • Use a mild soap, such as liquid hand soap or dish detergent.[4]
  2. 2
    Scrub your case with a sponge or a toothbrush. Sponge or brush the parts of the case in the bowl of soapy water. Give extra attention to any stains on the surface of the case.
  3. 3
    Wipe the case with a sanitizing wipe. Remove the case from the bowl. Rinse the case the remove any soap residue. Shake off any excess water before using the sanitizing wipe.
  4. 4
    Dry the case. Set your case on a paper towel. Allow it to air dry for a few hours or overnight.[5] You can wipe down the case with a paper towel if you’re in a hurry. Make sure the case is completely dry before placing your device back into its case.[6]
    • Air drying your case will give the water time to evaporate from the softer, more absorbent areas.
  5. 5
    Remove your case for cleaning regularly. Clean your case at least one time per month. Clean it once a week if you are outdoors with it often, and/or keep it in a bag with many other items. Try setting a reminder in your device, or cleaning your case every time you do another monthly chore.[7]
    • Debris stuck in between your case and device can cause damage.
    • If your case was exposed to sand, dirt, dust or water, it’s a good idea to clean it.
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Warnings

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Things You'll Need

  • Large bowl
  • Mild liquid soap
  • Warm water
  • Sponge or toothbrush
  • Sanitizing wipe
  • Paper towels

About This Article

wikiHow Staff
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow Staff. Our trained team of editors and researchers validate articles for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow's Content Management Team carefully monitors the work from our editorial staff to ensure that each article is backed by trusted research and meets our high quality standards. This article has been viewed 59,812 times.
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Co-authors: 4
Updated: May 27, 2020
Views: 59,812
Categories: Smartphones
Article SummaryX

To clean an Otterbox case, first remove the soft silicone shell, going from bottom to top. Next, look for any snaps holding the hard case in place and loosen them by inserting your fingernail into the release grooves and gently pulling them open. Once the case is off your device, wash it with warm water and a little liquid dish soap or hand soap. You can also remove stubborn grime by gently scrubbing the case with a toothbrush. When you’re done, rinse away any soap and wipe the case with a sanitizing wipe. Finally, set your case on a paper towel to air dry for several hours. Read on for more tips, including how often to clean your case!

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