How to deal with yellowing of silicone products?

How to deal with yellowing of silicone products? Silicone products are widely used in daily life and industrial production due to their softness, durability, and environmental friendliness, such as silicone phone cases, kitchen supplies, medical accessories, etc. However, many users have found that silicone products may turn yellow after a period of use, especially transparent or light colored silicone products. This not only affects aesthetics, but may also raise concerns about its safety. So, why do silicone products turn yellow? How to effectively handle it?

Reasons for yellowing of silicone products
1. Oxidation reaction
The silicon oxygen bond (Si-O) in silicone gel is prone to oxidation reaction when exposed to air, high temperature, or ultraviolet radiation for a long time, generating chromophores (such as carbonyl groups) and causing the surface to turn yellow.
2. Ultraviolet irradiation
Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main factors causing the aging of silicone gel. Long term exposure to sunlight can cause changes in the molecular structure of silicone gel, accelerating yellowing.
3. Environmental pollution
Dust, oil fumes, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and other pollutants in the air adhere to the surface of silicone gel, and long-term accumulation can lead to yellowing.
4. Contact with chemical substances
If silicone products come into contact with strong acids, strong alkalis, or certain cleaning agents (such as bleach, disinfectant), they may undergo chemical reactions, resulting in surface discoloration.
5. Material issues
Low quality silicone may contain impurities (such as iron ions) or incompletely polymerized monomers, which are more prone to oxidation and yellowing.

The treatment method for yellowing of silicone products
1. Home cleaning and restoration plan
Suitable for silicone products with slight yellowing, simple operation and low cost:
Toothpaste wiping: Apply white toothpaste to the yellowing area, gently wipe with a soft cloth, and then rinse with water.
Baking soda paste: Mix baking soda with warm water in a ratio of 1:3, apply to the yellowed area and let it sit for 2 hours before brushing.
Hydrogen peroxide soaking: Soaking in 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide for 6-8 hours can decompose deep pigments (suitable for white silica gel).
Citric acid scrubbing: A 10% citric acid solution combined with a nano sponge is suitable for wiping oily yellow spots.
White vinegar soaking: Mix white vinegar with water at a ratio of 1:2 and soak for 15-30 minutes to reduce yellowing.

2. Chemical methods for removing yellowing
Suitable for stubborn yellowing, but should be handled with caution:
Bleach treatment: Dilute bleach and soak (only for white silicone), pay attention to concentration and time.
Alcohol wiping: Medical grade alcohol can remove some stains and yellowing, but it may affect the elasticity of silicone.

3. Professional renovation technology
Suitable for valuable silicone products (such as high-end headphone covers, medical accessories):
Ozone fumigation: Professional equipment decomposes pigment molecules to restore transparency.
Plasma cleaning: High energy particles bombard the surface to thoroughly remove the oxide layer.
Nano titanium dioxide coating: forming a protective layer to delay yellowing.