How to Clean Your Filthy FineWoven iPhone Case

Few Apple products have received as much negative publicity as the FineWoven case for the iPhone 15 series. Touted as an eco-friendly alternative to leather cases, the FineWoven was panned at launch for picking up excessive wear and dirt within a short time. That's disappointing for a $60 case, but it looks like there may be a solution to this problem: cleaning it. YouTuber Faruk Korkmaz, on his channel iPhonedo, showed that it's possible to clean the FineWoven case and restore it to an almost-new condition.

How to clean your FineWoven case

Apple recommends that you clean your FineWoven case by creating a soapy water solution. In a cup of water, pour a teaspoon of laundry detergent and stir it. Then dip a lint-free cloth in the soapy water and rub it on the case for a minute or so. After that, wipe the case with a clean, damp cloth and dry it out. In the iPhonedo video, the FineWoven case is cleaned with a soft brush instead of a cloth and the YouTuber applies detergent directly to the case before rinsing it under water. That appears to work in the video, but we suggest that you follow Apple's instructions first before trying anything else. Using a stiff brush or applying strong detergents directly to the case may damage the product.

Should I buy a FineWoven case?

If you're buying a new case for your iPhone, you'd be better served if you chose something with premium materials, such as these leather cases. For the environmentally conscious, the FineWoven is a good alternative, but it's not easy to recommend a $60 case that requires frequent maintenance. Instead, you could take a look at second-hand FineWoven cases that are available for as little as $15, clean them, and see if you like what you get. That way, you save money and you're also preventing these cases from ending up in the landfill. 

The risks of buying a used FineWoven case

Do note that buying second-hand is always a bit of a toss-up; you could end up with a case that's damaged beyond repair. The cleaning methods suggested here work for minor scuffs and dirt—they're not going to rescue a FineWoven case with deep scratches, broken buttons, or other physical damage. There are limits to what cleaning can achieve. To prevent this kind of a setback, ensure that you check the return policies of the store you're buying from, and order only if you can return it in case you're unhappy with the product.