Few Apple products have received as much negative press as the FineWoven case for the iPhone 15 series. Touted as an eco-friendly alternative to leather cases, the FineWoven was slammed upon launch for suffering from excessive wear and picking up dirt in a short period of time. That's disappointing for a $60 case, but it seems like there is a solution to the problem: cleaning it. As YouTuber Faruk Korkmaz demonstrated on his channel iPhonedo, it's possible to clean the FineWoven case and return it to near-new condition.

Apple recommends cleaning your FineWoven case using a mild soapy solution. Add a teaspoon of laundry detergent to a cup of water and stir. Then, soak a lint-free cloth in the solution and rub the case with it for about a minute. Wipe the case with a clean, damp cloth afterward and dry it. In the iPhonedo video, the FineWoven case is cleaned using a soft-bristled brush instead of a cloth, and the YouTuber applies the detergent directly to the case before rinsing it under water. This appears to work in the video, but we recommend following Apple’s instructions before trying anything else. Using a stiff brush or applying strong detergents directly to the case could damage the product.

When buying a new case for your iPhone, you’re better off choosing a case made from premium materials, like these leather cases. For the environmentally conscious, the FineWoven is a good alternative, but it’s hard to recommend a $60 case that requires regular maintenance. Instead, you can look for used FineWoven cases that start at $15, clean them, and see if you like what you get. That way, you’ll save money and also keep these cases out of landfills.

Keep in mind that buying used is always a bit of a gamble; you could end up with a case that is damaged beyond repair. The cleaning methods suggested here work for minor scuffs and dirt – they won’t save a FineWoven case with deep scratches, broken buttons, or other physical damage. There are limits to what cleaning can accomplish. To avoid these kinds of setbacks, be sure to check the returns policy of the store you’re buying from and only order if you can return it in case you’re unhappy with the product.