You love your clear acrylic items. They look bright, clean, and modern, whether it’s a new picture frame, a piece of furniture, or a display case. But then you see it: a tiny scratch or a foggy smudge.
Acrylic is a wonderful material, but it is not glass. It is stronger and lighter, but it also needs special care to stay looking its best. This guide will show you exactly how to maintain and protect it properly.
Why Acrylic Needs Special Care
Acrylic, also known by trade names like Plexiglass, is much softer than glass. This softness is a feature, not a flaw; it is why acrylic does not shatter easily. But it also means the surface can scratch more easily.
You cannot use the same cleaners you use for your windows. Harsh chemicals can cause networks of tiny cracks, an effect called “crazing”. Using the wrong type of cloth can create a web of fine scratches that dull the surface.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Cleaning Acrylic
Cleaning acrylic is simple, but you must use the right tools. The wrong supplies can cause permanent damage. Before you grab that blue bottle of glass cleaner, stop.
This section will break down the safe and unsafe methods. We will cover the supplies you need and the ones you must avoid.
Safe Cleaning Supplies to Use
The best items for cleaning acrylic are gentle. You likely have them in your home right now.
Here is what you should use:
- At least two microfiber cloths (these are very important)
- Clean, soft cotton cloths (like an old, clean t-shirt)
- Mild dish soap (like a simple blue or clear version)
- Plenty of clean, lukewarm water
Dangerous Cleaners to AVOID
Never use these products on your acrylic items. They will cause clouding, scratches, or cracks over time.
Do not use:
- Glass cleaner (like Windex or any blue-tinted spray)
- Ammonia
- Solvents (like acetone, nail polish remover, or gasoline)
- Paper towels
- Rough sponges or scouring pads
Why These Cleaners Are So Bad
Ammonia is the worst offender. It has a chemical reaction with acrylic that makes it look foggy and can create cracks. Paper towels seem soft, but their wood fibers are abrasive.
These fibers will etch tiny scratches into the surface every time you wipe. Stick to simple soap and water. If you feel you need something stronger, buy a special plastic cleaner that is made to be safe for acrylic.
The Best Way to Clean Acrylic (Step-by-Step)
Here is the best process for cleaning your acrylic safely. Follow these steps to avoid smudges and scratches. This method works for everything from picture frames to furniture.
This method is safe to use as often as you need.
- Blow off dust first. Before you touch the surface, gently blow any loose dust or grit off. You can use a can of compressed air (from a distance) or just your breath for small items.
- Wash with mild soap and water. Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a bowl of lukewarm water. You just want a very light, soapy solution.
- Use a microfiber cloth. Dip one of your soft microfiber cloths into the soapy water. Wring it out so it is just damp, not soaking wet.
- Wipe gently. Wipe the acrylic surface lightly. Do not scrub or apply hard pressure.
- Rinse with a clean water cloth. Use a second, clean cloth dipped in plain water to wipe away any soap residue.
- Blot dry. Use a final, clean, dry microfiber cloth to blot the surface dry. Do not rub the surface, as this can build up static electricity.
Dealing with Dust and Static
You may notice that acrylic attracts dust more than glass. This is due to a natural static charge on the surface. Wiping it with a dry cloth only makes the static worse.
To fight dust, first, clean the item with the soap and water method, which helps remove the charge. You can also use special anti-static cleaners made for plastics. These cleaners stop static from building up, so dust is less likely to stick.
How to Handle Scratches and Damage
Even if you are very careful, scratches can happen. The good news is that you can fix most light scratches. This is a big benefit of acrylic that you do not get with glass.
First, you need to check how deep the scratch is. You can feel it by running your fingernail lightly over the area. If your nail does not catch, you can likely polish it out.
Fixing Light, Hazy Scratches
For fine haze or very light scratches, a simple polish works well. You will need a special acrylic scratch repair kit. These kits usually come with a liquid polishing compound and soft buffing pads.
You apply a small amount of the compound to a clean cloth. Rub it on the scratch in a circular motion with light pressure. It may take a few minutes, but the scratch will slowly fade away.
Dealing with Deeper Scratches
If your fingernail does catch, the scratch is deeper. You may need to use a multi-stage sanding process. This involves using very fine-grit waterproof sandpaper (like 600-grit or 800-grit) with water to level the scratch.
After sanding, the area will look frosty and white. You must then use finer and finer grits of sandpaper (like 1200-grit) to smooth it. Finally, you use the polishing compound to restore the clear shine.
When a Scratch is Too Deep
This sanding process is an advanced job, so always practice on a scrap piece first. Some damage, however, is too deep to fix at home. A deep gouge or a full crack cannot be polished away.
In this case, your best option is often to replace the acrylic sheet. For valuable or complex items, it is best to ask a professional. A specialist in plastic fabrication may be able to repair or replace the damaged part.
Long-Term Protection for Your Acrylic
Caring for acrylic is also about prevention. Where you put your item and how you use it matters. You can stop most damage before it ever starts.
The biggest enemies for long-term care are sunlight and chemicals. Always keep your acrylic items away from harsh solvents, paints, or heat sources. A hot radiator or stove can cause the acrylic to warp.
Avoiding Sunlight Damage
Direct sunlight can be a problem for some types of acrylic. Over many years, the ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause standard acrylic to turn slightly yellow. It can also make the material more brittle.
If your item must be near a bright window, use UV-filtering acrylic. This special type of sheet is made to block harmful rays. It is often used in museums for acrylic displays to protect valuable items.
Special Care for Different Acrylic Products
How you care for acrylic depends on the item. A small photo frame needs different care than a large piece of furniture. A clear table will see much more daily use.
For acrylic home decor items like tables or chairs, always use coasters for drinks. Never place hot pans directly on the surface. Lift objects instead of sliding them, as this can easily cause scratches.
Tips for Storing Acrylic Safely
If you need to store acrylic sheets or items, do it safely. Store sheets flat if possible, as this stops them from bowing. If you must store them on their edge, make sure they are standing straight up and fully supported.
Never store acrylic without a protective covering. The paper or plastic film it comes with is best. If that is gone, wrap it in a soft blanket or a clean plastic sheet to stop it from getting scratched.
Conclusion
Acrylic is a strong, light, and beautiful material. Its clarity and impact resistance make it a great choice for many items. But it needs the right care to stay that way.
Remember the key rules: no ammonia, no paper towels, and always use a microfiber cloth. A little gentle cleaning will keep your acrylic looking new for many years.
We here at Acrylics By Design Inc. have worked with this material for over four decades. As a leading acrylics Toronto fabricator, we know how to build, shape, and care for it. We build everything from museum cases to home decor.
What is your favorite tip for keeping acrylic clean? Share your own methods in the comments section!