Dos and Don’ts for Cleaning Acrylic Sheets Safely
An acrylic sheet is highly regarded for its brilliance of clarity, strength, and diversity of use, making it an ideal choice in residential, commercial, and industrial environments. To keep the acrylic sheet looking as good as new, however, you must know how to properly care for it. Users often search for ways to clean acrylic sheets, but many users damage the surface by treating acrylic sheets as if they were glass. Understanding how to clean acrylic sheets will help ensure they remain clean, shiny, and free of scratches and will last for many years.
The following list contains the most important dos and don’ts to consider when doing acrylic sheet cleaning, whether you are a homeowner or facility manager.
Dos for Cleaning Acrylic Sheets
1. Choose a Soft Microfibre Cloth
Selecting the appropriate cleaning cloth is arguably one of the most important actions for anyone who is learning how to clean acrylic sheets. Using a microfibre cloth to clean acrylic sheets minimises the chance of finish dulling and scratching that can occur if you use a cloth that creates swirl marks or fine scratches.
2. Clean Acrylic Sheets Using a Mild Soap Solution
When learning how to clean acrylic sheets, we highly recommend the use of a very diluted solution of dish soap and warm water to clean the sheets. Strong chemicals, such as those often used on glass, may have an adverse effect on the acrylic sheets.
3. Wipe Away Rinse Water First
When you are learning how to clean acrylic sheets, it is highly recommended that you rinse the acrylic sheets before you clean them. Dust, dirt, and debris may cause scratching on the acrylic sheet if you wipe it down before rinsing it first.
4. Polish and Restore the Gloss to Acrylic Sheets
If your acrylic sheet has become dulled, applying a polish specifically designed for acrylic sheets will restore their shine. Keep using an acrylic sheet polish in thin layers while moving it over the surface using a clean microfibre cloth in circular motions for optimum results.
Use only Gently applied pressure
Acrylic responds to light cleaning action very well. If too much pressure is applied, particles will move across the top of the material, causing micro abrasions. Micro abrasions can diminish clarity and permanently damage an acrylic sheet’s appearance. Therefore, utilise slow, gentle strokes to preserve clarity, which will help avoid damaging acrylic sheet surfaces.
Don’ts in the cleaning of acrylic sheets
1) Do not use any glass cleaner containing ammonia
Ammonia-based glass cleaners cloud, crack or permanently stain acrylic sheets. This is one of the most common mistakes made when learning how to clean acrylic sheets.
2) Do not use any type of abrasive cleaning tools
Abrasive pads, scrubbing pads, paper towels or rough cloths can cause scratches or accidents that will ruin the finished product. Glass is designed to withstand abrasives; acrylic is softer and therefore much more sensitive to friction than glass.
3) Do not dry wipe
Wiping a dry surface creates scratches. Always wet the surface before you wipe it off, to be safe when you are trying to remove dust, dirt, debris and/or other marks. This is a major rule of thumb when learning how to clean acrylic sheets.
4) Avoid Harsh Chemicals/Solvents
Solvents (such as alcohol, acetone, and any strong chemical cleaners) will weaken acrylic and will cause it to turn white, crack, or distort the surface of the acrylic. Always use a mild cleaner when cleaning acrylic sheets.
5) Do not expose acrylic to high temperatures/hot water
High heat can warp/deform acrylic sheets. To avoid compromising the structural integrity of an acrylic sheet, it will lose its original configuration if hot water/hot equipment is utilised.
You can find premium quality acrylic sheets that stay clear when cared for correctly, in Royale Touche’s premium collection of acrylic sheets. These acrylic sheets are specially created for durability, brilliance, and prolonged use, making it easier for you to create residential, commercial, and industrial environments confidently.
FAQs
What is the safest method of cleaning acrylic sheets?
The safest way to clean an acrylic sheet involves: Using a mild soap solution and water to clean and using a microfibre cleaning cloth for maximum protection against scratches to your acrylic sheet.
What do you not want to do when using or learning how to clean acrylic sheets?
You do not want to use ammonia-based cleaner or any strong solvent; do not use anything abrasive; and do not dry wipe, as all of these things will cause irreversible and permanent damage to the acrylic sheet.
Can scratches on acrylic sheets be removed?
Scratches that are lightly made can often be diminished using the correct cleaning product with gentle buffing techniques.
How often do you clean acrylic sheets?
Clean the acrylic sheet every time you see dust/smudges. It is much better to clean using gentle products frequently than to clean using harsh products on an occasional basis.
Is there a professional technique for how to properly clean acrylic sheets?
Yes, some professionals use microfibre products, gentle cleaning products, and controlled pressure in order to keep acrylic sheets’ long-term clarity intact.
