How to Clean Acrylic Plastic

While items made of transparent acrylic can be very beautiful and sturdy, keeping them clean and undamaged is important.

1. Remove any surface dirt carefully by gently blowing it off or running warm water over it. Do not rub.



2. Spray the surface of the acrylic with a plastic polish. Use a very mild detergent and warm water if a plastic polish is not available. Spray a small area rather than the whole surface.



3. Clean the surface with a soft, non-abrasive cloth made specifically for polishing acrylic, using small, slow circular strokes.



4. Dry the acrylic by gently blotting the surface with a clean, dry and non-abrasive polishing cloth before cleaning the next small section.



5. Remove fine scratches from the surface of the acrylic with a power buffer specifically made for polishing plastic with a clean cotton bonnet. A find grit plastic polish should be used.

Tip

To prevent scratches, always blow any dirt or dust from the surface of the acrylic you would like to clean instead of rubbing it off. If there is a lot of dust, run warm, clean water over it. Use disposable cloths rather than reusable ones to ensure the smoothest polishing surface.

Warning

Never use cleaners with ammonia, as they may damage the surface of the acrylic. This includes most household cleaners.

Never use a dry cloth, which may scratch the surface, or bare hands to wipe off acrylic as this will embed dirt and oils into the plastic and eat away the surface.