How to Clean a Clear Acrylic Sheet: A Quick Guide

For anyone who has a transparent acrylic surface in the home, it is useful to know how to clean a clear acrylic sheet.

Acrylic, or perspex, comes in a variety of colours and finishes. It is a fantastic material, which can be used in a number of commercial or domestic applications comfortably.

In comparison to other colours, a clear acrylic sheet is more likely to highlight and accentuate marks and maintenance issues. The good news is, cleaning acrylic surfaces, regardless of the colour, is easily done with a few basic items. There are however a few items which should be avoided, which we will elaborate on.

We at Sheet Plastics are offering a quick guide to cleaning and maintaining your clear acrylic surfaces. We will take you through the cleaning materials you will need, and the ones you should avoid, as well as items required for small fixes. Continue below.

Cleaning Acrylic Surfaces: Step by Step

If you are familiar with similar resources on our website, you will understand that we are a big advocate for the use of clear acrylic. In a number of applications, it can make a fantastic alternative to glass.

Using acrylic is advantageous for a number of reasons. In summary, it offers buyers a versatile, robust alternative to a number of other materials at a cost effective price. Moreover, it is easy to both maintain and clean.

If you are interested in buying, or indeed have bought, clear acrylic sheeting then knowing how to clean a clear acrylic sheet is important.

This will ensure the material and surface will not quickly deteriorate, whilst also keeping any acrylic surfaces looking new. For clear surfaces, this is especially important as blemishes and marks are more easily visible.

One of the main benefits of acrylic is how hygienic it is, as it can be cleaned and disinfected easily. So, how does one approach cleaning acrylic surfaces? We would advise following the below steps:

Brush off Dust - You may wish to start by prepping the surface, which involves removing any dust or debris. It is important to use a light/ soft brush, as an abrasive one could scratch the surface.
Use Warm Water With a Soft Cloth - Cleaning acrylic panels does not require a lot of effort, which is why they are so great in a number of settings. It also makes them hygienic. Basic cleaning can be completed with warm soapy water and a soft/ microfiber cloth. Again, it is just important that you do not apply copious amounts of pressure or use an abrasive sponge. This could scratch the acrylic.
Use a Plastic Polish (Optional) - If you are intent on cleaning acrylic panels to the highest standard, you may wish to invest in a plastic polish. There are a number of options on the market which can polish the surfaces and, in some cases, remove tiny scratches.
Avoid Ammonia Based Products - Any cleaning solutions that contain ammonia should be avoided, as it will cause the surface to turn cloudy. This can ruin your acrylic, which is especially disheartening if you own a kitchen splashback. Abrasive cleaners should also be avoided as well as, generally, any heavy solvents. The trick is to be careful. And in the case of acrylic, less is usually more!

What About Maintenance?

The great news is, maintenance as well as cleaning is straightforward for the most part. Installing and taking care of an acrylic sheet needn’t be a headache.

As mentioned, many small surface level scratches can often be buffed out using a plastic polish and gentle cloth. We encourage you to explore the market and see which one is reviewed highly.

If you are trying to repair a significant crack, you may wish to purchase a clear silicone sealant. This can be easily applied but may require some light drilling depending on the location. Other recommended ways to reduce scratches include sanding the surface and introducing polish.

Shop With Sheet Plastics

Cleaning and maintaining your clear acrylic sheeting is simple, as you will have gathered from the following article.

If you are interested in more tips and information, we have a wealth of resources in our blog section. This is aimed at inexperienced users, as well as those with experience, and strives to provide helpful tips and insights surrounding this fantastic product.

Furthermore, if you have any product related questions or pricing enquiries we encourage you to contact a member of the team today.