Acrylic Care & Cleaning Guide

How to Clean and Care for Acrylic

Acrylic (Perspex) is a beautiful, durable material, but it requires proper care to maintain its clarity and appearance. Using the wrong cleaning products or techniques can cause permanent damage. Follow this guide to keep your acrylic looking its best.

What NOT to Use

Never use window cleaners, ammonia-based products, acetone, or abrasive cleaners on acrylic. These chemicals cause crazing (fine surface cracks) that cannot be repaired. Avoid paper towels and rough cloths, which will scratch the surface. Even some "multi-surface" household cleaners contain solvents that damage acrylic.

Recommended Cleaning Method

Use lukewarm water with a few drops of mild dish soap and a clean microfibre cloth. Rinse the surface first to remove loose dust and grit, then gently wipe with the soapy cloth. Rinse again with clean water and dry with a fresh microfibre cloth. For best results, use a dedicated acrylic cleaner and anti-static spray.

Removing Fine Scratches

Minor scratches can often be removed using a plastic polishing compound applied with a soft cloth in circular motions. For deeper scratches, wet sanding with progressively finer grits (800, 1200, 2000) followed by polishing compound will restore clarity. Severely scratched panels may need professional machine polishing.

Long-Term Care Tips

Apply an anti-static treatment after cleaning to reduce dust attraction. Leave the protective film on during handling and installation, removing it only when the work is complete. Store acrylic sheets vertically, leaning against a padded surface to prevent bowing and scratching.