How to Clean and Care for Acrylic Sheet
Acrylic sheet is durable, lightweight and long-lasting, but it needs a little care to keep it looking its best. Unlike glass, acrylic can scratch more easily and may be damaged by unsuitable cleaning products.
Follow this guide to keep your acrylic sheets, signs and displays clean and looking their best.
What You’ll Need
- Clean, soft microfibre cloths
- Mild washing-up liquid or a cleaner specifically designed for acrylic
- Lukewarm water
- Plastic polish suitable for acrylic, if required
Avoid paper towels and rough cloths, as these can leave fine scratches.
How to Clean Acrylic Sheet
-
Remove loose dust
Gently rinse the surface with clean water to remove dust and grit. Avoid wiping a dusty surface while it is dry, as trapped particles can scratch the acrylic.
-
Prepare a mild cleaning solution
Add a small amount of mild washing-up liquid to lukewarm water. Do not use hot water.
-
Wipe gently
Dampen a clean microfibre cloth with the solution and wipe the surface using light pressure. Never scrub the acrylic.
-
Remove any residue
Wipe the surface again using a separate cloth dampened with clean water.
-
Dry carefully
Gently pat the acrylic dry with a clean microfibre cloth. Allowing water to dry naturally may leave water marks.
Cleaning Products to Avoid
Some common household products can cause clouding, crazing or permanent surface damage.
Do not use:
- Bleach, acetone or ammonia-based cleaners
- Standard glass or window cleaners
- Methylated spirits or white spirit
- Solvent-based cleaners
- Abrasive cleaning creams
- Scouring pads, rough cloths or paper towels
- Aerosol products unless confirmed as acrylic-safe
If you are unsure whether a product is suitable, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Removing Fine Scratches
Light scratches and hazing on gloss acrylic can sometimes be reduced with a specialist plastic polish, such as NOVUS or another product specifically approved for acrylic.
- Clean the surface thoroughly before polishing.
- Test the polish on an inconspicuous area.
- Apply it using a clean, soft cloth and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Buff the surface with a separate clean cloth.
- Repeat if necessary rather than applying excessive pressure.
NOVUS recommends polishing across a scratch before finishing with light circular strokes and advises testing the product first. Its restoration products are not recommended for coated plastics. NOVUS Plastic Restoration System
For deep scratches or significant damage, we recommend contacting an experienced acrylic fabricator rather than attempting to sand the sheet yourself.
Important: Matt, frosted and textured acrylic cannot normally be polished without altering the original surface finish. Take particular care when cleaning these materials.
Reducing Static and Dust
Acrylic can develop a static charge that attracts dust. After cleaning, an acrylic-safe anti-static cleaner or polish can help reduce dust build-up and make future cleaning easier.
This is particularly useful for display cases, signage and acrylic used in busy environments.
Long-Term Care Tips
- Keep acrylic away from solvents, paint and aerosol sprays unless they are confirmed as plastic-safe.
- Store sheets flat wherever possible.
- If sheets must be stored upright, support them fully to prevent bowing.
- Keep the protective film in place during cutting, making and handling.
- Remove the protective film only when the project is ready to be displayed or installed.
- Do not place very hot items directly onto acrylic.
- Use UV-stable acrylic for outdoor installations.
- Clean outdoor acrylic regularly before dirt becomes ingrained.
Shop Acrylic Sheet at Rose Acrylics
Explore our range of 3mm acrylic sheets in gloss, matt, mirror and specialist finishes. Available in a wide selection of colours and convenient sheet sizes for signage, displays, laser cutting and creative projects.