How do you clean plexiglass?

Plexiglas is a popular material thanks to its clear appearance, light weight and high impact resistance. You’ll find it in display cases, furniture, protective screens, windows and even works of art. But anyone who has Plexiglas at home or at work will also know that it attracts dust, scratches more easily than glass and requires careful cleaning. In this blog, we explain the best way to clean plexiglass. We provide practical tips and highlight key points to bear in mind.

Why cleaning plexiglass is different from cleaning glass

Although plexiglass looks very much like glass, the material is softer and therefore more prone to scratches. Furthermore, plexiglass easily attracts dust due to static electricity. Ordinary glass cleaners often contain alcohol or ammonia, which can damage the surface. A suitable cleaning method is therefore required.

What is plexiglass?

Plexiglas is a brand name for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), a plastic known for its crystal-clear properties. It is often used as an alternative to glass, particularly in situations where safety or weight are important considerations.

How to clean Plexiglas in 5 steps

1. First blow or rinse away any loose dirt
   Use a soft bellows or rinse the plexiglass gently with lukewarm water. This will prevent sand or dust from causing scratches whilst cleaning.
2. Use a soft, lint-free cloth
   Microfibre cloths are best. Avoid paper towels or rough cloths: these can damage the surface.
3. Choose a cleaning product that does not contain alcohol or ammonia
   Use a special cleaner for plastics or mix a few drops of washing-up liquid with water. Make sure the soap is not too harsh.
4. Clean the plexiglass carefully
   Move the cloth in one direction, applying light pressure. Do not rub hard or in circles, as this increases the risk of scratches.
5. Gently dry the surface afterwards
   Use a dry, clean microfibre cloth to gently dab the plexiglass dry. There is no need to rub.

Extra tip: how can you prevent static electricity?

After cleaning, plexiglass can become statically charged. As a result, it quickly attracts dust again. To minimise this, you can use an anti-static spray that is specifically designed for plastics. Some plexiglass cleaning products contain an anti-static component as standard. For applications where the plexiglass is frequently touched or exposed to a lot of dust, such as counter screens or display cases, the use of an anti-static treatment is certainly recommended.

Preventing and repairing scratches

Careful cleaning will help prevent scratches. However, minor scratches may appear over time. In some cases, these can be reduced using a special polishing paste for plexiglass. It is important to use the correct products and techniques for this. With deep scratches, polishing is often not enough and replacement is sometimes the best option.

Differences between types of plexiglass

Not all plexiglass is the same. For example, crystal-clear plexiglass is usually cast plexiglass. This type is slightly stronger and less prone to scratches than extruded plexiglass. With matt acrylic plexiglass, the matt finish requires a little extra care. Do not rub too hard, otherwise the matt finish may become dull. Here too, lukewarm water, mild soap and a soft microfibre cloth give the best results.

What should you absolutely avoid when cleaning plexiglass?

When cleaning plexiglass, it is important to avoid certain materials and products. For example, never use glass cleaners containing alcohol or ammonia, as these can cause microscopic cracks in the plexiglass. Scouring pads, even the soft ones, are also unsuitable as they can quickly scratch the surface. Furthermore, it is not advisable to wipe dry plexiglass with a dry cloth; this acts like sandpaper and increases the risk of scratches. Finally, vacuuming with a brush attachment is not safe, as the bristles can trap dirt and thereby damage the surface.

Buy Plexiglas from Kunststof Forte

At Kunststof Forte, you’ll find a wide range of plexiglass for a variety of applications. These include plexiglass, custom-made crystal-clear plexiglass or custom-made matt acrylic. At Kunststof Forte, you’ll find high-quality products and receive advice from specialists. This means you can be sure of plexiglass that not only looks great but also lasts a long time — especially if you clean it with care.