Plexiglass (acrylic) scratches ten times more easily than glass, and using the wrong cleaner or cloth turns a clear surface hazy in seconds. Knowing how to clean plexiglass correctly — using the right products and the right technique — keeps acrylic sheets, windows, sneeze guards, and display cases crystal clear for years. The rules are simple: no ammonia, no paper towels, no dry wiping, and no pressure. Here is the method that professional acrylic fabricators recommend.
The Safe Cleaning Method
- Blow or rinse off loose dust. Dust particles are abrasive — wiping them across the surface creates micro-scratches instantly. Use compressed air, a can of air duster, or gentle running water to remove surface dust before touching the plexiglass with anything
- Mix a mild soap solution. A few drops of dish soap (Dawn or similar) in a quart of lukewarm water. This is the safest cleaner for all acrylic surfaces
- Apply with a soft microfiber cloth. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the soap solution and gently wipe the surface. Use zero pressure — let the soapy water do the cleaning, not friction
- Rinse with clean water. Wipe with a second microfiber cloth dampened with plain water to remove soap residue
- Dry with a clean, dry microfiber cloth. Blot rather than wipe for the final drying step to minimize any remaining scratch risk
Products to Use and Avoid
Safe products:
- Dish soap and water (the best all-around cleaner)
- Novus #1 Plastic Clean & Shine ($8 for 8 oz) — specifically formulated for acrylic and polycarbonate
- Plexus Plastic Cleaner ($10 for 13 oz) — anti-static formula that repels dust after cleaning
- Brillianize Plastic Cleaner ($12 for 8 oz) — two-step cleaner and protectant used by museums and galleries for acrylic display cases
Products to NEVER use on plexiglass:
- Windex or any ammonia-based cleaner: Ammonia causes crazing — a network of tiny cracks that cloud the surface permanently
- Rubbing alcohol (isopropyl): Attacks acrylic chemically, causing hazing and stress cracking at high concentrations
- Acetone or nail polish remover: Dissolves acrylic on contact. Even vapors can damage the surface
- Paper towels: Wood fiber content scratches acrylic. Always use microfiber or cotton flannel
- Abrasive cleaners (Comet, Ajax, Magic Erasers): Scratch the surface beyond repair
Removing Scratches
Light surface scratches that catch your fingernail can be polished out using a progressive scratch removal system. Novus makes the most popular three-step acrylic polish kit ($15-$20):
- Novus #3 Heavy Scratch Remover: Apply to the scratch and buff with a soft cloth in circular motions for 30-60 seconds. This removes material to level the scratch
- Novus #2 Fine Scratch Remover: Apply over the same area and buff to remove the haze left by step 1. Restores clarity
- Novus #1 Clean & Shine: Final polish and clean. Restores full optical clarity and applies a protective anti-static layer
Deep scratches that catch your thumbnail significantly may not polish out completely with consumer products. A professional acrylic fabricator can flame-polish or machine-buff deep scratches, but the cost ($50-$100 per panel) may exceed replacement cost for small sheets.
Removing Static and Dust Attraction
Plexiglass generates static electricity when wiped, which immediately attracts dust to the freshly cleaned surface. Anti-static cleaners like Plexus and Novus #1 neutralize the charge and reduce dust attraction for 1-2 weeks after application. For a DIY anti-static solution, add 1 teaspoon of liquid fabric softener to 1 quart of water and use it as the final rinse step — the softener leaves a thin anti-static film.
Never wipe plexiglass when dry. Dry wiping generates maximum static and drags any surface dust across the panel, creating scratches. Always dampen the surface first, even if just with a spray of water, before touching it with any cloth.
Cleaning Specific Applications
- Sneeze guards and barriers: Clean daily with soap and water. Disinfect with diluted bleach solution (1 tablespoon per gallon of water) — bleach at this concentration is safe for acrylic. Avoid alcohol-based disinfectants
- Acrylic windows and storm windows: Hose off exterior dirt before wiping. Use a soft-bristle car wash brush for initial cleaning if the surface is heavily soiled
- Display cases and shelving: Dust weekly with a microfiber duster (no pressure). Deep clean monthly with soap solution. Apply Novus #1 quarterly for anti-static protection
- Aquarium panels: Clean the exterior only — interior cleaning uses aquarium-specific algae scrapers designed for acrylic. Never use a razor blade on acrylic aquarium panels
Long-Term Protection
After cleaning, apply a thin coat of automotive paste wax (Carnauba-based, $8-$12) to plexiglass panels that face outdoor exposure. The wax fills micro-scratches, repels water, and provides a sacrificial UV-protective layer that extends the clarity of the acrylic surface. Reapply every 3-6 months for outdoor installations. For indoor plexiglass, the anti-static spray cleaners mentioned above provide sufficient ongoing protection between cleanings without the effort of waxing. Avoid placing plexiglass in direct contact with chemical solvents during storage — even vapors from nearby paint cans, adhesives, or cleaning products can cause crazing on acrylic surfaces over extended exposure periods.
