Acrylic has excellent optical clarity and a beautiful surface — but that surface is softer than glass and scratches more easily than most people expect. The good news is that with the right cleaning technique, acrylic is easy to maintain and can be restored even when lightly scratched.
The bad news: several common household cleaning products will permanently damage or cloud acrylic. Here’s what to use, what to avoid, and how to handle scratches when they happen.
What to Use for Routine Cleaning
- Mild dish soap and lukewarm water — the safest and most effective routine cleaner. A few drops of soap in a bowl of water, applied with a soft microfiber cloth, will handle most dust and fingerprints.
- Dedicated acrylic cleaners — products like Novus Plastic Clean & Shine (#1) or Plexus Plastic Cleaner are formulated for acrylic and won’t cause damage. They also leave a light anti-static coating that repels dust.
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% or less), diluted — can be used to spot-clean stubborn marks, but use sparingly and test on an inconspicuous area first. Higher concentrations can cause crazing over time, especially on extruded acrylic.
Application Technique Matters as Much as the Product
Even with the right cleaner, the wrong cloth will scratch acrylic. Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth or a non-abrasive cotton cloth. Apply gentle pressure and use a straight back-and-forth motion rather than circular strokes, which can create swirl marks visible at certain angles.
Never clean acrylic when it’s dry — always wet the surface first to lubricate any dust particles before wiping. Wiping dry particles across a dry surface is the fastest way to put fine scratches in it.
Products to Never Use on Acrylic
- Windex or ammonia-based glass cleaners — ammonia attacks acrylic and will cause it to cloud, craze, or crack over time. This is the most common mistake people make. Despite being sold as a “glass cleaner,” Windex will permanently damage acrylic.
- Bleach or chlorine-based cleaners — will discolor and degrade the surface.
- Acetone, MEK, lacquer thinner, or other solvents — will dissolve acrylic on contact. Even fumes from acetone-based nail polish remover stored nearby can cloud an acrylic surface.
- Abrasive cleaning pads, steel wool, or rough cloths — will immediately and permanently scratch the surface.
- Paper towels — surprisingly, paper towels are abrasive enough to leave fine scratches in acrylic. Always use soft microfiber.
- Dry-dusting with a dry cloth — as noted above, dragging dry dust across a dry surface will scratch it. Always wet first.
Removing Light Scratches
Light surface scratches can often be polished out with a plastic polishing compound. Novus Plastic Polish #2 (for light scratches) and #3 (for heavy scratches) are the industry standard. Apply with a soft cloth using light circular motions, then clean off the residue with Novus #1.
For small areas, an automotive plastic polish or toothpaste (non-gel, non-whitening) can work in a pinch. For larger panels or deep scratches, a professional buffing wheel with the right compound will get the best result.
Managing Static and Dust
Acrylic builds up a static charge that attracts dust. Dedicated acrylic cleaners with anti-static additives help significantly. You can also apply a separate anti-static solution after cleaning. In environments where dust is a constant issue — retail displays, museum cases — consider an anti-static spray as part of your regular maintenance routine.
Caring for Acrylic Mirror
Acrylic mirror requires the same care as clear acrylic, with the added concern that the reflective coating is on the back of the sheet. Avoid anything that could penetrate the edges or back surface where the coating is exposed. Never use solvents near the edges of acrylic mirror panels.
For custom laser-cut acrylic parts and mirror panels, request a quote from American Acrylics — made in the USA with no minimums and fast turnaround.