Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Remove dust particles
• Method 2 of 3: Wipe the surface
• Method 3 of 3: Fix scratched or very dirty plexiglass
• Tips
• Warnings

First produced in 1933, Plexiglass is made from acrylic and is an unbreakable lightweight alternative to real glass. Plexiglass is flexible and durable, but it can easily be scratched when cleaning and certain cleaning products can ruin it. If you know how to clean Plexiglas exactly, you will not damage the material and you can be sure that you will have clean and clear Plexiglas afterwards.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Remove dust particles

1. Blow dirt and dust off the plexiglass. Blow on the glass yourself or use a hair dryer to blow the dust and dirt off the plexiglass. If you're using a hair dryer, make sure to set it to the coldest setting. Hot air will damage the acrylic. Hold the hair dryer at a 45 degree angle at a distance of a few inches from the plexiglass and let the air blow sideways over the surface.
   • Take the time to thoroughly remove all dust particles before proceeding. Keep blowing if you feel or see large particles on the plexiglass.
   • Do not use a microfiber cloth. Microfibre fabric does not chafe, but if you scrub dirt and dust with the cloth before blowing off larger particles, you will still scratch the glass.
   EXPERT TIP

   Wet the plexiglass with a mixture of water and dish soap. Mix 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of dish soap with 1 liter of water. Hold the plexiglass at a 45 degree angle and gently pour the mixture over the plexiglass. Do this in a sink or other place that will not be damaged by running water.

   • You can also put the mixture in a spray bottle and spray gently on the acrylic glass. Hold the plexiglass at a 45 degree angle and gently let the mixture flow down the plexiglass.
   • Gently running this mixture over the plexiglass will remove the smaller dirt and dust particles and prepare the glass to be wiped clean.
2. Do not use products with alcohol, ammonia and fragrances. Products such as glass cleaner that contain alcohol will significantly damage the plexiglass. Also, do not use solvents such as acetone, chemical cleaning fluid and other gritty cleaners and polishes, as these will damage the surface of the Plexiglas.
   • It is best to use a mixture of water and soap, but there are also some products for sale that are specifically designed for cleaning Plexiglas.

Method 2 of 3: Wipe the surface

1. Use a microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surface. Plexiglass retains dirt and dust and if you use something like a paper towel or a dishcloth, the surface of the Plexiglass will scratch. A microfiber cloth does not push into the pores of the plexiglass and will not damage and scratch the surface after you have blown the dirt off the surface.
   • Good alternatives to a microfiber cloth are cheesecloth, terry cloth, jersey, cotton flannel, and all other non-abrasive materials.
2. Wipe the wet plexiglass with your microfiber cloth. Gently wipe the surface of the plexiglass, making sure to touch only those areas that are still wet from the mixture. Concentrate on particularly dirty areas, being careful not to scrub or apply too much pressure to the surface.
3. Spray the mixture on the surface and gently wipe away any remaining dirt. Once you've wiped the surface of the plexiglass and it is still dirty, pour the mixture back over the plexiglass and gently wipe it again with a microfiber cloth. Repeat this process as many times as needed.
4. Wipe the plexiglass until it is dry. Do not let the plexiglass air dry or stay wet for too long or you will end up with visible water spots. If you notice that the acrylic has water stains after drying, repeat the cleaning process again.
   • Water stains are no more difficult to remove than dirt and dust and should be easy to get off the glass.

Method 3 of 3: Fix scratched or very dirty plexiglass

1. Scrape off dirt and dust with a razor. Use a razor or other sharp scraper and run it gently over the glass. Work from side to side, making smooth movements to remove the dirt. Hold the knife at a ten-degree angle or any other angle that will prevent you from pushing the knife into the glass in such a way as to damage it. If you want to remove stains and streaks from the plexiglass, you will be able to do that with a razor.
   • Using a sharp tool like a razor works well to trim jagged and uneven edges. Slowly slide the razor over the edges, shaving away small particles until you find the edges neat enough.
   • Be very careful with sharp scrapers as you can injure yourself if not used properly.
2. Sand the plexiglass to remove deep scratches and damage. Sand the acrylic the same way you would with wood. Do this by hand or use a sander. Treat the surface with coarse sandpaper, then use finer sandpaper. Do not push the sander hard against the plexiglass, but proceed with caution and keep moving the sander. This way the glass will not get too hot and will not be damaged by the heat.
   • To treat deep scratches, start with a 220 or 320 grit sandpaper and later use 600 or 800 grit sandpaper.
   • Always wear a mask while sanding to avoid inhaling sanding dust.
3. Polish the plexiglass after sanding. Use a polishing disc that does not rotate or a grinder with a polishing disc on it to get the plexiglass nice and clear again. To prevent the plexiglass from overheating, use a piece of bleached muslin with bias tape and a diameter of 20 to 35 centimeters to prevent the polishing wheel from overheating.
   • Clamp the plexiglass so that it does not shift during polishing.
   • Use a medium drying polish for a soft glossy finish or a quick dry polish for a highly glossy finish.

Tips

• Always use a clean, new cloth or sponge to clean plexiglass. Media used may have rough edges and other particles that can scratch the plexiglass.

Warnings

• Do not use abrasives, glass cleaners, rough cloths, gasoline and other solvents containing acetone, alcohol, and carbon tetrachloride to clean a plexiglass surface.
• Never rub dirt and other particles on the surface of the plexiglass with a dry cloth. A dry cloth will rub dirt into the surface and can scratch the plexiglass.