Cleaning acrylic surfaces, whether it's furniture or picture frames, can be difficult due to the ease with which they scratch and sensitivity to certain cleaners. By preparing the surface and using suitable cleaning agents, acrylic materials can be cleaned without damaging them.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Cleaning Acrylic Windows
Step 1. Blow any dirt or dust out of the window
Since acrylic is easily scratched, you don't need to just wipe off any dirt or dust on it. Instead, use air or water to remove dirt before you start cleaning. You can use compressed air to blow dirt out of the windows or pour a little water on the surface to collect the dirt and slide it off.
If you use water, dry the window with a microfiber cloth after the dirt has become visible
Step 2. Use clean water on a slightly soiled surface
If your window still needs a swipe after removing the top layer of dust and dirt, use clean water. Repeat the operation: pour the water on the surface and dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Do not rub the window with the microfiber cloth, as the acrylic may be scratched
Step 3. Use a non-abrasive cleaner on dirtier windows
If you are washing particularly dirty or exposed windows, mix equal parts non-abrasive cleaners and water to create a cleaning solution. Then dip a microfiber cloth into the solution and gently dry until the surface is clean.
Non-abrasive detergents suitable for this type of cleaning are oil-based soap, baby shampoo, Woolite or Bio Presto Baby
Step 4. Blot the surface
Once you have finished cleaning the window, use a dry microfiber cloth to dry. Avoid wiping the window surface with the cloth, as it may get scratched.
Step 5. Remove scratches with car wax
If after cleaning the window you discover scratches on the surface, you can use car wax to remove them. Apply the wax to the scratched areas and use the wax pad to polish.
If you have never polished this material before, perform this step with particular care
Step 6. Scrape the surface
If there are very deep scratches, then you need to scrape. Use a sharp tool at an angle of 10 degrees and move it from side to side evenly, gently scraping off the excess.
This technique should only be used for very deep scratches
Step 7. Sand the surface
Sanding the acrylic surface makes the finish matte and gives it a satin appearance. You can do this technique manually, with sandpaper, or with sanding tools. Just sand the surface like you would a piece of wood - start with a coarser sandpaper and once you have worked all over the area, move on to a finer paper and repeat the process.
- Using a pad after sanding the acrylic can give it an extra bright finish;
- This technique should only be used on unfinished acrylic or if the windows have suffered major weather damage.
Method 2 of 3: Clean Acrylic Furniture
Step 1. Avoid using tea towels
When preparing the surface of your acrylic furniture, avoid using a dusting cloth to remove dirt and dust. These types of fabric can trap particles that don't look large to the naked eye, but can scratch your furniture.
Step 2. Use specific cleaners for plastics
Even if the furniture is light, don't use the same cleaners you use on glass windows. Specific cleaners for plastics are the best option for cleaning acrylic furniture. They prevent scratches and do not crack the surface, giving a dull appearance.
Step 3. Clean small areas at a time
Spray a small amount of cleaner on the piece of furniture you are cleaning and then polish the area with the cloth. Once done, move on to the next zone. Do not spray the entire cabinet and then clean it.
Method 3 of 3: Clean Acrylic Bathtubs
Step 1. Do not use aerosol cleaners on acrylic bathtubs
When cleaning a bathtub, avoid using aerosol cleaners or acetone. The chemicals in these cleaners can corrode the acrylic from your tub.
Step 2. Use a mild dish soap
To clean the tubs, use a mild dish soap and warm water. Wet the sides of the tub and a soft sponge with warm water. Apply a small amount of mild dish soap to the sponge and gently scrub the tub.
Avoid using wire brushes or scrubbers, as they can scratch the surface and damage it
Step 3. Use lemon to remove hard water stains
Instead of using detergent on stains in your tub, try rubbing lemon on them. Let the lemon juice sit on the stain for a few minutes, then rinse with water before drying it with a microfiber cloth.
- Avoid detergents with ammonia that can make the surface cloudy;
- Do not use normal window cleaners such as Vetril - they can corrode the surface.
