Best Way to Clean Acrylic: A Complete Guide

What is Acrylic and Why Does It Need Special Care?

Acrylic, also known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), is a clear, durable plastic that’s widely used in home decor and furniture due to its glass-like appearance and lightweight structure. From coffee tables to art displays, its modern aesthetic makes it a popular choice. However, acrylic is more delicate than it looks, which is why understanding the best way to clean acrylic is essential to preserving its clarity and beauty.

Compared to materials like glass or metal, acrylic is more vulnerable to:

• Scratching from abrasive cloths or particles
• Static buildup, which attracts dust
• Clouding or discoloration from harsh chemical cleaners

Because of these sensitivities, acrylic requires a gentler, more deliberate cleaning process to maintain its pristine look and avoid permanent damage.

Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Before we dive into the proper methods, it’s important to avoid these pitfalls:

1. Using ammonia-based cleaners like Windex: These cause clouding and discoloration.
2. Scrubbing with abrasive cloths: Paper towels, scouring pads, and rough sponges scratch acrylic.
3. Dry wiping: This can grind dust into the surface and cause micro abrasions.
4. Using glass cleaner: Glass cleaners are too harsh for soft acrylic surfaces.

Instead, you need soft materials and pH-neutral cleaning agents that won’t damage the finish.

Supplies You’ll Need to Clean Acrylic Properly

Before you begin, gather these essentials:

Recommended Cleaning Supplies:

• Microfiber cloths (lint-free)
• Warm water
• Mild dish soap (pH neutral)
• Spray bottle
• Acrylic-safe polish (optional, like Novus or Brillianize)
• Air blower or soft brush (for dust removal)

Avoid These:

• Paper towels
• Abrasive pads
• Ammonia-based products
• Alcohol or acetone

Having the right supplies is the first step in ensuring the proper way to clean acrylic is safe and effective.

Step-by-Step Guide: Best Way to Clean Acrylic Surfaces

Now that you understand why proper care matters, let’s walk through the best way step by step. Whether you’re cleaning an acrylic chair, coffee table, picture frame, or shelving unit, this method will help you remove dust, smudges, and fingerprints without scratching or dulling the surface.

This routine is simple, effective, and safe for daily or weekly use, depending on how often your acrylic item is handled or exposed to dust.

Here’s a detailed cleaning method that works for furniture, decor, and acrylic panels:

Step 1: Dust First

Use a soft air blower or microfiber cloth to remove surface dust. This prevents particles from scratching during wiping.

Step 2: Prepare a Cleaning Solution

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into a spray bottle with warm water. Shake gently.

Step 3: Apply the Solution

Lightly mist the solution onto the acrylic surface. Never soak it.

Step 4: Wipe Gently

Use a clean microfiber cloth in circular motions. Avoid pressure. Rinse the cloth regularly.

Step 5: Dry with Care

Buff dry with a second dry microfiber cloth to prevent streaks or water spots.

Polishing and Restoring Clarity

To maintain a like-new finish or remove light scratches:

• Use an acrylic polish like Novus Plastic Polish or Brillianize.
• Apply a small amount with a clean microfiber cloth.
• Rub in a circular motion until the surface is clear and glossy.
• Use a dry microfiber cloth to buff away residue.

For deeper scratches, a specialized plastic scratch remover or professional refinishing kit may be necessary. Read the Novus Acrylic Polish Guide for more details.

Homemade Cleaning Solution for Acrylic

If you prefer natural cleaning methods, here’s a simple recipe:

DIY Acrylic Cleaner:

• 2 cups warm distilled water
• 1 tsp mild dish soap (like Dawn)
• 1 tsp white vinegar (optional for grease-cutting)
• Spray bottle

Shake gently and store away from heat and light. Always test on a small area first.

How Often Should You Clean Acrylic?

Frequency depends on where and how your acrylic item is used.

General Guidelines:

• Furniture (tables, chairs): Once a week
• Wall decor & frames: Twice a month
• Display cases: Weekly or as needed
• Outdoor items: After rain or dust storms

If you live in a dusty area or near the sea, you may need to clean more often. Use soft tools to prevent damage over time.

Tips for Long-Term Acrylic Care

Want your acrylic to last for years without yellowing or cracking? Follow these extra care tips:

• Keep out of direct sunlight: UV rays can cause yellowing.
• Avoid sharp objects nearby: Even keys or jewelry can scratch.
• Store spare pieces in soft cloths: Never stack acrylic items without padding.
• Use coasters or placemats: Prevent scratches from cups or plates on tables.

Acrylic vs. Glass: Cleaning Differences

Though they may look similar, glass and acrylic require different care:

 

Can You Use Vinegar on Acrylic?

Short answer: Only in small amounts and diluted.

White vinegar can help cut through light grease, but too much acidity may dull the surface. If you use vinegar, ensure it’s well diluted and wipe it off quickly.

Pro Tip: Test on an inconspicuous area before using it on large surfaces.

When to Replace or Refinish Acrylic

Even with the best way to clean acrylic, there may come a time when your piece no longer looks its best. Over years of use, acrylic can develop deep scratches, yellowing, or permanent cloudiness that basic cleaning or light polishing can’t fix. When that happens, you’re left with a choice: refinish or replace.

Here’s how to decide what to do next:

Option 1: Refinish the Acrylic

Refinishing is often a great choice for high-quality or sentimental pieces that are structurally sound but have lost their visual appeal.

Signs your acrylic needs refinishing:

• Multiple deep scratches or scuff marks
  
• Uneven cloudiness that won’t polish out
  
• Yellowing from prolonged sun exposure
• Visible wear from frequent use (e.g., tabletops, chair arms)
  

Refinishing options include:

• Plastic polishing kits (like Novus or Micro-Mesh) that help remove deeper abrasions
• Wet sanding and buffing, which should be done by professionals or experienced DIYers
• Professional refinishing services that use machine polishing and chemical treatments to restore clarity
  

Pro Tip: If you're tackling refinishing on your own, always test on a small, hidden section first, and follow all product instructions carefully.

Option 2: Use a Plastic Restoration Kit

Restoration kits are ideal for medium-level damage - more than light cleaning can handle, but not severe enough to justify professional help or replacement.

What’s included in a typical kit:

• Multi-stage polishes (from coarse to fine)
• Scratch removers
• Polishing pads or applicators
• Instructions for step-by-step restoration
  

These kits work best on:

• Acrylic tabletops with minor fogging
• Decorative acrylic panels with light surface gouges
• Clouded acrylic shelves or organizers
  

Option 3: Replace the Acrylic

If your acrylic piece is:

• Cracked or warped
  
• Extremely yellowed throughout
  
• Broken or chipped at the edges
  
• Beyond aesthetic repair (e.g., cloudy inside the material)

Why Using the Right Cleaning Method Matters

Acrylic is a beautiful, modern material, but it’s also deceptively delicate. While it mimics the look of glass, it doesn’t share the same durability when it comes to cleaning. That’s why understanding the best way to clean acrylic isn’t just helpful - it’s essential if you want to avoid damaging your furniture or decor over time.

The Risks of Cleaning Acrylic the Wrong Way

Improper cleaning methods are one of the leading reasons acrylic pieces become dull, cloudy, or scratched. Many people make the mistake of treating acrylic like glass, using household cleaners and rough cloths that do more harm than good. Here’s what can go wrong:

• Ammonia-based glass cleaners (like traditional Windex) cause chemical reactions that result in permanent clouding or “crazing” (fine surface cracks).
  
• Paper towels, while convenient, are surprisingly abrasive. They can leave behind micro-scratches that build up and dull the surface over time.
  
• Dry wiping dusty acrylic can grind dirt into the surface, scratching it invisibly until the clarity is completely lost.
  
• Alcohol and acetone, often found in household cleaning products, are too harsh and can melt or deform the top layer of acrylic.
  

These mistakes are hard to reverse—and in many cases, the damage is permanent. This is why so many acrylic owners end up replacing expensive decor pieces earlier than they should.

The Benefits of Using the Best Way to Clean Acrylic

Fortunately, with just a few adjustments to your cleaning routine, you can dramatically extend the life and appearance of your acrylic items. Here’s what happens when you follow the best way to clean acrylic:

1. Scratch-Free Results

Using ultra-soft microfiber cloths prevents scratches from forming, keeping the surface as smooth and clear as when you first bought it.

2. Streak-Free Finish

Mild, pH-neutral soap combined with distilled water gently removes fingerprints, dust, and smudges without leaving behind streaks or residue.

3. Protection Against Dust and Static

Acrylic-safe polishes not only restore shine but also create an anti-static coating that repels dust—reducing the frequency you need to clean.

4. No Chemical Damage

Using the right cleaners ensures that the molecular structure of the acrylic remains intact, preventing yellowing or clouding over time.

5. Long-Term Durability

A consistent and gentle cleaning routine maintains your furniture’s visual appeal and structural integrity for years—helping you protect your investment.

A Real-World Example

Let’s say you own a stunning clear acrylic coffee table. If cleaned improperly with glass cleaner and a paper towel, you might notice a foggy look develop in just a few months. This haziness is often irreversible and can only be corrected with expensive polishing kits—if at all. On the other hand, using this method keeps your table looking pristine, free of scuffs and scratches, even years down the line.

Final Thoughts: Best Way to Clean Acrylic with Confidence

With the right supplies, regular maintenance, and gentle cleaning techniques, you can keep your acrylic furniture and décor crystal-clear and scratch-free for years. Avoid harsh chemicals, be mindful of dust and scratches, and always choose non-abrasive solutions.

Whether you're cleaning a modern acrylic coffee table or a protective display case, following the best way to clean acrylic ensures your space stays bright, fresh, and elegant.