How to Clean Acrylic Windows

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: February 15, 2022 References Approved

To clean acrylic windows, stay away from abrasive tools and cleaners. Use a mild cleaning solution, soft cloths, and careful motion. Remove imperfections using isopropyl alcohol, polish, kerosene, and sandpaper. Prevent dirt and damage by reducing scratches with gentle buffing.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Giving a Basic Cleaning

1
Blow away dust or debris. To remove dust or debris from acrylic windows, use a blow dryer on the coolest setting. Hold the blow dryer 3-4 inches away from the window and cover the surface evenly, going from side to side. Be sure not to heat the plexiglass as doing so might damage.
- Use an extension cord to ensure that you are able to use the blow dryer evenly in front of your windows.
2
Make a mild cleaning solution. To clean acrylic glass, use a mild, non-abrasive solution of dish washing liquid and warm water. For a ratio that will leave plexiglass streak-free, add 3 drops of dish washing liquid to a gallon of water (approximately 3.8 L). The solution can be made in a bucket to use for cleaning right away, or poured into spray bottles for easy cleaning down the line.^{[1]
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3
Use a non-abrasive cleaning cloth. To clean acrylic windows, use a microfiber cloth or another soft, lint-free, non-abrasive cloth. Either wet the cloth directly in the mild detergent solution, or moisten it completely before using it with the cleaning spray. Always use a new, clean cloth to wash acrylic windows as any build up, debris, or dirt residue remaining from other cleaning jobs can scratch acrylic very easily.^{[2]
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4
Gently clean the surface of acrylic windows. When cleaning acrylic windows, apply minimal pressure while you clean. Gently dab the surface with the cleaning cloth to avoid scratches. Since dirt does not cling to acrylic, this gentle cleaning should be enough to remove residue or dust from your windows.^{[3]
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5
Dry windows. After cleaning, gently blot windows dry with a clean cloth or chamois. This will prevent water spots from forming. Avoid using the cloth to wipe down the surface of acrylic windows, as this motion might cause scratches.^{[4]
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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Removing Blemishes on Windows

1
Remove fingerprints with isopropyl alcohol. Dampen a soft cloth with isopropyl alcohol and gently run it over the part of your acrylic window where fingerprints appear. Once the fingerprints are gone, quickly rinse the alcohol off of your window with a clean, wet cloth. Do not use isopropyl alcohol as a regular cleaning agent for windows, as it can cause a number of tiny cracks on the acrylic's surface over time.^{[5]
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2
Get rid of tough stains with kerosene. To remove difficult stains like oil, tar, or grease from acrylic windows, purchase kerosene at your local hardware store. Dampen a soft cloth with kerosene and apply to the stains, passing the cloth over the surface as lightly as possible to avoid scratches. Rinse the area thoroughly with a clean, wet cloth to remove all traces of the solvent.
- Be sure to use kerosene in an open, well-ventilated area.
3
Polish away small scratches and abrasions. To remove small scratches from the surface of your plexiglass windows, use floor wax, car wax, or car polish. Using a soft, clean cloth apply one thin, even layer of the wax or polish to your acrylic windows. Buff gently with another clean, damp cloth.
- For stubborn scratches, use an abrasive polish approved for acrylic surfaces.
4
Sand away deeper scratches. If scratches are too deep to remove with regular buffing, sand the area with fine sandpaper (e.g. 600 grit sandpaper, available at hardware stores). Coarser sandpaper will leave scratches. Use small, circular strokes to sand the scratched area, gradually widening your scope and you go.^{[6]
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- Sand acrylic just as you would a piece of wood. Hand, disc or belt sanders should all work fine, just be sure to keep the sander moving at all times to prevent damage.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Preventing Damage

1
Avoid ammonia or vinegar-based cleaners. When cleaning acrylic windows, avoid ammonia-based cleaners that you would use on glass windows (e.g. Windex). Likewise, cleaners with vinegar can be too acidic and should not be used either. The chemicals in such cleaners can damage acrylic windows, leaving them looking cloudy and dull. Avoid using any commercial window cleaning sprays unless they are non-abrasive and specifically recommended for acrylic.^{[7]
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2
Treat windows with an anti-static product. To reduce the static buildup that can cause dust and other debris to stick to acrylic windows, purchase an anti-static cleaning spray (e.g. Novus Plastic Clean and Shine). Apply the spray to a soft cloth and gently dab it onto the window surface. Buff the window gently with another clean cloth.^{[8]
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3
Don't use paper towels, scrub pads, or other abrasive cleaning tools. When cleaning acrylic windows, use only soft cloths to avoid damage to the surface. Even paper towels can leave scratches on plexiglass. Prolonged use of abrasive cleaning items can ruin acrylic windows entirely, making them cloudy and unusable.^{[9]
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Expert Q&A

Question

How should you clean the outside of tall acrylic windows that get really dirty here in south Florida?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

You can use a ladder to access the outside of tall windows. First, do a standard clean on them with a dish soap and water solution with a soft microfiber rag. If the windows are scratched or need a more thorough cleaning, you may need to contact a professional.
Question

Can you use ammonia-free glass cleaner on acrylic windows?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Soapy water is the safest and most effective cleaning solution. Even without ammonia, there could be other chemicals in the glass cleaner that can harm the acrylic window in the long term.