Acrylic signs help showcase your values and highlight your brand both indoors and out. But over time, they can get dirty quickly and the dirtier they get, the less impactful your signs will be. Figuring out how to clean acrylic signs can help you keep them looking new and impactful for years.
Let’s take a look at how to clean both small and large acrylic signs.
How to clean a small acrylic sign
The best way to clean indoor acrylic signs like mission statement displays is with clean, lukewarm water and a clean, soft, nonabrasive, nonlinting cloth. Here are a few steps to follow to get rid of grime on your signs with ease:
- Step 1: Gather your materials. You’ll need a soft, nonlinting cloth like a microfiber cleaning cloth, a large sponge, or a clean cotton cleaning rag, a bucket, a mild soap, and a stepstool.
- Step 2: Inspect your sign. Climb the ladder carefully and give the sign a quick visual inspection. Look for cracks that may need repair and caked-on dirt that may need more elbow grease to power through.
- Step 3: Rinse the sign thoroughly. With a clean, wet cloth or sponge, wipe the dirt away with plain lukewarm water. If the sign isn’t that dirty, this may be all you need to do. If you’re cleaning a backlit sign, keep the electrical components dry as you work.
- Step 4: Power away dirt and grime with soapy water. If the sign still looks dingy, add a mild soap like dish soap or detergent to your bucket of water and scrub down the sign again. Make sure your soap or detergent is safe for use on acrylic surfaces.
- Step 5: Rinse thoroughly and dry gently. Rinse the soap off with another clean, damp cloth. Once you’ve rinsed the sign, gently blot it dry with a clean, nonlinting cloth or let it air dry.
If you have reverse channel letter signs or signs with more stubborn buildup, consider using cleaners specifically designed for acrylic surfaces. Be sure to wipe down all sides of the sign as you go.
How to clean a large exterior acrylic sign
Large exterior acrylic signs, such as architectural signage on the fronts of buildings or on pylons to catch attention from the road, can be tough to clean. Here are a few steps to take to help you keep those larger signs clean no matter what the weather throws your way.
- Step 1: Use a pressure washer. Pressure washers let you clean signs without using a ladder or putting your safety at risk if the sign isn’t within easy reach. Rent a pressure washer from your local hardware store and use it on a low-pressure setting to blast away the grime. Avoid using high-pressure settings on the pressure washer, as it can damage the sign.
- Step 2: Let your sign dry. Rather than gently blotting the sign dry with a soft, clean cloth, let it air dry. Depending on the weather, this process may take as little as 15 minutes or as much as an hour.
- Step 3: Inspect your sign monthly. Letting the dirt build up over time can make your sign-cleaning efforts more difficult. Get in the habit of inspecting your sign once a month. If it looks dingy or you see a film of dust collecting on the surface, clean it as soon as possible.
Exterior signs may be larger than the acrylic logo signs you hang in your office or headquarters, but they can be easier to clean and maintain. Just be sure to keep an eye on the sign’s condition and clean it when it starts to look dirty.
Best practices for keeping your acrylic sign looking new
Acrylic signs are fairly easy to clean, but there are a few things you’ll want to do to get the best results every time. Use the following tips to help you keep your signs looking their best:
- Use the right cleaners. Mild soap or detergent is usually strong enough to power through thick grime and buildup. But if you need to use something stronger, ensure the cleaners are free of ammonia or other harsh chemicals.
- Avoid abrasive tools. Acrylic is easy to scratch, and even minor scratches can make your signs look run down. Only use non-abrasive cloths and sponges to clean your signs. Avoid using rough scouring pads or scratchy cloths that could grind the dirt you’re scrubbing away into the acrylic.
- Make sure your cloths and sponges are wet. Wiping acrylic logo signs with a dry cloth can lead to scratches and may grind dirt into the sign. Always use damp or wet cloths or sponges to clean your signs.
- Clean your sign regularly. Inspect your exterior signs for buildup at least once a month, and wipe down interior signs at least weekly. The more often you clean, the better your signs will look, and the less time you’ll have to spend getting rid of dirt and dust.
Keep these tips in mind when cleaning signage around your business, and you’ll keep them looking great at all times.
Replace your old acrylic sign Impact Signs
Figuring out how to clean acrylic signs can seem challenging, but as long as you take your time and are gentle when wiping away dirt, you can keep your sign in great shape.
But over time, even the most well-maintained signs can start to show their age. If you’ve cleaned your existing sign and feel that it still looks dingy or you find damage that’s difficult to repair, replacing your sign may be a better choice.
At Impact Signs, our team can help you create a custom acrylic sign showcasing your brand and values. Get a quote today and see the difference a new sign can make in your brand’s visibility.
