How to Clean Acrylic Prints for Long-Lasting Beauty

by William Kenny

How to clean acrylic prints: the guide. Read our quick explainer to learn the best techniques for making your acrylic prints last a lifetime.

Acrylic prints are a beautiful display option for your photos and digital designs. If you’ve got acrylic prints displayed in your home, you’ll know just how true that is – and you’ll want to do all you can to keep your prints in tip-top condition. And that means giving them a clean once in a while.

To clean acrylic prints effectively, mix soapy water and apply it with a microfibre cloth. The washing-up detergent produces a lather that can be refreshed by adding more water, while the microfibre cloth will gently lift away dirt from the print's surface.

Keep reading for a comprehensive guide that happens cleaning acrylic prints from A to Z!

To Clean Acrylic Prints, You’ll Need:

• Soft microfibre cloths

• Non-abrasive cleaner (or mild washing-up liquid mixed with lukewarm water)

• Soft cotton gloves (optional)

Note that it’s important to avoid solvent-based or ammonia-based cleaners, as well as any abrasive materials, as these can damage the acrylic surface. If you’re not completely sure, test your detergent on a different (non-decorative) acrylic glass surface before you start.

How to Clean Acrylic Prints

Once you've gathered the necessary materials, you can proceed with the cleaning process:

1. Remove dust and debris: Gently brush the surface of the acrylic print with a dry microfibre cloth or feather duster to remove any dust or loose debris.
2. Apply cleaner to cloth: Moisten a microfibre cloth with the non-abrasive cleaning solution (or washing-up liquid mixed with lukewarm water).
3. Gently wipe the surface: Using the dampened cloth, gently wipe the acrylic print in a circular motion. Start from one edge and work your way across the entire surface. Apply light pressure to remove any smudges or fingerprints.
4. Drying the print: Use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to thoroughly dry the acrylic print and polish away any streaks. Wearing soft cotton gloves will help you avoid leaving fingerprints at this stage.

By the way, these tips apply equally well to any decor product with an acrylic glass surface – such as our much-loved MixBlox acrylic photo blocks!

Dealing with stubborn stains or marks

Occasionally, you may encounter more stubborn stains or marks on your acrylic prints. Here's how to deal with them:

Spot cleaning: This is useful if you notice a small area with a stubborn stain. Moisten a soft cloth with the cleaning solution and gently rub the affected area in a circular motion. Dry the surface thoroughly with a soft cloth.

Avoid abrasive materials: Never use abrasive materials such as scrub brushes or rough sponges to remove stains. These can scratch the acrylic surface, spoiling its clarity and beauty.

How to Keep Acrylic Prints Beautiful

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To ensure your acrylic prints remain in the best condition for years to come, we recommend the following protective measures:

• Handle with care: Whenever you touch your acrylic prints, wear soft cotton gloves to prevent fingerprints and smudges. This simple precaution can help maintain their pristine appearance.

• Display in controlled environments: Avoid displaying acrylic prints in areas which get very hot or cold or which have high humidity, as these can adversely affect the print's longevity.

• Dust regularly: Dust shows up quite noticeably on the glossy surface of an acrylic print, so it’s best to dust regularly. You can use a duster or a microfibre cloth.

• Clean only when necessary: Wet cleaning shouldn’t damage your print unless you use an abrasive detergent, but to make double sure it’s best to stick to dusting where possible.

Conclusion

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Properly maintaining your acrylic prints is essential for preserving their beauty in the long term. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your prints remain vibrant, glossy, and visually striking.

Remember to use only the cleaning materials recommended and to use a gentle touch when wiping the surface. So long as you clean with care, and take protective measures to prevent damage from sunlight and humidity, you’ll be able to enjoy the pristine beauty of your acrylic prints for many years to come.