Cleaning Plastic Windows (How to)

The following techniques for cleaning acrilic and polycarbonate sheet are based on standard industry practice. To ensure acceptability of the results, always test a sample of the material with the cleaner and technique to be used.

Guidelines:

• Use clean soft cloths or sponges for application of cleaners and again for washing and rinsing.
• Follow up the application with warm water rinse.
• Don't use abrasives or high alkaline cleaners.
• Don't leave cleaners on polycarbonate sheet for long periods, wash immediately.
• Don't apply cleaners in direct sunlight or at elevated temperatures.
• Don't use scrapers, squeegees or razors.
• Don't clean with gasoline.

Cleaning and maintenance:
Thourghly rinse with warm water using a soft cloth or sponge. Wash with mild soap or detergent and rinse thouroughly with clean water. To prevent water spots, thoroughly dry the glazing with a chamois or moist sponge. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight to prevent streaking.

Compatible Cleaners and Detergents:
Formula 409, Top Job, Joy, Palmolive, Windex with Ammonia D, Naptha VM&P grade.

To Minimize Fine or Hairline Scratches:
Mild automotive polish applied and removed with a soft, clean cloth will help fill scratches.

Suggested Polishes:

• Johnson Paste Wax
• Mirror Glaze #10 Plastic Polish (by Mirror Bright Polish Co., Pasadena CA)
• Novus Plastics Polish #1, #2 (by Novus, Inc., Minneapolis MN)

To remove masking adhesive and glazing compound:
Apply Naptha or kerosene with a clean, soft cloth. Wash immediately with soap and rinse thououghly with clean water.

To remove graffiti:
Butyl Cellosolve removes paint, marker ink, lipstick, etc. (never use in direct sunlight). Naptha VM&P grade or petroleum spirits will help lift stickers or other adhesive backed paper.

Revised: March 13, 2003