ADA Sign Care: How to Clean Acrylic Signs

ADA Sign Care: How to Clean Acrylic Signs

By Mike Shabluk | May 7, 2024
If your building has ADA signs, there’s a good chance they’re made from acrylic. It’s one of the most affordable, durable, and low-maintenance materials used for interior ADA signage. Even so, acrylic signs still require routine care to maintain their appearance and readability.
Whether you’ve recently installed new signs or you’ve noticed existing displays collecting fingerprints, dust, and scuff marks, knowing how to clean acrylic signs properly can help extend their lifespan and keep them looking professional.
Before discussing the cleaning process itself, it’s worth understanding why ADA sign maintenance matters in the first place.

Why ADA Sign Care & Maintenance Matters

Many organizations assume their work is finished once they order and mount ADA signage. In reality, signage is no different than any other feature in a facility. It needs routine maintenance to continue serving its intended purpose.
A small amount of dirt or a few scratches may seem insignificant, but neglected signs can create several problems over time.

Signs in Poor Condition Can Be Difficult to Read

When signs accumulate dust, smudges, dirt, and scuff marks, they become harder to read. For people with limited vision, even minor visibility issues can impact their ability to navigate a facility effectively.
The purpose of ADA signs is to provide accessible information. Keeping them, clean helps ensure they continue to serve that function.

Lack of Sign Maintenance Can Create a Negative Impression

The condition of your facility influences how visitors perceive your organization, and signage is part of that experience.
A FedEx Office® survey found that 68% of consumers believe signage reflects the quality of a business’s products or services. Worn, stained, or neglected signs can leave an unfavorable impression that may affect how people view your organization.

Sign Maintenance Helps Protect Your Investment

Even budget-friendly ADA signage represents an investment. Most organizations want signage that performs well for years, not months.
Regular cleaning helps prevent premature wear, reducing the likelihood that signs will need to be replaced sooner than expected.

Well-Maintained Facilities Support Employee Morale

Your employees spend more time in your facility than anyone else. When signs and other building features appear neglected, it can suggest a lack of attention to the workplace environment.
While signage alone won’t determine employee satisfaction, maintaining a clean, professional facility contributes to a more positive atmosphere.

How to Clean Acrylic Signs Properly

The good news is that cleaning acrylic ADA signs is relatively simple. While facilities with dozens of signs may require a little extra time, the process itself is straightforward.
Proper acrylic sign care comes down to four key factors:
  • Using the right tools
  • Following the correct cleaning process
  • Cleaning signs regularly
  • Avoiding materials and practices that can damage acrylic
Note: The guidance below applies to interior acrylic signage. Exterior signs may require different cleaning methods depending on their size, location, and construction.

What Tools You Need

Before getting started, gather the appropriate cleaning supplies. Most of these items are commonly available, though some facilities may choose to keep specialty products on hand for deeper cleaning.
Recommended tools include:
  • Soft cloth – A microfiber cloth or gentle sponge works best for cleaning and drying acrylic surfaces.
  • Mild soap or detergent – Use a non-citrus dish soap when water alone won’t remove dirt and grime.
  • Lukewarm water – Clean, room-temperature water is ideal.
  • Cotton swabs – Helpful for grooves, edges, and spaces around tactile characters.
  • Compressed air – Useful for removing dust from engraved areas and hard-to-reach spots.
  • Gloves (optional) – Can help protect your hands during cleaning.

What Steps to Follow

Once you have the proper supplies, you’re ready to begin.

1. Remove Surface Debris

Use compressed air to clear dust and loose debris from engraved areas, tactile lettering, and other detailed sections of the sign.

2. Wash the Sign

Dampen a microfiber cloth with a mixture of mild soap and lukewarm water. Gently wipe the sign using circular motions to remove fingerprints, dirt, grease, and buildup.

3. Clean Detailed Areas

If dirt remains in grooves or around tactile characters, carefully clean those areas with a cotton swab.

4. Blot the Sign Dry

Using a dry microfiber cloth or the dry side of your cleaning cloth, gently blot the sign until all moisture is removed.
Avoid aggressive rubbing, which can leave streaks or create scratches on the acrylic surface.

How Often to Clean Signs

For most facilities, cleaning acrylic ADA signs every three months is sufficient.
However, signs located in high-traffic areas may require more frequent cleaning because they are exposed to additional fingerprints, smudges, and handling.
As a general rule, reviewing signage condition as part of a quarterly facility maintenance schedule is usually enough to keep displays looking their best.

What Practices to Avoid

Knowing how to clean acrylic signs is only half the equation. It’s equally important to avoid practices that can damage the material. 
Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
  • Don’t use paper towels, steel wool, abrasive brushes, or other rough cleaning materials.
  • Don’t use cleaners that contain ammonia, citrus, or other harsh chemicals.
  • Don’t apply glass cleaners, degreasers, or kitchen cleaning products to acrylic surfaces.
  • Don’t scrub aggressively. Use gentle circular motions instead.
  • Don’t leave moisture on the sign after cleaning. Always dry the surface completely.
  • Don’t wipe acrylic signs with a dry cloth, as trapped particles can scratch the surface.
  • Don’t apply polish without testing it first. Some products can leave a glossy finish that may not meet ADA requirements.
Although acrylic is highly durable, it still requires careful handling. Using soft materials and mild cleaning products helps preserve the appearance and performance of your signage for years to come.

Takeaway

Installing ADA signs is only the first step. Ongoing maintenance helps keep signage readable, professional, and accessible for building occupants and visitors.
Fortunately, acrylic ADA signs require very little upkeep. With the right cleaning supplies, proper techniques, and a simple maintenance schedule, you can keep your signage in excellent condition while protecting your investment.
If you have questions about acrylic ADA signage or need guidance on selecting the right signs for your project, the team at Erie Custom Signs is always available to help.