To clean acrylic cabinets, use a wet micro-fiber cloth or chamois along with plain water or a mild soap and water combination. It is crucial to never dry-wipe the acrylic surface and to avoid using materials like acetone, harsh household cleaners, and abrasives, including paper towels, brushes, and scouring pads.
Acrylic cabinets are known for their sleek, glossy finish, which requires specific cleaning methods to maintain their appearance without causing damage. The key is to be gentle and avoid anything that could scratch or dull the surface.
Cleaning Acrylic Cabinets: The Approved Method
Maintaining the shine and integrity of your acrylic cabinet finish is simple when you use the right tools and solutions.
Essential Cleaning Supplies
Based on best practices for acrylic, you will need:
- A wet micro-fiber cloth or a chamois. Ensure the cloth is genuinely wet, not just damp.
- Plain water.
- Or, a mild soap mixed with water. Use only a small amount of soap.
Gently wipe the surfaces using the wet cloth and your chosen cleaning solution.
What NOT to Use When Cleaning Acrylic
Just as important as knowing what to use is knowing what to strictly avoid. Certain products and materials can permanently damage the acrylic finish, leading to scratches, discoloration, or etching.
Materials and Solutions to Avoid
- Never dry-wipe the surface. Dry wiping can create static, attracting dust, and the friction can easily cause fine scratches.
- Acetone and any cleaners containing it. Acetone is a solvent that can damage acrylic.
- Harsh household cleaners. Many common cleaners contain chemicals that are too aggressive for acrylic.
- Abrasives of any kind. This includes:
- Paper towels (their fibers can be surprisingly abrasive)
- Rough brushes
- Scouring pads
Using any of these can lead to irreversible damage, scratching, or dulling of the high-gloss finish.
Quick Summary: Do's and Don'ts
Keeping these simple guidelines in mind will help protect your acrylic cabinets and keep them looking new.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Use a wet micro-fiber cloth or chamois | Never dry-wipe the surface |
| Use water or a mild soap and water solution | Use acetone or harsh household cleaners |
| Wipe gently | Use abrasives like paper towels, brushes, or scouring pads |
| Clean spills promptly | Allow harsh substances or dry dust/debris to sit and be wiped dry |
By following these specific instructions, primarily focusing on using wet, soft materials and avoiding harsh chemicals and abrasives, you can effectively clean your acrylic cabinets and preserve their beautiful finish.
