Acrylic and Lucite furnishings are the perfect mix of playful and sophisticated, making them an essential addition to modern spaces everywhere. If you’re in the market for such a piece, one of the first designers you’ll likely turn to is Alexandra von Furstenberg, known for her bright neon acrylic offerings, from trays to tables. The designer also happens to know a thing or two about how to clean Lucite and care for these delightfully transparent creations; you won’t see any murky or scratched items at her house. Read on to learn how to clean acrylic and Lucite decor, and get Von Furstenberg’s secrets to keeping your pieces as crystal clear as the day you brought them home.
How to Clean Acrylic and Lucite
Materials
- Clean microfiber cloth
- Plastic cleaning solution
- Novus 7100 plastic polish kit
1. Use the right tools
Look for a cleaning solution made especially for plastic, such as Brillianize, and soft cotton microfiber cloths. It's important to use a product made for acrylic, because many household cleaners, such as Windex, 409, or Fantastik, will break down the material and make it look cloudy. You'll also want to make sure your microfiber cloth is clean—small particles trapped in a used cloth can scratch the surface.
2. Apply cleaner
Now that you’ve gathered your tools, your first step should be wiping away any dust or debris. Then go ahead and apply the plastic cleaner to a small section of your acrylic surface. Use your microfiber cloth to gently polish the acrylic. Once the area has been buffed completely, move on to the next section and continue until the entire piece has been cleaned and polished.
3. Remove scratches
If your acrylic piece gets scratched, Von Furstenberg recommends Novus's 7100 plastic polish kit for removing minor scratches: "It's what we use at the store, in my factory, and at my home." For deep scratches, turn to a professional who can attempt to buff the surface.
How to Care for Acrylic and Lucite
Now that your acrylic pieces are crystal-clear and sparkling, you'll want to make sure they stay that way. Von Furstenberg shared her tips on how to keep Lucite furnishings and decor in tip-top shape.
1. Beware of ammonia
Acrylic's number one enemy is ammonia. So when it comes to cleaning Lucite and acrylic pieces, "don't use any cleaner that has ammonia—ever!" says Von Furstenberg. The ingredient causes acrylic and Lucite to become cloudy, something you won't be able to reverse.
2. Be gentle
Acrylic can scratch easily, so avoid contact with sharp or abrasive items. If you want to place a metal or similarly hard-edged object on top of an acrylic table or tray, Von Furstenberg suggests adhering felt pads to the underside of the piece to prevent it from scraping against the delicate surface. "Treat it similarly to a lacquered table—don’t drag anything across it; rather, lift up the item and then put it down."
3. Cover up
When storing your acrylic accessories, treat them as carefully as you would any piece of high-quality furniture. "Cover the object in a sheet or soft fabric and place it in a shaded and climate-controlled area," says Von Furstenberg. This way, the item will be good as new when you reach for it again.
