How to Clean Clear Plastic Windows

Plastic windows are made of acrylic and polycarbonate.

Plastic widows are usually made of either acrylic or polycarbonate plastic sheeting. Just as with traditional windows, windows that are made of plastic get dirty and should be cleaned on a regular basis. Traditional window cleaners that contain alcohol and ammonia should not be used on plastic windows as these substances can etch the surface and create a permanent cloudy haze. Cleaning windows that are made of plastic is easily accomplished using basic household cleaning supplies.

Things You'll Need

• Sponge
• Bucket
• Dish soap
• Garden hose
• Chamois cloth

Instructions

1. Wet a non-abrasive sponge thoroughly with warm water and squeeze out the excess.

2. Wipe down the entire surface of the window with the damp sponge to remove as much of the surface dirt as possible.

3. Fill a bucket with 1 gallon of warm water and 1 to 2 tsp. of dish soap. Mix the solution thoroughly to combine.

4. Dip the sponge into the soap solution and gently wash the entire surface of the window with firm pressure.

5. Rinse the sponge out completely in warm water and wipe the window to rinse away the soap residue. If the window is in an outdoor location, spray it with a garden hose to make sure all of the soap residue is gone.

6. Dry the entire plastic window with a chamois cloth to prevent water spots from forming.

Tips & Warnings

• If the plastic window has a slight hazy appearance, it may actually be due to small scratches. Apply 1 to 2 tsp. of automotive wax to a cloth and buff the surface of the plastic to fill in the scratches and restore the shine.

References

• Par Kut: Cleaning Plastic Windows (How to)