Quick answer
Use a soft microfiber cloth, distilled water or a 1:1 isopropyl alcohol mix, and gentle circular motions to clean your acrylic platelight without scratching the surface. Never use paper towels, Windex, or rough sponges.
Why acrylic scratches so easily
Acrylic is softer than glass, which means it's more prone to fine scratches from everyday dust and improper wiping. Even a seemingly soft paper towel can leave micro-scratches that build up over time and dull the backlit effect.
What NOT to use
Avoid paper towels, napkins, or any abrasive cloth. Steer clear of household glass cleaners containing ammonia (like Windex), as they can cloud or craze the acrylic surface. Never use a dry cloth to wipe dust off—always dampen it first.
Step-by-step cleaning process
- Blow off loose dust: Use a can of compressed air or a soft brush attachment on a low-speed vacuum to remove dust particles before any wiping. Skipping this step drags grit across the surface and causes scratches. Always remove loose dust first—it's the single most effective way to prevent micro-scratches.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth: Use a clean, lint-free microfiber cloth dampened with distilled water or a 1:1 mix of distilled water and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Never spray liquid directly onto the platelight—it can seep into edges or electronics. Dampen the cloth, not the panel. This prevents moisture from reaching the light source or adhesive.
- Wipe in gentle circles: Start from the center and work outward using light, circular motions. Apply minimal pressure—let the moisture do the work. If you see a stubborn spot, let the damp cloth sit on it for a few seconds before wiping again. No scrubbing. If a spot doesn't lift easily, wait—don't press harder.
- Dry with a separate microfiber cloth: Use a second dry microfiber cloth to buff the surface dry. This removes any remaining moisture and prevents water spots or streaks. Use the same light, circular motion. A dedicated dry cloth avoids reapplying dust and gives a streak-free finish.
Products that work with your platelight
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Perilous Moons: Made of high quality, durable acrylic, these panels allow light from our Platelight to diffuse through, creating a gorgeous backlit piece of art, right inside of your computer. The same care steps apply to any acrylic platelight panel—keeping them scratch-free preserves the even glow and vibrant art.
Perilous Moons
