Cleaning polycarbonate sheets: do’s and don'ts
- Nov 18, 2020
- 3 min read
Polycarbonate roofs, windshields and greenhouses need cleaning occasionally to keep them looking good. Cleaning polycarbonate is easy but there are a few special points you need to be aware of. When you use the right products and know what to avoid, you’ll achieve a very good result. In this blog, we’ve created a list of the most important Do’s and Don’ts when cleaning polycarbonate windows.
Requirements for cleaning polycarbonate roofing sheets:
A bucket of lukewarm water
Washing up liquid
Plastic cleaner
Microfiber polishing cloth deluxe
A clean lint-free cloth
Just like Plexiglass, polycarbonate is more easily scratched than standard glass. This is why you should use a mild detergent with an anti-static effect – We recommend visiting your local Hardware store for any cleaner used for cleaning PVC, acrylic, polycarbonate sheet and other types of plastic.
How to clean polycarbonate roofing sheets
Thanks to the translucency and low weight of polycarbonate, this material is widely used for patio roofs. Polycarbonate roofing sheets are very low maintenance but they do need to be cleaned occasionally. Bear in mind that polycarbonate is scratch sensitive.
DO # 1: Use a gentle detergent
Clean polycarbonate gently using warm water with a few drops of liquid detergent and a microfiber cloth. Put plenty of water in your bucket so that you can rinse the cloth frequently. This prevents any dirt and grit from scratching the polycarbonate.
DO # 2: Use soft materials to clean polycarbonate
Using a soft, clean microfiber cloth means that any dirt particles will be trapped in the fibers so they will not scratch the polycarbonate. Rinse out the cloth frequently.
DO # 3: Clean polycarbonate regularly
Depending on the application, we advise cleaning polycarbonate regularly. For a polycarbonate roof, this will mean about once or twice a year. If you notice any black or green deposits appearing, clean the panels as soon as possible or the material may become stained.
DON’T # 1: Use harsh chemicals to clean polycarbonate
Chemical cleaning agents such as white spirits and Windex are not recommended for cleaning polycarbonate. These harsh chemicals are not effective as they will not dissolve particles of dust and sand and as these particles are moved back and forth over the surface by your microfiber cloth, the surface will become scratched. Never use thinners, benzene or acetone as these chemical cleaning agents will soften the polycarbonate. They will also leave a permanent haze on the surface.
DON’T # 2: Use a pressure washer or scouring pads
You might be tempted to use a pressure washer to clean a polycarbonate greenhouse or patio roof but don’t! The blast of water under high pressure will damage the surface of the polycarbonate. If your roof is very dirty, use an ordinary garden hose to rinse off any loose debris then clean the panels as described above. Scouring pads should be avoided as they will leave scratches.
DON’T # 3: Clean polycarbonate when it’s raining
This might sound obvious but check the weather forecast before cleaning polycarbonate outdoors. This material must be properly dry before you treat the panels with anti-static cleaner. This prevents them from immediately attracting more dirt.
Ordering polycarbonate sheets
Are you planning a project using polycarbonate? Order online from a wide range of polycarbonate sheets in various thicknesses at justpolycarbonate.com. We’ll cut the sheets to size for you for free and your order will be hipped within 24 hours. If you have any questions about cleaning polycarbonate or about any of our other products, please call us
at 833-500-2565 or email us.