Cloudy plexiglass (acrylic glass): how to make it clear again

Acrylic glass has become increasingly popular in recent years. While it used to be used mainly for camping, today it’s installed as partition walls at checkouts and receptions, as room dividers in offices, as shower doors at home, and in many other areas.

Unfortunately, this material often comes without clear care instructions — and it doesn’t take much for it to become cloudy or to develop stress cracks that are difficult (or sometimes impossible) to remove.

If your plexiglass panels have lost their clarity, it not only affects visibility but also the look of your furniture, display cases, or signage. In this article, you’ll learn why plexiglass becomes cloudy, rough, or opaque — and what you can do to make it clear again.

Why does plexiglass become cloudy?

Cloudy plexiglass is often the result of stress cracks in the acrylic material. These can occur when acrylic is cleaned or maintained incorrectly.

Aggressive cleaners or abrasive pads can damage the acrylic surface and create the perfect conditions for stress cracks. Sometimes, high temperatures during shaping are enough to make acrylic glass turn cloudy or dull. Even simple contact with alcohol or solvents can make acrylic glass opaque.

How to make acrylic glass clear again

To restore cloudy or rough-looking acrylic glass, follow these steps:

1. Gentle cleaning: Clean the acrylic thoroughly with warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Avoid aggressive cleaners, as they can worsen the problem. Then dry the surface with a soft cotton cloth without applying pressure.
   If you want to be on the safe side, use a special acrylic glass cleaner. These products are formulated to clean acrylic effectively without attacking the material or making it cloudy.

2. Careful polishing: Use a dedicated acrylic polishing paste to gently treat the dull surface. Apply it after cleaning. Work in small circular motions and polish until the cloudy layer becomes less visible or disappears.

Professional cleaner: acrylic and plexiglass cleaner

For an efficient yet non-aggressive cleaning solution, we offer a specially developed acrylic and plexiglass cleaner (also suitable for plastic windows) in our online shop. It’s designed for gentle care and cleaning of acrylic and plexiglass surfaces and helps restore clarity without damaging the material.

This is especially worthwhile for large surfaces or acrylic partitions (e.g., in supermarkets at the checkout) — or for on-the-go use when camping, where regular cleaning is needed.

Conclusion

Cloudy, opaque plexiglass is annoying, but with the right tools and a gentle approach you can often restore its original clarity. Start with mild cleaning agents and polish carefully. Investing in a professional acrylic/plexiglass cleaner helps prevent future issues and keeps acrylic surfaces looking their best.