Acrylic display cases offer crystal-clear visibility and reliable protection for your most cherished items — from sports memorabilia to military awards, and everything in between. But like any protective gear, they need proper maintenance to keep them looking their best.
Neglecting care can lead to scratches, clouding, and even long-term damage to the items inside. In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about maintaining your acrylic display cases from BetterDisplayCases.com, including how to clean them properly, protect them from UV exposure, and avoid surface damage.
Why Acrylic Needs Special Care
Acrylic is a durable and visually striking material, but it requires different treatment than glass or plastic blends. It’s less brittle than glass and significantly lighter, but it’s also softer, meaning it can scratch or dull if cleaned incorrectly.
When well maintained, acrylic can offer long-term clarity and protection — making it ideal for preserving collectibles in your home, office, or fan cave.
Part 1: How to Clean Acrylic Display Cases Safely
What to Use:
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Soft microfiber cloths: Always use clean, non-abrasive microfiber cloths. These trap dust and prevent scratching.
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Acrylic-safe cleaner: Use a cleaner formulated specifically for acrylic or plastic, such as Novus 1 or Brillianize. These products clean without degrading the surface.
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Lukewarm water with mild dish soap: For basic cleaning, a mixture of water and a tiny bit of gentle soap can do the trick.
What to Avoid:
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Paper towels or regular cloths: These may seem soft but can leave micro-scratches on acrylic surfaces.
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Ammonia-based cleaners (like Windex): These can cloud or yellow the acrylic over time and damage its protective coating.
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Scouring pads or abrasive tools: Even light scrubbing can ruin the clarity of the acrylic.
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High-pressure sprays: Forceful water pressure can cause surface wear or affect internal display items.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Process:
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Remove dust first: Gently wipe with a dry microfiber cloth to eliminate any dust that could cause abrasion when wet.
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Apply cleaner to the cloth (not the case): Spraying directly onto the acrylic can cause streaking or seep into seams.
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Use light circular motions: Avoid hard rubbing. Soft, even strokes will clear smudges without adding marks.
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Buff with a second dry cloth: To restore shine and remove any moisture.
Pro Tip: Clean your cases monthly or whenever you rotate the items inside.
Part 2: Preventing Scratches on Acrylic Surfaces
Scratches are one of the most common maintenance issues for acrylic cases — but they’re also highly preventable.
Storage Tips:
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Avoid stacking cases directly on top of each other, unless designed for stacking or properly padded.
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Place the case away from high-traffic areas, especially if it’s near pets or small children.
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Lift, don’t slide: Always lift acrylic cases off shelves or surfaces instead of sliding them. Sliding can create invisible but permanent scuff marks on the base or bottom edges.
Display Tips:
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Use acrylic risers inside the case to reduce contact between items and the walls.
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Avoid placing hard or metal objects directly on acrylic bases without felt or soft padding underneath.
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Dust gently and often, rather than allowing grime to build up and require harder cleaning later.
Repairing Light Scratches:
If you already have minor scratches on your acrylic display case, you can reduce their appearance with:
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Acrylic polish kits, such as Novus 2 or Novus 3 for heavier abrasions
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Buffing with plastic-safe compound and a microfiber applicator
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Professional refinishing, if the damage is extensive and on larger surface areas
Part 3: How to Protect Your Display Cases From UV Exposure
While our cases at Better Display Cases are designed to resist UV-related fading better than most, long-term exposure to direct sunlight can still harm both the case and the collectible inside.
Why UV Protection Matters:
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Acrylic can discolor or cloud over time with constant sun exposure
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Autographs and paint on collectibles can fade quickly if not shielded
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Textile items like gloves, caps, or tassels can weaken under harsh UV rays
Best Practices for UV Protection:
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Display cases away from direct sunlight: Choose spots near interior walls, under overhangs, or in shaded rooms.
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Use curtains, UV-filtering window films, or blinds if placing near windows is unavoidable.
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Add UV-filtering film to LED lights used in display environments.
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Rotate sensitive items seasonally, so no single piece receives prolonged light exposure.
While our acrylic cases offer better UV resilience than typical plastic or glass options, limiting exposure is the best way to preserve your collection for decades.
Bonus: Long-Term Storage and Handling Tips
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Always clean hands before touching the case to avoid oils or fingerprints
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Use gloves when installing delicate collectibles like autographed baseballs or trading cards
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Label storage boxes clearly if you plan to keep empty cases stored between seasonal rotations
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Check hardware and risers occasionally for dust buildup or wear
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Avoid extreme heat or humidity, especially in attics or garages — acrylic can warp over time under environmental stress
Final Thoughts
Maintaining your acrylic display case is easy, but essential. With proper care, you not only preserve the clarity and appearance of the case — you extend the life of the collectibles inside.
From cleaning techniques to UV shielding and anti-scratch measures, your efforts go a long way toward keeping your display investment looking brand new for years to come.
Explore our full lineup of durable, easy-to-maintain acrylic display cases at BetterDisplayCases.com, and elevate your collection with care that lasts.