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How to Clean Yellowed Lucite

Brenda Priddy

Lucite is one name for the plastic material polymethyl methacrylate, which is also known by the name plexiglass. This form of plastic is hard, clear and sometimes called acrylic glass, due to its glass-like properties. Lucite is often used to make jewelry and other household items.

Plexiglass and Lucite are made from the same plastic.

If left in the sun for too long, the plastic may yellow. To restore the transparency of the plastic, you must clean the surface and remove the top surface of the plastic to reveal the non-yellowed plastic underneath.

Remove Scratches

  1. Place a small amount of plastic scratch remover onto a soft cloth.

  2. Rub the cloth over the Lucite using circular motions. Apply heavy pressure for best results. Polish each section for about 30 seconds.

  3. Rinse the Lucite with clean water and a new cloth.

Eliminating Color

  1. Pour some hydrogen peroxide onto a soft cloth.

  2. Rub the peroxide onto the surface of the plastic. If the Lucite piece is small enough to fit in a bowl, soak the plastic in the peroxide overnight. If you can’t soak the Lucite, then scrub it with a soft bristle brush for about 10 minutes.

  3. Dry the plastic with a soft cloth.

Protecting the Lucite

  1. Pour some anti-static plastic cleaner onto a soft cloth.

  2. Rub the surface of the Lucite with the cloth. The anti-static cleaner creates a charged surface that makes it harder for dust and other dirt particles to stick to the surface, which may help prevent future yellowing.

  3. Clean the Lucite with the anti-static cleaner about once a week to prevent future yellowing.

  4. Tip

    Store the plastic away from direct sunlight to prevent future yellowing.

The Drip Cap

  • Lucite is one name for the plastic material polymethyl methacrylate, which is also known by the name plexiglass.
  • Pour some hydrogen peroxide onto a soft cloth.
  • If the Lucite piece is small enough to fit in a bowl, soak the plastic in the peroxide overnight.
  • Rub the surface of the Lucite with the cloth.