Cleaning Neon Signs
Written by Craig B

Cleaning Neon Signs

If you neon sign is looking a little dingy, the following steps can help you with some clean up to make it look as good as new. WARNING: Never clean a neon sign without first unplugging; the high voltage can cause serious injuries. Do not soak the sign with the solution; the block-out paint on the neon tubes can crack and peel off. Read on to learn more.

Materials

You will need the following:

  • Soft bristle nylon brush
  • 1/2-cup household ammonia
  • 1/2-cup water
  • Plastic container
  • Microfiber cloth
  1. Unplug the neon sign or light and allow the tubes to cool completely.
  2. Use a soft bristle nylon brush or a soft dry sock to remove dust from the surface of the sign. use only very light pressure to prevent damage or breakage of the light.
  3. Perform an inspection to look for any residue that is stubborn. Nicotine stains are a good example. If stains or residue remains, use half a cup of water with a half cup of household ammonia and pour it into a container made from plastic.
  4. Use a microfiber cloth and dip it into the solution you have assembled and then wring out the cloth removing the excess.
  5. Gently wipe the tubes with the damp cloth to remove residue and stains. Then allow the air tubes to air dry totally.