---
title: "Attack of the Fingerprints: A Guide to Cleaning Your Exhibit Case Vitrine"
description: Learn the best practices for cleaning and maintaining glass and acrylic exhibit cases to keep them looking pristine and damage-free.
---

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# [Attack of the Fingerprints: A Guide to Cleaning Your Exhibit Case Vitrine](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/a-guide-to-cleaning-your-exhibit-case-vitrine)

 Written by [Gaylord Archival](https://info.gaylord.com/resources/author/gaylord-archival) | Nov 20, 2024

To keep your vitrine or bonnet looking great, it's important to follow cleaning guidelines. Using the wrong cleaning cloth or cleaner can damage acrylic and glass, so we will outline best practices for both.

## Cleaning Methods

### Glass Vitrines

- Cleaners: Commercially available glass cleaners like Windex should be applied sparingly to avoid damaging nearby items, such as wood or metal framing elements.
- Cleaning Techniques:  
    - Spray cleaner onto a soft, lint-free cloth. Spraying the cleaner directly on the glass can cause it to drip into the channel the vitrine sits in, causing damage.
    - Wipe from the center outward to prevent streaking.
    - Buff the vitrine dry with a separate cloth.

### Acrylic Vitrines

*This applies to items made from acrylic, such as risers, mounts, stands and standard & UV-filtering acrylic vitrines. Specialty acrylics, such as Optium, require specialized cleaning not covered here.* 

- Cleaners: Use specialized acrylic cleaners with antistatic properties, such as NOVUS, Acrifix® or Brillianize®. These cleaners reduce static and keep the vitrine from attracting dust.   
  **Do not use ammonia-based or vinegar-based cleaners** as they can cause yellowing, hazing, microfractures, cracks and scratches.
- Cleaning Techniques:   
    - Lightly dust the surface with a clean microfiber cloth before applying any cleaner.
    - Spray cleaner onto a soft, lint-free cloth and wipe gently to avoid scratches.

## Scratch Removal

### Glass

While glass is generally resistant to scratching, if scratches occur, replacement is often the more cost-effective option instead of repair due to how labor-intensive repair can be.

### Acrylic

Minor scratches can sometimes be polished using fine abrasives or specialized scratch removal kits like NOVUS. However, you should assess whether repair or replacement will be more cost-effective.

## product recommendations

### Cleaners & Scratch Removers

| [Acrifix® Antistatic Acrylic Cleaner \>](https://www.gaylord.com/Exhibit-%26-Display/Cleaning-Supplies-%26-Equipment/Cleaners/Acrifix%26%23174%3B-Antistatic-Acrylic-Cleaner/p/HYB09137) | [Brillianize® Acrylic & Glass Cleaner & Polish \>](https://www.gaylord.com/Exhibit-%26-Display/Cleaning-Supplies-%26-Equipment/Cleaners/Brillianize%26%23174%3B-8-oz-Acrylic-%26-Glass-Cleaner-%26-Polish/p/BRIL8) | [NOVUS Acrylic Cleaning & Scratch Removal Kit \>](https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation/Conservation-Supplies/Cleaning-Supplies/NOVUS-Acrylic-Cleaning-%26-Scratch-Removal-Kit/p/61-KIT) |
| --- | --- | --- |

### Cleaning cloths

| [KIMTECH® Low-Lint Kimwipes® \>](https://www.gaylord.com/Exhibit-%26-Display/Cleaning-Supplies-%26-Equipment/Cloths-%26-Sponges/KIMTECH%26%23174%3B-12-x-12%22-Low-Lint-Kimwipes%26%23174%3B-%2890-Pack%29/p/34721) | [Microfiber Multipurpose Cleaning Cloth \>](https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation/Conservation-Supplies/Cleaning-Supplies/Microfiber-Multipurpose-Cleaning-Cloth/p/88-MCC) | [Webril® Handi-Pads \>](https://www.gaylord.com/Preservation/Conservation-Supplies/Cleaning-Supplies/Webril%26%23174%3B-Handi-Pads-%28100-Pack%29/p/WEB108001) |
| --- | --- | --- |

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