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Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

  • 1.  Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 05-29-2020 03:05 PM
    As our institution begins the process of reopening we are concerned about proper cleaning of the Plexiglas on our exhibit cases. We have half a dozen cases with Plexiglas and normally use a cleaner that is safe for that surface but does not have disinfectant properties. Does anyone know of a cleaner that is safe for the glass and also a disinfectant?

    Lisa Hastreiter-Lamb

    Executive Director/Curator

    The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

    4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive  Tucson, AZ 85712

    p.520.881.0606 ext.102   f.520.881.9307

    www.theminitimemachine.org




  • 2.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-01-2020 07:38 AM
    Even before the pandemic, we have always used a solution of water, plain white vinegar and isopropyl alcohol.  You can increase the amount of alcohol to meet the 40% requirement for microbicide.  The alcohol evaporates quickly, reducing streaking.  The cleanest, most lint-free cotton cloths are best.  Change your cloth frequently.  If you are blessed with cleaning staff, I suggest training them in person with a demonstration.  You'd be surprised how effective your instruction can be (wearing a mask, of course!).

    Vivian F. Zoë, Director
    Slater Memorial Museum
    108 Crescent Street, Norwich CT 06360
    860-425-5560 vox
    860-885-0379 fax

    "Inspiration is for amateurs - the rest of us just show up and get to work," Chuck Close, 2003


    Please note:  The information contained in this e-mail and any attachments hereto is intended only for the personal and confidential use of the designated recipients.  If the reader/recipient of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that you have received this e-mail and all attachments hereto in error and that any review, dissemination, distribution or copying of this e-mail or any of its attachments is strictly prohibited.  If you have received this communication in error, please notify the sender immediately by e-mail and destroy the original message received.  Thank You.





  • 3.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-01-2020 10:10 AM
    The good people at Cyro say:

    Here are our recommendations for both our coated and uncoated sheet:

     

    Cleaning/Disinfecting of ACRYLITE® Acrylic Sheet

     

    The following solutions have been found to be compatible with cleaning / disinfecting ACRYLITE® acrylic sheet:

     

    Diluted bleach solution:

    Prepare a bleach solution by mixing:

    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water or
    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

    Use a clean soft cloth, applying only light pressure.



    ------------------------------
    Hoyt Wood
    Small Corp
    Greenfield MA
    ------------------------------



  • 4.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-01-2020 11:07 AM
    Thank you Hoyt! 

    Lisa Hastreiter-Lamb

    Executive Director/Curator

    The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

    4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive  Tucson, AZ 85712

    p.520.881.0606 ext.102   f.520.881.9307

    www.theminitimemachine.org







  • 5.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-01-2020 11:36 AM
    At San Francisco Maritime, we have numerous vitrines that house maritime artifacts. I've discussed this issue with the collection, preservation, and exhibit staff. Before my employment at the museum, I was a vendor/ contractor for acrylic design and fabrication. Many disinfectants, cleaning solvents, and alcohol can damage not so much the large surfaces but the polished edges. Since many of our vitrines are freestanding, without metal or wooden frames, the polished edges are susceptible to crazing. Crazing happens when the surface tension is creating during the polishing process. Most shops will flame polish edges. Though this is the most efficient, it creates tremendous surface tension. The process of buffing can lessen crazing but it not foolproof. 
    I am recommending our staff to use soap and water to wipe down vitrines. We have a few places where the tops of the case are large horizontal surfaces. Those surfaces could be wiped down carefully with a mild disinfectant since the edges are not polished or exposed. 
    I hope this helps. Cheers,
    Gary M Ino
    Exhibit Specialist
    San Francisco Maritime NHP

    ------------------------------
    Gary Ino
    Exhibit Specialist
    San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
    San Francisco CA
    ------------------------------



  • 6.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-01-2020 11:43 AM
    Thanks for that tip Gary. 

    Lisa Hastreiter-Lamb

    Executive Director/Curator

    The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures

    4455 E. Camp Lowell Drive  Tucson, AZ 85712

    p.520.881.0606 ext.102   f.520.881.9307

    www.theminitimemachine.org







  • 7.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-01-2020 11:47 AM
    We have used Brillianize for many years to clean our plexiglass/acrylic
    cases. When used with the microfiber cloths is provides the disinfecting
    needed. Here is the website.
    http://www.brillianize.com

    Julie Harris
    River Discovery Center




  • 8.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-01-2020 01:50 PM
    Julie,
    Thanks for the link. I've been using Brillianize for years to clean acrylic surfaces but never realized what an effective weapon a microfiber cloth could be.

    ------------------------------
    Gary Ino
    Exhibit Specialist
    San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park
    San Francisco CA
    ------------------------------



  • 9.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-02-2020 10:23 AM
      |   view attached
    We created this disinfecting exhibits guide that might be helpful.

    ------------------------------
    Betty Brennan
    President
    Taylor Studios, Inc.
    Rantoul IL
    ------------------------------

    Attachment(s)

    pdf
    Disinfection.pdf   106 KB 1 version


  • 10.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-02-2020 11:36 AM
    Thank you very much for sharing!


    ------------------------------
    Lisa Hastreiter-Lamb
    Executive Director
    Mini-time Machine Museum of Miniatures
    Tucson AZ
    ------------------------------



  • 11.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-03-2020 02:42 PM

    The only solution that's safe for both the art work and the acrylic, if applied appropriately, is isopropyl alcohol.  Bleach, hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and other solvents that are recommended for disinfecting acrylic have the potential to off gas and alter art works permanently. Brillianize and other acrylic cleaners with polishing agents clean but do not disinfect, and should not be used on acrylic with anti-reflective coatings such as Optium Museum Acrylic.

    According to the CDC, the minimum concentration of isopropyl alcohol required to kill viruses is 60%, and other sources say 70%. The maximum concentration of isopropyl alcohol to safely clean regular acrylic is 30%, which cleans but does not disinfect.

    SO: for Optium, which has a protective hard coat, we recommend 70% concentrations to disinfect. And for regular acrylic, 30% concentrations to clean (not to disinfect...I don't know of a safe way to disinfect regular acrylic and simultaneously protect the art work displayed behind it). Make sure the solvent doesn't seep in at the edges, since this can cause crazing as discussed previously in this thread (and obviously risk damaging art work).

    Here are the following steps we recommend to take when cleaning acrylic:

    Materials to Use

    • 2 Micro-fiber cloths - one for wet cleaning, one for drying. If micro-fiber cloths need to be laundered, do not use fabric softener.
    • Isopropyl alcohol.
    • Distilled water.
    • Gloves (optional).

    Method

    • Mix distilled water and isopropyl alcohol 30:70 or 70:30, depending on whether the acrylic is Optium or not.
    • Spray on micro-fiber cloth.
    • Use cloth to clean glazing.
    • Optional: dry off with second cloth.


    ------------------------------
    Yadin Larochette
    Museum + Conservation Liaison
    Tru Vue
    McCook IL
    ------------------------------



  • 12.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-03-2020 03:00 PM
    Thank you for this valuable information!

    ------------------------------
    Lisa Hastreiter-Lamb
    Executive Director
    Mini-time Machine Museum of Miniatures
    Tucson AZ
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-03-2020 03:25 PM
    Hi all,

    You know my work from The Art Newspaper, Artnet and NYT.

    I'm looking for museums who have decorative arts from pottery to furniture and more by black artists.

    Do you know of any institutions with such work even if their holdings are very small?
    Do you know of any museums which are acquiring such work?
    Do you know of any curators who are planning exhibitions with such material?

    Many thanks.
    Best,
    Brook



    Brook Mason
    US Correspondent 
    The Art Newspaper
    38 East 85th Street
    New York, NY 10028
    917 533 6261






  • 14.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-04-2020 09:02 AM
    Yadin:

    I've been concerned about "microfiber" cloths -- it looks like the majority of microplastic pollution is from textile fibers. They're been found in the deepest part of the ocean and raining down from the sky, and everywhere inbetween.

    Is there an alternative you feel comfortable using?

     

    HUDSON RIVERMUSEUM

    511 Warburton Avenue

    Yonkers, NY 10701

    (914) 963-4550 

    hrm.orgFacebookInstagramTwitterYouTube

     

    MUSEUM FROM HOME

    hrm.org/museumfromhome
    Bringing art, science, and history to you.

    ------------------------------
    Marc Taylor
    Manager of Planetarium and Science Programs
    Hudson River Museum
    Yonkers NY
    ------------------------------



  • 15.  RE: Disinfectant for cleaning Plexiglas

    Posted 06-05-2020 12:44 PM
    Hi Marc,
    You make an excellent point. After reading your question I looked in my closet and shuddered at how many synthetics I wear and wash. I don't know of an alternative to microfiber cloths that are as effective in cleaning. There are filters (bags you can put the cloths in before putting them in the washing machine as well as external filters)  that are commercially available. Apparently they keep the shedded fibers from going down the drain (and go into the landfill instead). 

    If anyone has found a good alternative to these cloths I would love to know.

    ------------------------------
    Yadin Larochette
    Museum + Conservation Liaison
    Tru Vue - Optium Acrylic Glazing
    McCook IL
    ------------------------------