How To Clean A Neon Sign? Helpful Tips and Tricks

Neon signs are a perfect way to brighten any space. They are more than just bright light. They are vibrant statements that add personality to any room or business. 

Just like any decor piece, it also needs regular care to maintain its glow. Keeping them clean will ensure they stay as eye-catching as the day you got them. 

But how do you exactly go about cleaning these neon signs with delicate tubes without damaging them? Don’t worry! It's easier than you might have thought of!

In this guide, we’ll help you walk through some essential tips and tricks to keep your neon sign glowing with all its elegance.

Step1: Unplug Before Cleaning

Safety is the first step! Always make sure to unplug the neon sign before you start to clean it. Neon signs operate using electricity and cleaning it while it is plugged can be dangerous to you. So you must:

• Unplug the sign.
• Give it a few minutes to cool down before you begin cleaning.

Step 2: Dust Regularly

One of the easiest ways to maintain your neon sign is to dust it regularly. The dust and dirt can build on your sign over time. This makes it extremely essential to clean your signs otherwise it will dim their glow. 

• Use a feather duster or soft, dry microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface.
• Dust weekly to prevent heavy buildups and keep your sign shining.

Step 3: Use a Softer Brush for Detailed Areas

Some of the neon signs have quite complex and intricate designs or fonts. It might have small and hard-to-reach corners which might be impossible to clean with a cloth. For these areas you can:

• Use a soft-bristled brush (like make-up or paint brush) to gently clean out the tubes.
• Use it precisely to reach out to the small corners and spots.

Step 4: Use Damp Cloth for Stubborn Dirt

With teh harsh weather, rain and sun, some of your signs might get stubborn dirt or grim. For such kind of dirt you can:

• Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth.
• Make sure to avoid soaking cloth as too much water can cause damage to its electrical components.
• Gently wipe tubes and ensure no moisture enters the base or power supply area of your signs.

Step 5: Avoid Harsh Chemicals

When you see that the dirt on your neon signs is stubborn, you might want to use chemicals to clean it. But you must keep in mind that harsh cleaning products or rough materials can scratch or damage the neon tubes. Therefore, you must:

• Stick to mild, non-abrasive cleaning solutions.
• Use a mixture of water and a small amount of mild dish soap to clean it.
• If you use any cleaning solution you should always test it on a small, hidden area of the sign to make sure it does no damage to your sign.

Step 6: Pay Attention to Power Supply

While the neon signs require careful and consistent cleaning, it also needs maintenance. Therefore, when you are cleaning your signs, you must:

• Check the power supply for any dirt or dust buildup.
• Gently wipe the power cord and any external components with a dry cloth. 
• Avoid any kind of liquid cleaners on the power cords or any electrical parts.

Handling Outdoor Neon Signs

The neon signs placed outdoors are more prone to catching dirt and bear harsh weather than the indoor ones. The rain, sunlight, dust or even bird droppings can make them lose their glow. This makes it quite necessary to clean the outdoor signs regularly in comparison to the indoor signs.

For their frequent cleaning, there are no specific techniques for the outdoor neon signs. You can use a simple cleaning routine as described above and it will make them shine more than ever.

Inspect for Damage

As you clean your neon signs, you must take a few moments to check whether your sign has any visible damage. Cracks, loose tubing and electric connections can be easily identified within this quick damage inspection. If you spot such damages early it will prevent larger issues and make your life easier.

You’ll be able to repair small issues and it will keep your sign functioning properly for teh years to come. 

Maintain Regular Cleaning

If you want your neon sign to have a longer life span and keep its glow forever then you must clean it regularly. If your sign is placed in a more dusty place such as a high-traffic area, try to clean it at least once a month or more frequently to give it a long-lasting life.

With consistent care, you’d not only be able to maintain its brightness but will also avoid grim build-up. It will keep teh cleaning duty lighter, easier and less time consuming.

Final Words

Keeping your neon sign clean isn’t that much of a task. By following these simple tips and tricks you can keep your sign shining brightly while ensuring it remains the centerpiece of your area. Just remember to handle it with utmost care and avoid harsh chemicals to maintain its shine. A regular maintenance and inspection can help you check for any signs of wearing out. 

With a little maintenance, your sign can go a long way as regular care will preserve the beauty and functionality of your neon.

FAQs

Q: How Long Does it Take to Clean a Neon Sign?

Ans: the full cleaning process does not take longer than usual. If you have all the cleaning materials in place, it will take about 15 to 20 minutes to clean a normal-sized sign.  

Q: How to Take Care of a Neon Sign?

Ans: The best way to take care of your neon sign is to keep it clean. As you clean it you’ll not only maintain its shine but it will also allow you to check if it requires any kind of maintenance.

Q: How to Clean an LED Neon Sign?

Ans: You can use a soft and non-abrasive cleaning sponge or cloth with mild cleaning solution to clean your LED neon sign.