Neon signs are a fantastic way to showcase your company or set a particular mood in an area. While neon signs promote your company during the day, they truly come alive at night, making them a valuable tool for attracting customers. But if you do not frequently clean a neon light sign, they won't shine as brightly as needed. Neon signs require maintenance to function at their best, much like any other part of your business. In this article, we will explore how to clean neon signs.
Importance of Cleaning Neon Signs
If you buy a neon sign then it is necessary to clean and maintain your neon sign regularly. The primary purpose of cleaning neon signs is to maintain their brightness and longevity. Typical problems affecting these light indicators include stains, dust, and dirt. These materials build up on the light tubes' surface, blocking the bright light and lessening the signs' visual effect. Bright neon lights create a favorable impression of your company, enhance the perception of your brand, and transform spaces into inviting spaces for patrons or attendees at events.
Dirt and stains can cause your neon light signs to lose punch and brilliance. However, keeping them clean can prolong their life and ensure they make a good impression on everyone who sees them.
Things You Need To Clean Your Neon Light
When getting ready to clean neon signs, having the appropriate equipment and supplies is critical. You must have the following to complete the method of clearing dust, debris, and stains stated below:
- Towel
- Water (in two different containers)
- Dry brush (A toothbrush is preferable)
- A bottle of ammonia
- Some cloths
When you examine your neon signs, it may take time to become apparent that you need to use all these elements to complete the entire method. You can prevent filth and stains from accumulating if you follow this procedure of cleaning neon signs regularly. To maximize efficiency, it is advisable to have all necessary supplies available while commencing cleaning.
How to Clean Neon Signs?
Cleaning neon signs requires careful attention to maintain their brightness and longevity. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively clean your neon signs:
Warning: Ensure neon sign is fully powered off and unplugged before cleaning to prevent electrical hazards.
How to Clean a Dusty Neon Sign
Neon lights are susceptible to dust buildup, lowering the light from the tubes. Therefore, the following steps should help you clean a dusty neon sign.
Step 1 Use Dust Removal:
Use a soft, dry microfiber cloth or a soft-bristled brush (like a clean paintbrush) to gently remove loose dust from the sign. Avoid using any harsh materials or abrasive cloths that could scratch the surface or damage the neon tubes.
Step 2: Apply Cleaning Solution:
If the dust is stubborn or there are smudges, you can lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with water or a gentle glass cleaner. Avoid spraying directly onto the sign; instead, spray a small amount on the cloth and then gently wipe the sign. Make sure the cloth is only slightly damp, not wet.
Step 3 Avoid Excess Moisture:
Neon signs are sensitive to moisture, so ensure you do not use too much water or cleaning solution. Excess moisture can damage the electrical components or cause the neon tubes to malfunction.
Step 4 Dry Thoroughly:
After cleaning, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently dry the sign and remove any remaining moisture. Make sure no moisture is left in the areas around the tubes or electrical connections.
Step 5 Inspect and Reassemble:
Once the sign is dry, inspect it to ensure there are no remaining dust or smudges. If necessary, repeat the cleaning process. Then, reassemble any protective covers or casings that were removed during cleaning.
Step 6: Power On:
Plug the neon sign back into the power source and turn it on to ensure it is working properly. Check for any signs of malfunction or flickering that may indicate residual moisture or damage.
How to Remove Stains and Durt from Neon Signs
Neon signs can add a vibrant and eye-catching touch to any space, but over time they may accumulate dirt and stains that can detract from their brilliance. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to effectively remove stains from neon signs:
Step 1: Identify the Stain
Before starting the cleaning process, it's important to identify the nature of the stain on the neon sign. This could be dirt, grease, fingerprints, or other residues. Understanding the type of stain will help in selecting the appropriate cleaning method and solution.
Step 2. Turn off the Sign
Safety is paramount when dealing with electrical appliances. Ensure that the neon sign is completely powered off and unplugged before beginning any cleaning procedures. This precaution is crucial to prevent electrical shocks or damage to the sign's components.
Step 3. Make Cleaning Solution:
Combine the water and ammonia: Stir up ½ cup household ammonia and ½ cup water. Dip a towel into the mixture to squeeze out any extra mixture. Then, gently rub the stains or hardened filth with the towel to break down and lift them.
Step 4. Apply the Cleaning Solution
To apply the chosen cleaning solution, dampen a soft, lint-free cloth with the solution. It's important not to spray the cleaning solution directly onto the neon sign to avoid any risk of liquid entering the sign and causing electrical issues.
Step 5. Gently Wipe the Stain
With the dampened cloth, gently wipe the stained area using circular motions. Apply light pressure to avoid damaging the neon tubes or any protective coatings on the sign. Patience and a gentle touch are key here to ensure effective cleaning without causing harm.
Step 6. Rinse and Dry
If using a soapy solution, rinse the cloth with clean water after wiping the sign to remove any soap residue. Then, gently wipe the sign again with a dry, soft cloth to prevent water spots or streaks from forming.
Step 7. Inspect and Repeat if Necessary
After cleaning, inspect the area to see if the stain has been completely removed. Certain stains or scars may remain visible even after the preceding method is finished. If any residue remains, repeat the cleaning process using the same gentle techniques. Avoid aggressive scrubbing or using abrasive materials, as these can scratch or damage the sign's surface.
Step 8. Final Inspection
By now, the tubing should be free of debris, discoloration, and dust. Look closely at the surface and use a dry cloth to remove any lingering imperfections. Once satisfied, re-plug it in and enjoy the brighter light
By following these steps and using gentle cleaning methods, you can preserve the allure and functionality of your neon sign effectively.
Note: After cleaning, plug the neon sign back in and turn it on to check for any signs of malfunction or flickering, which may indicate residual moisture or damage.
Tips for Cleaning Outdoor Neon Lights
Neon signage outside is exposed to the weather. It's usually a good idea to encapsulate it or offer it additional protection from adverse weather, including intense rain or intense heat. This can increase its longevity and preserve its attractive and vibrant appearance for a longer period.
It's important to remember that neon lights placed outside will probably need to be cleaned more frequently because of their exposure to the weather when it comes to cleaning. At the absolute least, check them every two weeks and clean of any accumulated dirt or debris as needed. Ensure the light is turned off and ideally unplugged before cleaning, and then proceed with the cleaning procedure outlined in this article.
How long does it take to Clean Neon Signs?
Each neon sign should require a few minutes to clean thoroughly. If everything is ready right from the start, it should be clean in ten to fifteen minutes, even for the dirtiest layer.
Remember that cleaning LED light signs is typically quicker and simpler due to the polymer coating on the tubes. Even if you are using water, you should still unhook them from the power supply. To achieve optimal cleaning outcomes, stay organized and avoid shortcuts.
Neon Cleaning Problems
Neon signs that aren't clean are bad for your company. Cleaning them is more difficult, though. Neon signage cleaning can be difficult. Typical problems include signs getting wet, using the wrong cleaning products, and applying too much force. Neon signs need to be cleaned carefully. One of the most common problems is the sign getting wet. If the signage is damp, it must be fixed because the electrical will short out.
The use of the wrong items is a frequent problem. A few things could damage the neon tubes in the sign. It is essential to use a cleaning solution designed specifically for neon signs. Excessive force applied to the sign could cause damage. The sign needs to be cleaned.
Conclusion
By following these steps and tips, you can effectively clean and maintain your neon sign, ensuring it continues to brighten up your space for years to come. Remember, a little regular care goes a long way in preserving the beauty and longevity of your neon sign.