How to Clean a Neon Sign - Step By Step Guide

Keeping a neon sign clean from dust, dirt, and residue helps it last longer. Preventing accumulation and build-up also makes the lights brighter and more consistent in color.

Depending on the type of grime or dirt you need to clean off a neon sign will depend on the best method.

Below is my guide on how to clean neon signs.

Follow these steps to keep your neon sign in top-notch condition.

How Often to Clean a Neon Sign

Neon signs should be checked monthly to see if they are dusty or dirty. If they do, use one of the three cleaning process methods below.

If checked regularly, you should only dust 11 of the 12 months and clean with a damp cloth once a year.

Cleaning Dust

A brushing should suffice if the sign has a build-up of fine dust. If you are in doubt, start with this step and escalate to more involved cleaning methods if necessary.

Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the neon sign.
• Step 2: Use a feather duster to go over the entire sign. Ensure to dust on both sides of the neon tubes, as dust can gather on both the top and bottom sides and the backboard. This process will remove all of the loose dust.

Cleaning Grime

If the sign has sticky patches and a build-up of dust and grime, you should consider cleaning it with a moist cloth.

Follow the steps below:

• Step 1: Turn off the neon sign.
• Step 2: Use warm water mixed with mild dish soap and a soft cloth. Dip the cloth into the water and wring off 90% of the moisture. Go over the sign on both sides of the neon tubes, top and bottom, and the backboard. Rinse the cloth out as necessary. Don't get the sign too wet.
• Step 3: Dry off the neon sign with a cloth or paper towel.
• Step 4: Wait 2 hours and check the sign for moisture - ensure it is dry to the touch before turning it back on.

Cleaning Stains

If the neon sign has more stubborn nicotine stains that don't seem to want to come off with dusting or a moist cloth, you might need to use a chemical to help clean the sign.

Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Turn off the neon sign.
• Step 2: Mix a cleaning solution of 10 parts water to 1 part household ammonia - or half a cup ammonia to five cups of water.
• Step 3: Wear rubber gloves and avoid breathing in the fumes (which rise). Dip the cloth into the mixture and wring out 90% of the water-ammonia mix. Using this damp/moist cloth, clean the neon sign and tubes.
• Step 4: Using a clean bucket, warm water, and a clean, damp cloth, carefully wipe down the neon sign thoroughly so that no ammonia residue remains.
• Step 5: Dry off the neon sign with a cloth or paper towel.
• Step 6: Wait 2 hours and check the sign for moisture. Ensure it is dry to the touch before turning it back on.

Equipment Needed to Clean a Neon Sign

Gather these essential cleaning tools before cleaning a neon sign - they'll make your life easier and improve the results.

Here is my cleaning tools list:

• A toothbrush or small soft brush.
• A feather duster.
• A roll of paper towel (kitchen paper).
• A few cotton towels (don't use microfiber cloth).
• A bottle of household ammonia (or other non-toxic alternative - baking soda is good).
• A bucket of water.

With these few cleaning products, you can effectively maintain your neon signs.

Precautions & Safety

There are some obvious safety issues when cleaning neon signs. Often, they are mounted up high or in awkward places, so it's essential to adhere to common-sense safety principles.

These are some of the more obvious things not to do:

• Don't use a vacuum on the neon sign.
• Don't use sharp or metal objects near the neon sign.
• Don't use a dripping wet cloth or pour water on the sign.
• Don't get any electrics wet. If you do it accidentally, dry it off quickly, and don't turn the sign on for at least 48 hours.
• If the neon sign is mounted high, ensure you have a secure spot for a ladder and a spotter—someone to hold the ladder and pass up the cleaning items.
• Don't take risks cleaning neon signs. If the location is dangerous to access, don't cut corners; hire someone with the proper safety equipment to clean it for you.
• Wear rubber gloves if handling or using cleaning chemicals.
• Wear the proper safety gear.

Cleaning Traditional Neon Signs (Glass)

A glass neon sign attracts more dust as it gets hot and emits light at a specific wavelength, attracting dust, bugs, and insects toward the sign. For these reasons, traditional neon signs should be cleaned every month.

Glass neon signs might take a little longer to clean as they need to be cooled and dusted first. If you have a glass neon sign that needs cleaning, follow these steps.

• Step 1: Turn the glass neon sign off and wait 2-3 hours before touching it.
• Step 2: Before proceeding, check the sign is cool to the touch.
• Step 3: Dust the neon sign on all sides of the tubes and backboard using a feather duster. Often, there is a section behind the front backboard where all the wiring and glass meet. Use the duster to reach this spot, and be very careful.
• Step 4: Using a damp cloth, gently wipe down the glass tubes of the neon sign and front plate.
• Step 5: Using a dry cloth, dry off the glass tubes and front plate.
• Step 6: Wait 2-3 hours for the sign to dry, then check it to the touch.
• Step 7: Turn the glass neon sign back on.

Maintenance of Indoor & Outdoor Neon Signs

There are subtle differences in the maintenance of indoor and outdoor neon signs. Indoor neon signs tend to get more dusty and nicotine stains. Outdoor neon signs tend to face accumulated dirt, sand, and water stains.

Regular maintenance should be performed slightly differently for each:

• Indoor neon signs: Checked once a month and dusted. Other cleaning options only as necessary.
• Outdoor neon signs: Checked every week visually and inspected up close monthly. Dusting and cleaning as necessary.

Cleaning outdoor neon signs can be a little more complicated as they are usually mounted up high or in positions that aren't easily accessible (like on towers or pillars). Please follow all necessary safety precautions.

Conclusion

These steps will help keep your neon signs in perfect working condition for many years.

If you have any specific questions about how to clean a neon sign, remove dust, or need professional help with dirty neon signs, please contact our support team.