Material
Number plate
A number plate may have acrylic, printed, raised or bonded parts. Start with cool water and a soft damp cloth. Use only maker-approved mild detergent, keep moisture away from lifted edges and never polish or dissolve the characters or reflective backing.
- SurfaceNon porous
- WashingSpot only
- Colour run riskMedium
- Reviewed6 October 2026
What number plate can and cannot take
- Heat Not established
- Water and soaking Use with care
- Acids, including vinegar Not established
- Strong alkalis Not established
- Solvents Avoid
- Chlorine bleach Not established
- Abrasives Avoid
Always test on a hidden area first and let it dry before you treat the visible mark.
General rules for number plate
A number plate may have acrylic, printed, raised or bonded parts. Start with cool water and a soft damp cloth. Use only maker-approved mild detergent, keep moisture away from lifted edges and never polish or dissolve the characters or reflective backing.
Check the label
A number plate may have acrylic, printed, raised or bonded parts. Start with cool water and a soft damp cloth. Use only maker-approved mild detergent, keep moisture away from lifted edges and never polish or dissolve the characters or reflective backing.
Stains on number plate
- Body oil Lift free oil from number plate, then clean a small area with a maker-approved mild detergent solution and a...
- Breast milk Blot the spill, identify the finish and use a controlled cold clean only where permitted. Where the maker per...
- Coffee Wipe coffee off number plate promptly with a soft cloth. Check the finish and maker care rules first. Do not...
- Nail polish Lift free polish gently if the face permits contact. A maker-approved mild damp wipe can clear loose residue,...
A number plate may have acrylic, printed, raised or bonded parts. Start with cool water and a soft damp cloth. Use only maker-approved mild detergent, keep moisture away from lifted edges and never polish or dissolve the characters or reflective backing.
Unknown chemical tolerances remain unknown. Use the maker instructions for the actual finish. A remaining mark is a reason to seek advice, rather than increase strength or pressure.
Sources
What we checked and when. Where a manufacturer instruction disagrees with anything here, follow the manufacturer.
-
Perspex, acrylic design and cleaning guide
manufacturer
General acrylic cleaning uses cold water, a little detergent and a soft cloth. Strong solvents and ordinary window cleaners are not recommended. Number-plate printing and adhesives still need their own maker advice.
Checked 6 October 2026
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Ford, vehicle cleaning advice
manufacturer
Identify wheel finish and follow the vehicle manual. Windows use cleaner on a cloth, avoiding overspray; exterior cleaning and rinsing are finish-dependent.
Checked 6 October 2026