April 2025 Topic of The Month: It’s a Sign - Spring Cleaning is Here!
We’re all familiar with cycles – both in our personal lives and our businesses. Much like the rain that refreshes the earth and renews the air, we’re reminded that sunshine always follows. This rhythm of clearing out and starting fresh invites us to embrace new routines, spark new ideas, and care for the investments we want to bring into the next season with us.
In this spirit of renewal, we wanted to give you some tips on maintaining both your exterior and interior signage. Your business image and branding matter – we see it and we feel it. What is the state of your signage telling you about the state of your business? Let’s kick the dust up and get shining!
The Basics are Simple Yet Essential – Dust it!
Probably the biggest tip we could give you is to start a regular routine of dusting your signage. This simple change can make all the difference to the appearance of your signage over time. Yes, that simple – keeping it clean with a swipe!
For exterior signage, use a broom or bristle brush (gentle hands, now!) to remove dirt and debris that may have accumulated over the winter. For interior signs, use a microfiber cloth. This step is not only symbolic of the time your signs have been lighting the way, but it also clears the slate for what’s ahead.
Exterior Signage Maintenance Buzzes for More Caution
The weather conditions, especially in our own rainy state, can cause dirt and discoloration over time. Here are some tips for keeping your sign pristine:
First things first – safety first! If there’s neon, LED, or any electrical components, don’t forget to power off that sign first!
Again – let’s keep things simple – avoid harsh chemicals. Especially when cleaning precious cargo, we want to avoid using products that may actually damage the quality of materials. A lot of signage is made with different materials or paint, so keep that in mind and stick to mild dish soap and warm water.
Gentle hands – take your time – and use a soft cloth or sponge. Just like we don’t want to damage our signs with chemicals, we don’t want to damage them with scratches either. Use it as a mindfulness exercise! Or let it be a time to reflect on the time since purchasing your sign. How can you apply the same care in other areas of your business to bring things back to full light?
While you’ve got a close eye, check for any damage that calls for repair. This is a great moment to check in. Does your signage still reflect who you are and what your business stands for? Does it still spark joy, as they say (yes, we’re going there)? Is there something that needs to be worked on? Catching these needs early can extend the life and love for your signs.
Interior Signage Deserves a Scrub Too
They may be inside, but we all know there’s still dust and dirty conditions that require some tending to. Here are our tips for handling interior signs with care:
Acrylic, metal, and wood signage is best cleaned with a damp cloth. Add mild dish soap if you need to use a cleaner, which is nonabrasive and shouldn’t cause any scratching. If your wood signage is stained and needs a deeper clean, make sure to use a product specifically designed for your finish.
Neon signs should be treated with delicate care. Power it off and gently dust using a soft cloth or brush. Never spray cleaner directly on the sign – especially the neon tubes.
Glass signage can be cleaned with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Spray the cleaner on the cloth versus directly on the signage to avoid streaks.
Avoid too much moisture. As mentioned, it’s best to not put water or products directly on your signage but spray it on your cloth instead. We want to avoid any damage and keep yourself safe from any electrical components.
Keep it Light – Keep it Bright!
Your sign is your business stamp through the seasons, day and night, and plays the biggest role in your street visibility. Bring your spring cleaning to your business as a reminder of the wins and changes needed to stay lit, both inside and out. We hope this gives you the inspiration to take time with your investment—a little care goes a long way in ensuring you make the best impression on yourself, your loyal workers, and your clients all year round.
Western Neon creates custom signage, interiors, and public art. With 40 years of experience, we make your vision a success from the first idea to the finishing touch. Start a project today!