Synthetic menus are printed on a durable, water-resistant material designed for frequent handling and repeated cleaning. They're a great choice for busy restaurants, bars, and patios where menus see a lot of use. Follow the tips below to keep them looking sharp and extend their usable life.
Cleaning synthetic menus
Use a soft cloth and mild soap. For routine cleaning, wipe menus with a soft cotton cloth or sponge using warm water and a mild, non-abrasive dish soap.
Apply cleaner to the cloth, not the menu. Put soap and water onto your cloth first, then wipe. Never spray or pour cleaner directly onto the menu.
Choose the right cloth. Soft cotton or a gentle sponge works best. Avoid microfiber, which can be abrasive on synthetic surfaces.
Skip degreasers. Avoid soaps that contain citrus oil, d-limonene, or solvent additives. These ingredients break down the synthetic surface over time.
Avoid harsh chemicals. Don't use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners. They can damage both the material and the printed inks.
Let menus dry completely. Make sure menus are fully dry before stacking or putting them back into service. This prevents ink transfer and smudging.
Test before you commit. If you're trying a new or unfamiliar cleaner, test it on a small, inconspicuous area first.
Protecting synthetic menus long-term
Consider a UV coating. For menus that get handled constantly, a UV coating adds an extra layer of protection against scratches, oils, and stains.
Store menus flat. Keep them in a clean, dry place with nothing heavy on top. This helps prevent indentations and warping.
Avoid temperature extremes. Keep menus away from heat sources, direct sunlight, and cold storage, as extreme temperatures can cause the material to warp or become brittle.
Quick reference
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Use warm water and mild dish soap | Use bleach, ammonia, or abrasive cleaners |
| Wipe with soft cotton or a gentle sponge | Use microfiber cloths |
| Apply cleaner to the cloth first | Spray cleaner directly on the menu |
| Let menus dry fully before stacking | Use citrus-based or solvent degreasers |
| Store flat in a cool, dry place | Leave menus in sunlight, near heat, or in cold storage |
Still have questions?
If you're not sure whether a cleaning product is safe for your synthetic menus, or you'd like to add UV coating to your next order, contact our support team, and we'll be happy to help.