Nameplate Cleaning and Maintenance

Simple Care for Every Nameplate Style

Keeping your G. Burns nameplates clean is simple, but each style has a few care recommendations to keep in mind. Scroll below to find your nameplate type and review the recommended cleaning method, products to avoid, and best practices for routine care.

Cleaning & Caring for Removable Funeral Vehicle Nameplates

Because Removable Nameplates are mounted on the exterior of the vehicle, they are exposed to road dust, dirt, rain, and regular vehicle washing. Routine cleaning is simple: use mild soap and water with a clean microfiber towel, and avoid abrasive cleaners or cleaning tools that could scratch the nameplate surface.

For the best results, we recommend occasionally removing the nameplates so you can clean both the nameplates and the vehicle glass behind them.

Important: Remove Nameplates Before Automatic Car Washes

Always remove Removable Nameplates before entering an automatic car wash, including touchless car washes. Even without brushes contacting the vehicle, concentrated water pressure can place unnecessary stress on the nameplates and mounting hardware.

Avoid Direct Water Pressure on the Fasteners

When hand washing or rinsing the vehicle, do not direct concentrated water pressure at the black fasteners or underneath their edges. The fasteners can remain installed while the vehicle is cleaned, but they should be treated gently.

This is especially important when using a pressure washer or high-pressure spray nozzle. Aim the water away from the fasteners rather than spraying them directly.

What to Avoid

For routine cleaning, keep it simple. Avoid:

  • Abrasive cleaners or polishing compounds

  • Scrub pads, brushes, or coarse towels

  • Harsh solvents or chemicals

  • Scraping dried dirt from the surface

  • Wiping a heavily soiled nameplate before rinsing away loose grit

How to Clean Removable Nameplates

  1. Remove the nameplates from the vehicle. Leave the black fasteners attached to the vehicle. The nameplates and removable hardware can be gently stored inside the vehicle while you clean.

  2. Rinse away loose dirt and grit. Use clean, lukewarm water to help remove loose debris before wiping the surface. This reduces the chance of dragging dirt across the nameplate while cleaning.

  3. Wash with mild soap and water. Gently clean the nameplate using mild soap or dishwashing detergent, water, and a clean microfiber towel.

  4. Rinse thoroughly. Remove any remaining soap with clean water.

  5. Dry with a clean microfiber towel. Use light pressure and avoid aggressive rubbing.

  6. Clean the vehicle glass before reinstalling.

With the nameplate removed, this is a good opportunity to clean the glass behind it and gently clean around the installed fasteners. Once everything is clean and dry, reinstall the nameplate.

This process follows the general care recommendations for the polycarbonate material used in these nameplates, including rinsing away loose debris and using mild soap with a soft cloth rather than abrasive cleaners or tools.

Use a Clean Microfiber Towel

We recommend a clean, soft microfiber towel for washing and drying your nameplates. Microfiber is gentler on the surface than paper towels, shop towels, or coarse rags, which may introduce fine scratches or carry trapped dirt and debris. Always start with a clean towel, use light pressure, and avoid fabric softener when laundering microfiber.

If the towel has been used on wheels, tires, or heavily soiled exterior surfaces, use a fresh towel instead.

Cleaning & Caring for Classic Hearse Nameplates

Classic Hearse Nameplates are made from acrylic and installed inside traditional hearse nameplate holders. For routine cleaning, we recommend keeping the process simple: use mild soap or dishwashing detergent, water, and a clean microfiber towel.

What to Avoid

To help protect the acrylic surface:

  • Do not use window cleaners. They can damage the plastic.

  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing compounds.

  • Do not use scrub pads, brushes, or coarse towels.

  • Avoid wiping dirt or grit across a dry surface.

  • Use a clean microfiber towel rather than paper towels or shop rags.

Use a Clean Microfiber Towel

Acrylic can scratch more easily than glass, so we recommend using a clean, soft microfiber towel for both washing and drying. Avoid paper towels, shop towels, coarse rags, or anything that may contain trapped dirt or grit.

How to Clean Classic Hearse Nameplates

  1. Remove loose dust or debris first. If the nameplate has visible dust or grit on the surface, gently rinse or remove it before wiping.

  2. Clean with mild soap and water. Use mild soap or dishwashing detergent mixed with water and gently wipe the acrylic surface with a clean microfiber towel.

  3. Rinse away any soap residue. Use clean water to remove remaining cleaner from the surface.

  4. Dry gently with microfiber. Pat or lightly wipe the nameplate dry using a clean microfiber towel. Avoid aggressive rubbing.

Optional Polishing

For customers who want to reduce static and give the acrylic surface a more polished feel, the acrylic manufacturer also recommends:

  • Brillianize

  • Novus #1

These are optional. Mild soap and water remains our recommended everyday cleaning method.

Cleaning & Caring for Signature Engraved Hearse Nameplates

Signature Engraved Hearse Nameplates are made from durable engraved plastic and installed inside traditional hearse nameplate holders. For routine cleaning, our recommendation is simple: use mild soap and water with a clean microfiber towel.

What to Avoid

For routine cleaning, keep it simple. Avoid:

  • Avoid abrasive cleaners or polishing compounds.

  • Do not use scrub pads, brushes, or coarse towels.

  • Avoid rubbing dirt or grit across the nameplate surface.

  • Always use a clean microfiber towel when wiping or drying.

Use a Clean Microfiber Towel

We recommend a clean, soft microfiber towel for washing and drying your nameplates. Microfiber is gentler on the surface than paper towels, shop towels, or coarse rags, which may introduce fine scratches or carry trapped dirt and debris. Always start with a clean towel, use light pressure, and avoid fabric softener when laundering microfiber.

If the towel has been used on wheels, tires, or heavily soiled exterior surfaces, use a fresh towel instead.

How to Clean Signature Engraved Nameplates

  1. Remove loose dust or debris first. Gently remove any loose dirt or grit before wiping the nameplate.

  2. Clean with mild soap and water. Use a small amount of mild soap or dishwashing detergent mixed with water and gently wipe the surface with a clean microfiber towel.

  3. Remove any soap residue. Wipe or rinse the surface with clean water.

  4. Dry with a clean microfiber towel. Use light pressure and a clean section of the towel to finish.

Other Tested Cleaning Options

The manufacturer of the material used for our Signature Engraved Nameplates has also tested several commonly available cleaners. For customers who prefer an alternative to soap and water, tested options include:

  • Glass Plus Multi-Surface Glass Cleaner

  • Isopropyl alcohol

For everyday maintenance, however, mild soap and water remains our first recommendation.

Need Hardware?

Need spare or replacement hardware for your nameplates? Keep extras on hand, replace missing hardware, or prepare to move your Removable Nameplates to another vehicle. Adhesive fasteners are not reusable once removed, so new fasteners are required when transferring your nameplates to a different vehicle.

Shop Replacement Fasteners
Shop Nameplate Hardware Kits

FAQs About Nameplate Cleaning & Maintenance

  • For routine cleaning, we recommend keeping it simple: use mild soap or dishwashing detergent, clean water, and a soft microfiber towel. Review the section for your specific nameplate style for any additional care recommendations.

  • No. Always remove Removable Nameplates before entering an automatic car wash, including touchless car washes. High-pressure water and automated washing equipment can place unnecessary stress on the nameplates and mounting hardware.

  • Avoid directing concentrated water pressure at the black adhesive fasteners or underneath their edges. The fasteners can remain attached to the vehicle during routine washing, but high-pressure water should be directed away from them.

  • We recommend periodically removing them so you can clean both the nameplates and the vehicle glass behind them. The black fasteners can remain attached to the glass while the nameplates and removable hardware are safely stored inside the vehicle.

  • No. Classic Hearse Nameplates are made from acrylic, and window cleaners can damage the plastic. Use mild soap or dishwashing detergent and water for routine cleaning.

  • For everyday cleaning, we recommend mild soap and water with a clean microfiber towel. The Duets material manufacturer has also tested select cleaners, including Glass Plus Multi-Surface Glass Cleaner, Mr. Clean Multi Purpose Cleaner, and isopropyl alcohol.

  • We recommend microfiber instead. Paper towels, shop towels, and coarse rags can be rougher on the surface or contain trapped dirt and debris that may cause fine scratches.

  • Choose a clean, soft microfiber towel intended for automotive detailing or delicate surfaces. Use light pressure and avoid towels that have previously been used on wheels, tires, or heavily soiled surfaces.