Installing and using decorative panels can count charm and elegance to our homes, but over time, dust, dirt, and even fingerprints can diminish their charm and beauty.
Regular cleaning and supervision are essential for preserving the beauty of decorative panels. Knowing how to clean decorative panels is one of the most crucial ways to ensure their long-term maintenance. Like other textures used for interior decoration, decorative panels can deteriorate over time. By keeping them clean, you can enhance their durability and lifespan. Therefore, it is advisable to understand how to clean them thoroughly after installing any type of decorative panels.
Guide to Cleaning Decorative Panels
Though there exist varied techniques to cleanse wall-mounted decorative panels, selecting the optimal approach for sanitizing the panels requires careful consideration of their constituent materials and ingredients. The majority of decorative wall panels boast a resilient veneer such as MDF, PVC, gypsum, or particleboard, along with embellishing materials like laminates, patterned fabric laminates, printed papers, and so forth. To purify these panels, kindly contemplate the subsequent instructions:
Verify the manufacturer’s instructions
It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your decorative panels. Some panels may have documented cleaning recommendations or restrictions. Sticking to these instructions will help prevent any potential damage to the decorative panels.
Keep the panels clean and free from dust
Wall panels, just like any other stationary surface, can be subjected to dust and environmental pollutants, leading to a noticeable accumulation of dust. Most decorative panels, such as veneers or metallic panels, are currently adept at concealing dirt stains. Nevertheless, regular dusting is recommended for optimal and suitable maintenance. To accomplish this, employ a dry cloth or a duster to delicately clean the surfaces of your wall panel. Alternatively, you may use a vacuum cleaner for panel cleaning purposes.
Remove stains on walls immediately
Any stains or dirt on walls and decorative panels should be promptly removed as their impact can last for a long time and become more challenging to clean later on.
To remove minor stains or fingerprints, mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bucket or spray bottle. Dip a microfiber cloth into the soapy water, squeeze out the excess liquid, and gently wipe the areas with stains. Avoid scrubbing too hard as it may harm the panel’s surface. It’s better to start cleaning from the bottom and work your way up to ensure stains are completely removed and to prevent any scratches.
After cleaning, use a dry cloth to remove any remaining water as excessive moisture can be detrimental to the panels. When cleaning, always opt for mild solvent-based cleaners or sprays and avoid harsh chemicals, as they can cause damage to the surface or alter the appearance of the wall panels.
If your decorative panels require a profound cleaning, you can use specialized panel cleaners available in the market. Follow the instructions provided with the cleaner, as different products may have different application methods. Generally, apply the cleaner onto a cloth or sponge and gently rub it onto the panel surface. After use, wipe off any excess cleaner with a clean, damp cloth. For stubborn stains that don’t disappear with regular cleaning methods, you can use a soft-bristle brush. Dip the brush into the cleaning solution and gently scrub the stained area.
Dry the decorative wall panels
After cleaning, it is crucial to thoroughly rinse the panels to remove any residue from the cleaning solution. Dampen a clean cloth with distilled water (optional) and wipe the entire panel surface. This step helps eliminate any traces of soap or cleaner. Finally, use a dry microfiber cloth to gently dry the panels, ensuring that no moisture remains.
Extend the lifespan of the wall panels by keeping them dry. Decorative wall panels can be damaged when exposed to humid conditions. Therefore, it is best to avoid installing them in the kitchen or bathroom. While some trendy panels with treated fiberboards are moisture-resistant, excessive humidity can still cause warping.
Furthermore, laminate and paper wall panels can become detached from their core surface when exposed to extended periods of moisture. Therefore, it is important to promptly eliminate any moisture from the panels. Wipe away spills immediately to ensure the panels remain dry. Naturally, contemporary and stylish wall panels, like magnesium oxide panels, possess excellent moisture resistance, rendering them suitable for more specialized environmental conditions.
Sunlight Protection for Wall Panels
Sunlight is a crucial factor to consider when cleaning and maintaining decorative panels, as it can cause damage over time. Panels made of materials like laminate, fabric, or paper are particularly susceptible to wear from direct sunlight exposure. To safeguard them, it’s important to be mindful of their placement on the walls, keeping them away from windows, doors, or any areas with direct sunlight. Alternatively, installing curtains can provide an added layer of protection against harmful sun rays.
Additionally, you need to ensure the protection of decorative wall panels during home renovations like painting walls, replacing flooring, etc. Cover the panels with a plastic sheet to prevent dust or stains from adhering to them.
Conclusion
Not all decorative panels are cleaned in the same way. The cleaning method for decorative panels can vary depending on the material, finish, and manufacturer’s instructions. Thus, it is important to observe the manufacturer’s or panel supplier’s instructions for cleaning and keeping. These instructions may include recommended cleaning solutions, tools, and techniques for specific types of wood, laminate, glass, metal, acrylic, and PVC panels.
