This year’s interior design trends are embracing slat wall panels. They’re versatile and boast aesthetic appeal! Yet, to maintain their picture-perfect appearance, they must be maintained.
This is a task that necessitates the right tools and a delicate approach. From removing light dust to tougher stains, such as oil and grime, you must learn how to clean your slat wall.
In this guide, we give insight into the best cleaning solutions available. You will also find tips on making your slat walls stand the test of time by lessening wear and tear.
What are Slat Wall Panels?
Before we delve into how to clean slat wall panels, let’s learn more about what they are.
They’re an on-trend interior style crafted wall panels from natural wood. Aside from adding aesthetic appeal to your home, they come from a renewable resource, which means you can do your bit for the environment. Wood from sustainably managed forests can have a lower environmental impact than wood from areas with rampant deforestation.
When considering slat styles, you can choose from various wood species, including maple, oak, cherry, and walnut. Each species boasts a diverse hue and grain pattern.
The big selling point of these panels is that they can be cut, shaped, painted, or stained to match your decor. This makes them an asset to you if you only want to change part of your room and not the entirety. It’s also a cost-effective option.
Wood Slat Wall Panel Maintenance
To ensure your wood slat panels stay in tip-top condition and stand the test of time, you must check on their well-being regularly.
From the finishes applied to the wood itself, regular inspections will ensure a quick fix as opposed to a replacement job. Regular cleaning will prevent mold growth, moisture damage, and warping. Dampness and mold increase the risk of various respiratory and asthma-related health outcomes, which is why regular maintenance and cleaning are necessary.
In addition to checking the wood, inspect the finishes applied. These can include sealants, stains, or paints. Over time, these can deteriorate, which leaves your slats exposed to damage. Reapplying these will heighten your slat’s longevity and protect them from various elements and environments.
In addition to the above, be gentle with your wood slats and try to control the temperature and humidity in the room they reside in. This will prevent them from warping. Warped slats look unsightly and often have to be replaced instead of repaired.
Cleaning Your Wood Slat Panels
To avoid damaging your slats, you must use the right tools to clean them. In addition, you’ll need to research how to clean them. So, to assist you, we’ve listed ‘how to’ steps below:
Step One
Begin your cleaning process by dusting the panels. Even in the cleanest of homes, dust can accumulate over time. For best results, invest in a soft cloth to carry out this process and ensure it is dry.
Another option that is gentle enough to use on slats is a microfiber cloth. You must use something that won’t scratch the wood.
Step Two
Once your slats are dust-free, you can assess how many stains or dirt are on the panels. If only light, a damp cloth with a mild detergent will suffice. Avoid using too much water to clean, as this can cause wood to swell or warp.
Step Three
For harsher stains, use a combination of water and vinegar. This is a tried and tested natural cleaner. Vinegar has been used for centuries to attack stubborn grime and grease. To prevent damage to the finish of the wood, use three parts water and one part vinegar.
Step Four
Once you’ve finished your cleaning process, dry the panels using another dry, soft cloth. This will stop any unwanted moisture from staying on the surface of the slat.
Step Five
Every once in a while, apply a wood polish or conditioner to the slat wall panels. This will ensure they stay shiny and safeguard your wood’s finish. They do this by stopping the wood from getting dehydrated by nourishing it. Dull wood is often a sign of a lack of maintenance.
Conclusion
The correct cleaning and maintenance of your slat wall will ensure it stands the test of time. This means you don’t have to worry about replacing it regularly.
From controlling the humidity in the room to administering regular inspections to applying the appropriate cleaning methods, all are crucial maintenance stages. This will help to preserve the beauty of your panels and increase their lifespan.
For best results, always apply a delicate approach and avoid excessive moisture. In addition, a soft cloth should be used, and regular inspections should be administered. Following these tips will ensure this savvy interior feature remains a selling point of your home.
