Blog on Easy Maintenance Tips for Long Lasting Acoustic Wall Panels
January 17, 2025

Easy Maintenance Tips for Long-Lasting Acoustic Wall Panels

Acoustic wall panels are essential elements in achieving the perfect balance of sound in your home or office. Not only do they significantly improve the acoustics of a room, but they also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. Whether you’re outfitting a home theatre, recording studio, or simply want to control sound in your office, acoustic panels are an investment in both function and design. However, like all investments, acoustic wall panels require regular maintenance to ensure they continue performing at their best.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through easy and effective maintenance tips for acoustic wall panels, ensuring they last longer and maintain their sound-absorbing properties. By incorporating these simple practices, you’ll keep your panels looking sharp and functioning optimally for years to come.

Why Maintenance is Essential for Acoustic Wall Panels

Acoustic wall panels work by absorbing sound and reducing unwanted noise, creating a more peaceful and productive environment. However, over time, dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate on these panels, reducing their effectiveness. Neglecting regular maintenance can cause the materials to degrade, which in turn affects their performance.

Proper cleaning and care ensure your panels continue to perform their intended function while maintaining their aesthetic appeal. Furthermore, regular upkeep prevents costly repairs or replacements down the line, extending the lifespan of your acoustic wall panels.

Understanding the Types of Acoustic Wall Panels

Before diving into specific maintenance tips, it’s important to understand that not all acoustic wall panels are created equal. Acoustic panels come in various materials, such as Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), acoustic foam, fabric-wrapped panels, fibreglass, and wood. Each material requires different care to maintain its longevity and performance.

  • MDF Acoustic Panels: MDF is a dense material, often used for panels that require durability and a smooth finish. They are popular for both residential and commercial spaces. MDF panels can be paired with various finishes, including fabric, paint, or laminate.
  • Acoustic Black Tissue: Acoustic black tissue is commonly used as a decorative fabric or covering for acoustic panels. It allows sound waves to pass through the material while maintaining the overall aesthetics of the panels. It’s essential to clean acoustic black tissue with care, as harsh cleaning methods can damage the fabric and reduce its performance.
  • Foam Panels: Lightweight and cost-effective, foam panels are commonly used in home theatres, recording studios, and music rooms.
  • Fabric-Wrapped Panels: These panels come in a variety of colours and textures, making them a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces.
  • Fibreglass Panels: Known for superior sound absorption, fibreglass panels require more delicate care.
  • Wood Panels: These panels offer a natural, elegant look, often used in high-end spaces, combining acoustic properties with design.

Knowing what material your panels are made from is essential for determining the best way to clean and maintain them. Let’s now dive into some straightforward maintenance tips that work for all types of panels

Ribbed Acoustic Panel Door
Ribbed Acoustic Panel Office

Maintenance Tip 1: Regular Dusting and Vacuuming

One of the simplest ways to maintain acoustic wall panels is to dust them regularly. Dust accumulation can clog the pores of the panels, reducing their ability to absorb sound. While vacuuming and dusting your panels may seem like a trivial task, it’s one of the most effective ways to keep them performing at their best.

How to Dust and Vacuum:
  • Use a soft brush attachment on your vacuum cleaner to gently vacuum fabric-wrapped panels, MDF panels, or foam panels. Be sure to go over every surface and gently work your way up from the bottom.
  • For fabric-wrapped panels, you can use a lint-free cloth or a Swiffer duster to pick up dust.
  • Regular vacuuming prevents dust and dirt from setting into the fibres, which makes cleaning much easier in the long run.

For Acoustic Black Tissue, be sure to vacuum it gently to avoid damage. Avoid rubbing the fabric too hard to prevent stretching or tearing.

Performing this simple task once every two weeks can go a long way in preserving the integrity of your panels. Dusting and vacuuming are essential maintenance tips for acoustic wall panels that help preserve both their appearance and performance.

Maintenance Tip 2: Spot Clean Spills Immediately

Accidents happen, and spills are inevitable—whether it’s a beverage spill or food crumbs. It’s crucial to clean these up immediately to prevent stains from setting into the fabric or material.

How to Clean Spills:
  • Blot, don’t rub: If a spill occurs, blot the affected area with a clean, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing the fabric, as this can push the spill deeper into the material and make it harder to remove.
  • Use mild soap and warm water to clean the fabric. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the rest of the panel.
  • For fabric-wrapped panels or MDF panels, you can use a mild upholstery cleaner designed for fabric, but be careful not to oversaturate the material.
  • For foam panels, avoid using water. Instead, use a dry cloth or a soft brush to gently clean the panel.

For Acoustic Black Tissue, blotting immediately will prevent the fabric from absorbing too much liquid, which can cause staining or degradation. Be mindful of the type of cleaning product used to avoid damaging the fabric.

Acting quickly will help preserve your panels and prevent staining or moisture damage. Immediate spot cleaning is one of the most effective maintenance tips for acoustic wall panels, ensuring your panels stay in pristine condition.

Maintenance Tip 3: Protect Panels from Excess Moisture

Moisture can be one of the biggest enemies of acoustic panels, especially those made from MDF, fabric-wrapped, foam, and fibreglass. Excess moisture can damage the materials, cause mould growth, and reduce the panels’ ability to absorb sound.

How to Protect from Moisture:
  • Avoid placing panels in high-humidity areas such as bathrooms, kitchens, or areas prone to dampness.
  • If you live in a humid climate, consider investing in a dehumidifier for your room to maintain optimal humidity levels.
  • Ensure your panels are installed in dry areas to minimise the risk of water damage.

For MDF panels, moisture can cause the material to swell and degrade. Ensure that these panels are installed in dry areas and away from water sources.

By keeping your panels in dry environments, you can protect them from moisture and prolong their lifespan.

Maintenance Tip 4: Use Fabric and Upholstery Cleaners

If your acoustic panels are fabric-wrapped, occasional deep cleaning might be necessary to remove more stubborn dirt and stains. You can use fabric and upholstery cleaners specifically designed for acoustic panels to refresh the fabric without causing damage.

How to Use Upholstery Cleaners:
  • Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure that the cleaner is safe for your type of acoustic panel.
  • Test any cleaner on a hidden area before applying it to the entire panel.
  • Always use a soft-bristled brush or a gentle sponge to clean the fabric, as scrubbing too hard can damage the material.
  • Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could compromise the sound-absorbing properties of the panel.

For Acoustic Black Tissue, avoid harsh cleaning agents that could break down the fabric. A gentle upholstery cleaner should suffice to keep the tissue looking fresh and intact.

Cleaning with the appropriate fabric cleaner helps maintain the aesthetic quality of your panels while ensuring they perform well.

Maintenance Tip 5: Rotate Panels for Even Wear

If your panels are installed in a high-traffic area, rotating them periodically can help prevent uneven wear. This simple practice can extend the life of your panels, especially if certain areas are exposed to more dust or dirt.

How to Rotate Panels:
  • If possible, remove and reinstall panels in different positions every 6 months or so.
  • For fabric-wrapped or foam panels, rotate them to ensure even exposure to dust and light.
  • Inspect panels for signs of wear, such as fading, tears, or sagging. If you notice significant damage, it might be time to replace or repair them.

For MDF panels, which tend to be heavier and more durable, rotating can help prevent one side from deteriorating faster than the other due to exposure.

Rotating your panels is a simple and effective maintenance tip to ensure they age evenly and continue performing at their best.

Maintenance Tip 6: Avoid Direct Sunlight

While acoustic panels are functional and aesthetically pleasing, excessive exposure to direct sunlight can fade the fabric and weaken the materials over time. To prevent damage, install your panels away from windows or other sources of direct sunlight.

How to Protect from Sunlight:
  • Install window treatments, such as blinds or curtains, to block out the sun.
  • If you must place panels near windows, consider using UV-resistant films on your windows to reduce harmful sun exposure.

By limiting direct sunlight exposure, you can prevent discolouration and deterioration of your panels.

Maintenance Tip 7: Perform Annual Professional Cleanings

While regular upkeep is important, an annual professional cleaning can be beneficial for ensuring your panels remain in optimal condition. Professional cleaners have the expertise and equipment necessary to deep clean your acoustic panels without causing any damage.

Benefits of Professional Cleaning:
  • Professional cleaners use techniques and tools that can safely remove deeply embedded dirt and stains.
  • They are skilled in cleaning various materials, ensuring the correct method is used for each type of panel.
  • Annual professional cleanings help maintain the overall appearance and performance of your panels.

If your panels are still looking worn after following DIY cleaning methods, it might be worth contacting a professional for a more thorough cleaning.

Conclusion: Why Choose Vwalla for Your Acoustic Wall Panels

At Vwalla, we understand the importance of quality when it comes to acoustic solutions. Our range of high-performance acoustic wall panels is designed with both form and function in mind. Whether you’re interested in MDF panels for a sleek, modern look, acoustic black tissue for a subtle aesthetic, Vwalla has you covered.

By following the maintenance tips outlined in this blog—dusting regularly, cleaning up spills immediately, avoiding excess moisture, and rotating panels—you can ensure your Vwalla acoustic wall panels stay in optimal condition for years to come. We take pride in the durability and design of our products, and with the right care, your panels will continue to enhance your space and acoustics, just as they were intended.

Whether you’re outfitting a home theatre, an office space, or any other environment, Vwalla offers the perfect acoustic solution that balances performance and design. Our team is always available to assist with any questions you may have regarding panel care, installation, or product recommendations.

For more information on our range of premium acoustic panels and how Vwalla can transform your space, visit us at Vwalla.