How to Clean Acoustic Wall Panels: 4 Simple Steps to Keep Them Spotless

If you have slatted wood wall panels, you know they're great for keeping noise down and styling a room. Whether it’s your home office, a recording studio, or anything in between, these panels make an eye-catching addition to any space. 

But there's a catch — if you don't clean them, they won’t look good or work well.

If you’ve recently installed your acoustic wall panels, you might be wondering how to clean them. Fortunately, you don’t need to be a cleaning guru to keep them looking good as new. 

In this guide, we’ll teach you how to clean your acoustic wall panels in four simple, DIY-friendly steps. 

Ready to keep your space looking and sounding sharp? Here’s everything you need to know to give your acoustic wall panels some TLC.

How to clean your acoustic wall panels – a step-by-step guide

Ready to make your acoustic panels look like new again? Follow the steps below to remove dust, tackle stains, and maintain prime performance.

Step 1: Get your tools and your space ready

Start by clearing the space around your slatted wood wall panels. This may involve moving your furniture and laying down a sheet on the floor. 

Dust and dirt may not be toxic, but it’s best to minimize the mess as much as you can.

You’ll also want to gather all your tools and cleaning agents before diving in.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• A vacuum with a soft brush attachment and a duster — These tools will safely suck up loose dust without scratching the panels.
• A microfiber cloth — Rough sponges (like those made from stainless steel) are a no-no when cleaning your acoustic wood panels as they can cause damage. A gentler microfiber cloth will kick the dirt to the curb while preserving your walls.
• A bucket of warm water & mild wood cleaner — Avoid using harsh chemicals that will damage your wood acoustic wall panels. Always test any cleaning solution on a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure it doesn’t harm the material.

Step 2: Dust your acoustic wall panels

Gently run your vacuum over the panel surfaces. This will lift the dust instead of pushing it deeper into the fibers. 

For areas that are harder to reach with a vacuum, use your duster instead. Lightly wipe it across the surface in a downward motion to collect dust. Do this without applying too much pressure, which could damage the panel. 

Regular light dusting can prevent dust build-up and keep your panels looking fresh.

Step 3: Wipe away the dust bunnies

Next, get a clean microfiber cloth and dampen it slightly in your mixture of warm water and wood cleaner. 

Wipe the panels gently in a circular motion to lift and remove stains. Continue this motion over all your acoustic wall panels and remember to be gentle. Don’t soak the wood too much because excess moisture can lead to damage.

Step 4: Dry them off and add the finishing touches

Make sure your acoustic wall panels dry properly because excess moisture can cause the wood to deform and crack.

Avoid using heat or direct sunlight to speed up the process, as these can warp or discolor the panels. 

Instead, let them air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. You can use a fan to gently circulate air around the panels. This will speed up the drying process without risk of damage. 

Once dry, give the panels a final once-over with a dry microfiber cloth so they look as pristine as the day you got them.

Why regular cleaning of acoustic panels matters

Cleaning your acoustic wall panels is important to making sure they look great. With built-up grime, what should be a stunning part of your decor can quickly turn into an eyesore.

But it isn’t just a matter of presentation. 

Dust and dirt don't just sit there. They're quite the troublemakers, especially when it comes to acoustic wall panels. 

As particles build up, they interfere with the panels' ability to absorb sound effectively. One study even found that significant dust could reduce sound-absorbing qualities by up to 60%. 

Clean spaces are also healthy spaces. The dust on your panels could contain dander, mold, or pollen spores, which can degrade indoor air quality and trigger allergies. 

By cleaning your acoustic wood wall panels, you’ll keep the air clearer and your living space healthier. 

Spotting the signs – when do your panels need a clean?

Knowing when to clean your acoustic wall panels some TLC is easy. By following the steps below, you won’t have to wonder if you’re cleaning your panels too often or not enough.

Start by looking for visual cues. Maybe you notice dust build-up or stains on the surface. Maybe there’s some discoloration or the texture of your panels is uneven. If you’re spotting any of these signs, it's time to grab your cleaning tools.

You can also keep an eye —  or ear — out for audio clues. If your panels are dirty, you might notice a drop in your room’s sound quality. For example, sounds from the outside might be less muffled than usual or there might be an echo inside the room. 

Most manufacturers suggest a regular maintenance schedule. Dusting your panels regularly and deep-cleaning every three to four months is ideal. 

Remember, you may need to clean your panels more often depending on their location and exposure to dirt.

Maintaining your acoustic panels post-clean

Want to keep your acoustic wood wall panels looking fresh for as long as possible? 

Here are some steps you can take to make this happen:

• Regular inspections — Make sure to regularly look at your panels to identify new stains or dust buildup early.
  
• Immediate spot cleaning — Tackle small stains as soon as they appear to prevent them from setting or spreading.
  
• Maintain a dust-free environment — Keeping the area around your wall panels clean reduces the amount of dust that can accumulate. That means you can spend less time cleaning and more time enjoying your stunning panels.
  

Hear the difference with regular maintenance

Learning how to clean your acoustic wall panels is key to keeping them beautiful and functional. 

Stick to a cleaning schedule, dusting the panels regularly and deep-cleaning periodically, especially in areas with a lot of foot traffic. 

With regular cleaning, you can block out the noise of the outside world. You get to enjoy the peace and quiet that only well-maintained acoustic panels can provide your home.