One of the main reasons people choose WPC and charcoal panels over wood is that they need almost no upkeep: no polishing, no sealing, no termite treatment. They are not maintenance-free, though. Grooves collect dust, kitchens leave a film, and the wrong cleaner can mark a finish for good.
Here is a simple routine that keeps louvers and fluted panels looking new for years.
Quick answer: dust the panels every week or two with a soft dry cloth or a soft brush along the grooves, and wipe with a damp microfibre cloth and a little mild soap when needed. Never use abrasive scrubbers, harsh chemical cleaners or solvents, and never soak the panels with water, especially charcoal panels.
Weekly: dust the grooves
- Use a soft, dry microfibre cloth on the flat faces.
- Run a soft brush along the grooves, top to bottom. A clean, soft paintbrush or the brush attachment of a vacuum cleaner works well for deep fins like Century DEUCE and SOLE.
- Work with the grooves, not across them, so dust is pulled out instead of pushed into corners.
- Do the top edge too. Dust settles on the top of the panels and on any LED channel.
Monthly or as needed: wipe clean
- Mix a few drops of mild liquid soap in a bowl of warm water.
- Dip a microfibre cloth, wring it out until it is only damp, and wipe along the grooves.
- Wipe again with a cloth dampened in clean water to remove any soap.
- Dry with a soft cloth. Do not leave water standing in the grooves.
Removing marks and stains
| Mark | What to do |
|---|---|
| Fingerprints and hand marks | Damp microfibre cloth with a drop of mild soap |
| Kitchen grease film | Warm water with mild dish soap, then wipe with clean water |
| Crayon or pencil on WPC | Mild soap and a soft cloth; do not scrub hard |
| Dust in deep fins | Soft brush or vacuum brush attachment |
| Stubborn marks | Test any cleaner on a hidden offcut or corner first |
What never to use
- Scouring pads, steel wool or the rough side of a kitchen sponge
- Harsh chemical cleaners, bleach or acid-based bathroom cleaners
- Solvents such as thinner, acetone or petrol
- Furniture polish or wax, which leaves a sticky film that attracts dust
- A wet mop or bucket of water thrown at the wall, especially on charcoal panels
WPC vs charcoal: any difference in care?
Both are cleaned the same way. WPC handles humidity and the odd splash very well. Charcoal panels have a printed or textured surface film that handles normal indoor humidity but should be kept away from direct water, so always use a cloth that is only damp. Marble, metallic and inlay finishes show smears more easily, so finish with a dry cloth. For more on water, see are louvers waterproof?.
Scratches, dents and damage
Panels cannot be sanded or polished like wood. Light surface marks often fade with gentle cleaning, but a deep scratch or a cracked panel is best fixed by replacing that one panel. That is a good reason to keep one or two spare panels from the 10% extra you order for cutting, stored flat in a dry place: spares from the same batch match exactly.
Once a year: a quick check
- Look for any panel lifting at an edge, which can mean the wall behind has become damp.
- Check around switches, sockets and the TV bracket for loose cut edges.
- Check that LED channels are clean and secure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dust with a soft dry cloth or brush along the grooves, and wipe with a damp microfibre cloth and a little mild soap when needed. Dry afterwards and avoid abrasives and harsh chemicals.
The same way as WPC, but make sure the cloth is only damp, never wet, and do not spray water directly at the panels.
Avoid strong chemical cleaners. Warm water with a few drops of mild soap is enough for almost all marks. If you want to try anything stronger, test it on a hidden corner or offcut first.
No. They are pre-finished and need no polish, wax, sealing or painting. Polish leaves a film that attracts dust.
Light marks often fade with gentle cleaning. A deep scratch is best fixed by replacing that panel, so keep a spare from your original order.
Need a replacement panel?
Send us the product code from your order or a photo of the panel, and we will check stock of the same series and shade. Visit our Dommasandra showroom on Varthur Main Road, open Monday to Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
Tap what you need and we will reply on WhatsApp:
- Order a replacement panel: send the code or a photo.
- Get design help: planning another wall?
- Book a free consultation: or use our contact page.
