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Use the correct maintenance products

Which are the best maintenance products for cleaning wooden panelling products such as melamine, HPL (laminate) and lacquered MDF? Well, glass cleaner and all-purpose cleaner are great choices.

Please note: avoid washing-up liquid. This contains oil to protect the skin. The result? It may leave a film on your panels that will become visible over time.
In addition, do not use abrasive products, as they can damage the surface, and do not use corrosive products or products containing hydrogen peroxide, as they can leave pale spots on your panels.

Want to find out more? Read our maintenance instructions for more information about the different types of maintenance products.

Download the maintenance instructions

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A spotless surface in 5 steps

Time to roll up your sleeves! With our step-by-step plan, your surface will look like new in no time.

  1. Remove large amounts of dirt or dust (if present) with a soft brush or dry cloth and make the surface as clean as possible.
  2. Use a sponge or microfibre (lint-free) cloth to clean the surface. Mix all-purpose cleaner with water, or spray glass cleaner directly onto the surface.
  3. Gently rub the maintenance product into the surface and leave it to take effect (max. 5 minutes).
  4. Rinse the surface thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove all traces of the cleaning product.
  5. Wipe the surface dry with a soft, dry cloth to avoid streaking.

What if your panels still aren’t completely spotless after an initial clean? In this case, repeat all 5 steps.

Download the maintenance instructions

5 tips for optimal maintenance

Keen to provide your wood based panels with some well-deserved maintenance? Great, but make sure you do it right! Here are a few tips:

  1. Remove stains or dirt as soon as possible. That way, you won't give them a chance to stick around on your panels. The longer the dirt remains on the surface, the harder it becomes to remove. So it’s best to take action as soon as possible.
  2. Use a soft cloth or sponge. Important: avoid paper when cleaning, especially if the panelling has deep surface structures. Small pieces of paper may remain in the structure of the design, especially with Master Oak.
  3. What if your surface has a smooth, more even (e.g. super matt) surface structure? In this case, clean using circular movements.
    What if your surface has a linear or pronounced surface finish? In this case, rub in the direction of the structure (instead of across it), as this will prevent the dirt from getting into the structure.
  4. Only use all-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner and avoid washing-up liquid. Other cleaning products may also damage the surface.
  5. Always clean the entire surface. This will help to prevent the surface from becoming shiny in certain places over time.
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How do you maintain decorative MDF?

Decorative MDF panels are finished on both sides with a high-quality transparent lacquer layer. Thanks to this transparent lacquer, the panels are stain-resistant and therefore easy to maintain.

A soft cloth, some lukewarm water and an all-purpose or glass cleaner will also get you a long way with decorative MDF.

Watch this video for more info 👉

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Also be careful during processing

Your panelling products may come into contact with dust and glue during processing. It is best to remove dust with a soft brush or an airbrush.

Glue residues are best removed immediately, before the glue has dried and hardened. Do this with lukewarm water and a soft cloth.If necessary, apply a DN type plastic cleaner using a soft, clean cloth or directly to the surface in the event of multiple stains. Allow the product to take effect for a maximum of 5 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a soft towel. This will ensure that the product has been removed.

After all, prevention is always better than cure. Use tape to protect your surface when gluing HPL to a substrate. How handy is that?!

Download the maintenance instructions

Video: how should you clean these types of stains?

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​Day-to-day maintenance

How do you easily remove stains such as coffee, toothpaste, mayonnaise, cola, lipstick?

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Stubborn stains

What about trickier persistent stains such as nail polish, marker, ballpoint ... ?

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White streaks

When your skin comes into contact with extremely matte finishes, it can leave a white streak on the surface. How do you get rid of them?

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Dust

Your panels may come into contact with dust when you process them. On surfaces with deep or pronounced surface finishes, the dust can get into the grain...

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Micro-scratches

During transport or processing, the friction of panels with pronounced surface structures can cause micro-scratches.

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Glue residues

The surface of your panels may come into contact with glue when you glue HPL to a substrate. What can you do to get rid of the glue residues?

Request maintenance advice from your Unilin expert

Do you have any other questions? Or are you really tearing your hair out? Don't panic, the remedy is close at hand. Just ask one of our experts.

Are you an individual, rather than a company? If so, it’s best to contact a local dealer.

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