Simple Tips to Keep Your Kitchen Splashback Panels Looking Spotless

Prone to grease, oils, and splashes (the clue is in the name), kitchen splashbacks are notorious for getting messy, especially if you like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. 

If left, the residue can become sticky and thick, making it almost impossible to clean, or at least very unpleasant. This is true not just for panel splashbacks but with glass, acrylic, or tile too!

The best approach, as is with most cleaning, is to tackle it from a little and often strategy to make sure you’re never running the risk of doing permanent damage to your panels. 

We’ll take you through the best strategies for maintaining your kitchen wall panels. 

Tip 1: Wipe splashes immediately

Again, as with any spillage, the old adage is true: clean it immediately. It’s much easier to grab a slightly damp cloth or sponge and wipe away splashes before they dry, harden and stick to the surface.

Quick action prevents grease build-up and saves you time and effort later.

Tip 2: Avoid abrasive materials or strong chemicals

If you are faced with a substance or stain that’s a little more stubborn, you might be tempted to use a strong chemical or greater force with something like a scouring brush. 

The problem with this is that it could cause long-term damage to your panels. 

Strong chemicals such as bleach, ammonia-based cleaners or oven sprays may cause discolouration, dulling or clouding over time. While using items like a stainless steel scourer can lead to scratches, which can lead to permanent damage. 

Tip 3: Little and often 

Regular maintenance is key. Even incorporating splashback cleaning into your normal kitchen routine, wiping it down once a week, can make a huge difference.

Frequent light cleaning prevents grease from becoming ingrained, meaning you’ll never have to tackle heavy build-up or risk damaging the surface with aggressive cleaning methods. Regular cleaning means no stubborn stains, no unpleasant smells, and no unnecessary wear and tear.

If you want a more comprehensive step-by-step for cleaning your panels, take a look at our guide below. 

Tip 4: Use the right cloth

It might sound redundant, but the type of cloth you use matters more than you might think. Microfibre cloths are ideal as they effectively lift grease and dirt without scratching the surface.

Avoid rough sponges, paper towels that can leave lots of fibres on the surface or anything that feels abrasive to the touch. A soft cloth combined with warm water and mild detergent is usually all you need for everyday cleaning.

Tip 5: Try to prevent splashes

Of course, prevention is always better than a cure. Using lids when frying, lowering heat where possible, and wiping splashes as you cook can dramatically reduce mess.

Consider where your splashback is placed. For example, a splashback correctly behind high-use areas such as hobs and sinks also helps protect surrounding walls and limits how far grease and water can travel.

Tip 6: Consider the panel style

Different splashback materials may require slightly different care. For example, glass panels are great for easy cleaning but show fingerprints more readily, while acrylic panels are lightweight and durable but need gentler cleaning products.

When it comes to panel splashbacks, it’s worth considering the panel pattern. For instance, slat panels have lots of crevices that are great hiding places for dirt, so it’s worth being mindful that they’ll need to be cleaned in between the individual panels, too.

Understanding your panel’s material and following the manufacturer’s care advice will also help maintain its appearance and lifespan.

Tip 7: Use warm water, not hot

While it might seem logical to use very hot water to cut through grease, excessively hot water can sometimes do more harm than good, especially for acrylic or MDF panels. Dampening a cloth with warm water is usually sufficient to loosen grease and residue without risking warping, cracking or surface damage.

Pair warm water with a mild detergent for safe, effective cleaning.

Tip 8: Dry the surface after cleaning

Leaving water to air-dry can result in streaks, water marks or mineral deposits. After wiping down the panel, use a clean, dry microfibre cloth to buff the surface.

Again, when you have a raised panel style like tongue and Groove, water can easily get trapped between the bumps, so keep an eye on residue when you’re wiping down the surface. 

This extra step only takes a moment but helps keep your splashback looking shiny and streak-free.

Final considerations on splashback panel care

Ultimately, you want your panels to last as long as possible. These tips are all about maintaining the aesthetic and quality of your panels over the long term. And with the right care, they can look in peak condition for years to come.

At Panels by Sofia, our collections are designed with durability in mind. All of our panelling is moisture-resistant or fully waterproof, suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, and other high-moisture areas. While our panels are built to withstand everyday use, gentle and consistent care will also help preserve their finish and colour.

By following these simple care guidelines, your Panels by Sofia splashbacks will remain a stylish and practical feature in your space.