A Guide to Hygienic PVC Wall Cladding

In environments where hygiene is paramount—such as hospitals, laboratories, kitchens, dentists, schools and veterinary clinics, maintaining clean and sterile environments is crucial. Hygienic PVC wall cladding offers an excellent solution for these needs, providing a durable, easy-to-clean, and aesthetically pleasing finish. This guide explores the benefits of hygienic PVC wall cladding, its installation process, maintenance tips, and specific applications in hospitals, schools and kitchens.

What is Hygienic PVC Wall Cladding?

Hygienic PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) wall cladding consists of rigid plastic panels designed for wall coverings. This cladding is often used in settings where cleanliness and sanitation are critical, offering a smooth, non-porous surface that resists the growth of bacteria and mildew.

Benefits of Hygienic PVC Wall Cladding

• Durability and Strength

PVC panels are tough and resistant to impact, scratches, and chemicals. This makes them ideal for high-traffic areas where walls may be subjected to frequent cleaning or potential damage.

• Ease of Cleaning

The smooth, non-porous surface of hygienic PVC wall cladding ensures that dirt, grime, and bacteria can be easily wiped away. This significantly reduces the time and effort required for cleaning compared to traditional wall finishes.

• Moisture Resistance

PVC is inherently water-resistant, making it an excellent choice for areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms, kitchens, and food processing areas. It prevents mould and mildew growth, maintaining a hygienic environment.

• Cost-Effective

Compared to other wall covering options, PVC cladding is relatively inexpensive. Its durability and low maintenance requirements also mean long-term savings on repair and cleaning costs.

• Aesthetic Appeal

Available in a variety of colours and finishes, hygienic wall cladding can be tailored to fit the design needs of any space. This allows for a clean, professional look while maintaining high hygiene standards.

• Seamless Surface

When installed with the appropriate trims, which are not only visually appealing but also crucial for maintaining good hygiene standards, PVC cladding has a completely seamless surface. Without gaps or joints where dirt and bacteria can accumulate, the smooth surface ensures easy cleaning and effective sterilisation, providing a clean and professional finish.

The Importance of Hygienic PVC Wall Cladding in Hospitals

Hospitals and healthcare facilities require the highest levels of hygiene to prevent the spread of infections and ensure patient safety. Hygienic cladding is an essential component in maintaining these standards with its germ and chemical resistant surface, minimising the risk of hospital-acquired infections (HAIs).

This type of cladding offers seamless surfaces that are impervious to liquids, preventing the accumulation of pathogens in cracks and crevices. Its ability to withstand rigorous cleaning with disinfectants ensures that hospital walls remain free of contaminants. This proactive approach to hygiene in hospitals not only protects patients but also supports healthcare professionals in maintaining a clean and safe medical facility.

Why Kitchens and Cafeterias Use Hygienic PVC Wall Cladding

Kitchens and cafeterias, especially in commercial settings, need to uphold high standards of cleanliness to ensure food safety and hygiene. In commercial kitchens, hygienic wall cladding is essential for ensuring food safety and regulatory compliance as these environments demand robust surroundings that can withstand constant exposure to food splatters, grease, and high humidity. Hygienic cladding provides a protective barrier that resists stains and prevents the infiltration of contaminants.

It’s easy-to-clean nature ensures that kitchen staff can quickly and effectively sanitise the workspace, reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, the installation of hygienic wall cladding aids in meeting health and safety standards, facilitating regular inspections and helping businesses avoid costly fines and shutdowns due to hygiene breaches.

Enhancing School Environments with Hygienic PVC Wall Cladding

In schools, hygienic wall cladding can play a vital role in maintaining clean and safe environments, especially in areas like gyms and art classrooms where walls are subject to unique challenges. In school gyms, the cladding provides a durable surface that can withstand the impact from sports activities, reducing wear and tear while also being easy to clean to prevent the spread of germs among students.

In art classrooms, where walls can be frequently splattered with paint, clay, and other materials, hygienic cladding ensures that these substances can be easily wiped away, maintaining a neat and safe workspace. This type of wall covering not only helps in maintaining high standards of cleanliness but also ensures compliance with health and safety regulations, creating a healthier and more enjoyable learning environment for students.

How to Install PVC Cladding

Installing PVC wall cladding is a quick and easy process that involves preparing the wall by cleaning, measuring and cutting the panels to size and then applying a suitable adhesive. The panels are then pressed firmly onto the wall, starting from one corner, and smoothed out to remove air bubbles. Joints and edges are sealed with silicone to prevent moisture ingress, and final checks are made to ensure there are no gaps or uneven areas, allowing the adhesive to cure properly. If you would like a full, in-depth hygienic cladding installation guide, check out the datasheet available on each product page.

How to Clean Hygienic Wall Cladding

To keep your hygienic PVC wall cladding in optimal condition, regularly clean the panels with a mild detergent solution and a soft cloth, avoiding abrasive cleaners that can scratch the surface. Avoid prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals to prevent discolouration and use compatible cleaning agents. Promptly address any damage or peeling panels to prevent further deterioration, using a PVC repair kit for small scratches or scuffs.

Periodically inspect the cladding, especially in high-moisture areas, to ensure all seals and joints remain intact and reseal if necessary. If you would like a full, in-depth hygienic cladding cleaning guide, check out the datasheet available on each product page.

Why Choose to Buy PVC Wall Cladding from Simply Plastics?

Choosing Simply Plastics for your hygienic wall cladding and PVC cladding needs means partnering with a dedicated, expert team with over 30 years of experience in the industry. Alongside PVC wall cladding, our extensive inventory includes a market-leading range of plastic materials, including Perspex®, Dibond, Foamex, Polycarbonate, PVC, and acrylic mirror, providing easy access to high-quality materials for all your plastic requirements.

For more information on hygienic wall cladding, further installation tips and maintenance advice, visit our website or contact our experts today on +44 (0)1206 638056.