ᐅ KALLAX dusty after renovation – how to clean?

Created on: 20 Feb 2021 09:13
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evadi
Hello everyone,

I recently renovated my apartment, including fresh paintwork and some dust on the floor. During this, my IKEA KALLAX shelf unfortunately became quite dusty, and the fine renovation dust seems almost embedded on the surfaces. I want to clean the shelf carefully without damaging the surface or encouraging dust to stick again later.

My question is: What is the best method to clean a KALLAX shelf after renovation work so that fine dust is effectively removed without harming the surface? Are there any specific cleaning agents, procedures, or tools you would recommend? I am also interested in tips on how to prevent dust buildup on smooth surfaces in the future.

Thanks in advance for your help!
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JORGERON
20 Feb 2021 11:23
A simple tip: First, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust roughly, then wipe over the surface with a damp microfiber cloth. This way, less dust gets into the air and the surface doesn’t become too wet.
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sarla
20 Feb 2021 11:45
The KALLAX shelving unit is typically made of wood-based material with a melamine coating. This coating is resistant to scratches but sensitive to solvents.

My recommendations are:

- Avoid solvents or harsh chemicals.
- Microfiber cloths are ideal.
- To remove fine dust, I suggest using a combination of a dry microfiber cloth followed by a slightly dampened cloth with a mild soap solution (dishwashing detergent).
- After cleaning, dry thoroughly to prevent water spots.

Regular cleaning is advisable to avoid dust buildup, as fine dust becomes difficult to remove once it has dried.
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dijan
20 Feb 2021 12:01
Dust on furniture after renovation is really annoying, but with the right equipment, it’s easy to manage. I swear by the good old microfiber duster (also available as a telescopic version) for the initial rough cleaning.

After that, use a soft microfiber cloth slightly dampened—no sponges or cleaning rags! This keeps the shelf looking nice and dust-free. If you clean with compressed air in between, you can reduce the amount of dust buildup 😊

A quick tip: after wiping with water, briefly go over the surface with a dry cloth—it makes a big difference.
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GALENKU
20 Feb 2021 12:18
JORGERON schrieb:
Vacuum first with a brush attachment for rough dust removal, then wipe with a damp microfiber cloth.

I completely agree. Especially after construction work, thorough vacuuming is truly invaluable. Microfiber cloths are essential for the final cleaning.
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giabau
20 Feb 2021 12:47
dijan schrieb:
After wiping with water, quickly go over it with a dry cloth – that makes a big difference.

Exactly! And another important point: don’t use too much cleaning solution or a very wet cloth. More moisture doesn’t mean better cleaning; it actually increases the risk of water spots and swollen edges (even though KALLAX is quite durable).

If you need a cleaning agent, I really recommend only mild, neutral products—no harsh cleaners or alcohol.

When dusting, it’s best to work horizontally from top to bottom to avoid redistributing it.
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evadi
20 Feb 2021 13:05
GALENKU schrieb:
First, vacuum with a brush attachment for rough dust removal, then wipe over with a damp microfiber cloth.

Thanks for all the tips! I have a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment, which I will use tonight for the preliminary cleaning.
giabau schrieb:
When wet wiping, it’s better to use only a little water and then polish afterwards.

That sounds like the best approach to me. I will try it that way and report back on whether the shelf looks nice and clean afterwards. Thanks to everyone so far!