ᐅ How do I properly care for and protect Ikea Pax surfaces?

Hello everyone,

I am currently assembling the Ikea Pax wardrobe at home, and I noticed that the surfaces are finished quite differently (paint, laminate, glass, etc.). Since I want to enjoy the wardrobe for a long time, I’m interested in how to best care for and protect the different Pax surfaces to prevent scratches, dullness, or damage.

Specifically, I would like to know:
- Which cleaning products are recommended or should be avoided?
- How should laminated or painted surfaces be treated?
- What should I keep in mind with the glass elements?
- Are there any special tips to avoid scratches or to repair minor damage?

I value practical and detailed answers, as I’ve already tried a few methods that didn’t work very well.

I would really appreciate if you could share your experiences and tips!

Hello Alemkla,

Thank you for your detailed question, it really helps to provide a targeted answer. Regarding the PAX surfaces, you should first find out which material the front is made of, as lacquer, foil, and glass each react very differently to cleaning products.

For all surfaces, the basic rule is: avoid aggressive or abrasive cleaners or sponges – these can quickly damage the surface. The best option is a soft microfiber cloth with lukewarm water. For tougher dirt, a mild dish detergent or a gentle all-purpose cleaner without solvents is recommended.

Foil-covered surfaces should only be wiped damp and not soaked, to prevent the foil from softening or peeling. The same applies to lacquered surfaces, although sometimes you can use special furniture care products with a slight wax content to give the surface a protective layer. Just be sure to apply these thinly and sparingly.

Glass surfaces can be cleaned normally with glass cleaner or a vinegar-water mixture, but again: do not use abrasive sponges, as this can cause micro-scratches.

To protect against scratches, I recommend using soft pads (for example, felt gliders) on contact areas and avoid placing sharp or metallic objects directly on the surface. Minor scratches on lacquered surfaces can be easily improved with car polish or furniture polish, but always test first in an inconspicuous spot.

I hope this helps you for now!

I would like to agree with Grace and add the following:

- Avoid ammonia-based cleaners on lacquered fronts, as they can damage the protective coating.
- For laminated fronts, it is important not to use solvents, as they can soften or dissolve the laminate.
- Glass is relatively resistant, but it is still better to use soft cloths to avoid holograms or streaks.

Additionally, with PAX units, you often have inner surfaces and frame-like areas made of plastic. These can be regularly wiped down with a mild all-purpose cleaner to remove dust and grease.

If you have small scratches or dents, commonly available repair kits from furniture stores are quite useful – they contain wax sticks or pastes that can be color-matched.

Also, avoid using overly wet cloths, as water can seep into joints over time and cause swelling damage.

Here is a brief summary of the most important points:

- Use only mild cleaning agents
- Recommend microfiber cloths
- Avoid abrasive sponges or sprays
- Treat scratches with furniture polish
- Wipe foil surfaces only with a damp cloth
- Clean glass surfaces with a glass cleaner

This is usually completely sufficient.

I understand that proper care of Pax surfaces is important, especially when you’re committing to a larger piece of furniture. I had similar concerns because the foil fronts on my furniture became slightly dull after two years of cleaning with the wrong products, which was quite disappointing.

My advice: Always test new cleaning products on an inconspicuous corner first, and for regular cleaning, use only warm water with a small amount of mild dish soap. In addition, make sure there are no paper bits, dirt, or sand particles between the cloth and the surface, as these can act almost like sandpaper.

To protect the surface, I often place thin felt pads under anything set on the cabinet. This helps avoid the small scratches that are hardly noticeable day-to-day but can accumulate over time.

Another point: I once accidentally sprayed too much watery cleaner on the glass, and drops ran onto the wood, causing it to swell slightly at that spot. So be careful with the amount you use and dry the surface quickly!

DUUS32 schrieb:
My advice: Always test new products first on an inconspicuous corner and use only warm water with a small amount of mild detergent for regular cleaning.

That’s definitely the safest approach, thanks for the tip!

I would also add that keeping indoor air humidity low helps. Constant high humidity can cause blistering or delamination over time on furniture with laminated surfaces. This should be avoided as much as possible – regular ventilation also helps with this.

By the way, there are also ready-made furniture care products specifically designed for laminated surfaces available on the market. They are gentle and offer additional protection against UV light, which can cause colors to fade. You can use them occasionally if needed – but sparingly.

And yes, when it comes to glass, it’s often underestimated that too much moisture trapped between the glass and the frame can cause stiffness or staining over time.