ᐅ How can I clean the inside of an Ikea PAX wardrobe in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way?

Hello berkut61,

First of all, good decision to approach everything as gently and ecologically as possible. Regarding the topic you mentioned about vinegar on lacquered particle boards: In fact, vinegar can damage the surface if used repeatedly and in concentrated form, especially on delicate, lacquered, or melamine-coated surfaces.

My advice:

- Use a mild soap solution instead, preferably a natural soap like castile soap or an eco-friendly dish detergent, well diluted with water.
- Avoid soaking the cleaning cloth; dampen it only lightly.
- Wipe carefully to avoid leaving any standing moisture.
- Immediately follow up by wiping with a dry cloth – this is essential.

Additionally, you can treat the metal rods with a damp cloth and some lemon juice; this prevents oxidation and preserves the matte look without harsh chemicals.

berkut61 schrieb:
I had concerns about vinegar on lacquered surfaces – I wasn’t sure if it could cause damage or dull spots over time.

That is absolutely justified and often underestimated. For sensitive surfaces, I recommend this gentler cleaning method instead.

How often do you plan to clean approximately? That can affect the intensity.

berkut61 schrieb:
I was previously concerned about using vinegar on lacquered surfaces

I would also not recommend using vinegar on lacquered surfaces. A mild dish soap mixed with water is the better option here, followed by thorough drying.

Hey berkut61 and everyone else with Ikea Pax!

I really like that you want to clean the wardrobe in an eco-friendly way! Honestly, I always use a homemade spray made of water, a little bit of natural dish soap, and a drop of essential oil (e.g., lavender). It smells great and also helps protect a little against dust. The important thing is not to get too much liquid inside the wardrobe – I prefer to spray it onto the cloth rather than directly into the furniture.

For the metal rods, I sometimes rub them with a little olive oil. This keeps the surface smooth and prevents rust – plus it’s completely natural and non-toxic.

You can see: being environmentally friendly can be so simple! Keep it up!

Davidleo schrieb:
For the metal rods, I sometimes rub a little olive oil on them; it makes the surface nice and smooth and prevents rust.

That’s a great tip, Davidleo! Just a quick addition: please apply sparingly. Too much oil can attract dust and have the opposite effect. I also recommend making sure the metal rods are clean and dry before applying to create the best protective barrier.

berkut61 schrieb:
When cleaning, I also want to avoid leaving too much moisture because I’m worried about swelling. Do you have any experience with how to control the amount properly?

My advice: use the “double cloth” method – first wipe with a damp cleaning cloth, then follow up by wiping again with a second, clean, dry cloth. This ensures quick drying and protects the surface.

I’m also wondering, do you use the cabinet to store more delicate clothing? If so, a gentle cleaning process is especially important.

Many thanks to everyone for the detailed and practical tips!

I will now try using a mild soap solution and make sure to carefully control the moisture and wipe it off immediately. I really like the idea of using olive oil on the metal rods and will try it as well, but sparingly.

I clean the wardrobe thoroughly about every 3 months, and just lightly dust in between. The clothes in the wardrobe are mostly cotton and some wool items, so I don’t really expect any issues with odor or moisture buildup.

Thanks also for pointing out the risks of using vinegar on painted surfaces. This clarification is very valuable.

If anyone has any more advice, please feel free to share!