ᐅ How can I protect IKEA Hemnes furniture from scratches?

Hello everyone, I have several IKEA Hemnes furniture pieces in my apartment, mainly dressers and cabinets made of lacquered pine wood. Unfortunately, they are prone to scratches, which quickly affect their somewhat rustic appearance. My question is: How can I best protect my Hemnes furniture from scratches without losing the natural charm or covering the surface with various plastic protectors? Are there proven care methods or protective products specifically suited for this type of wood and finish? Maybe also practical everyday tips, such as what to keep in mind when moving furniture or handling sharp objects. I would appreciate it if you could share your experiences and recommendations!

Simply stick furniture glides under the legs to protect the floor from scratches and make moving easier. For the surfaces, I use furniture wax or special wood care products that refresh the finish and create a protective layer. Also, avoid placing sharp objects directly on the surface, as this is usually the main cause of scratches.

Hello usluli, to effectively protect Hemnes furniture from scratches, it is important to understand the surface characteristics and material. Hemnes is usually made of solid pine with a lacquer coating that offers some durability but is also sensitive to mechanical stress. Therefore, I recommend a multi-step approach:
- First, clean regularly but only with mild soapy water or special wood cleaners to avoid damaging the protective lacquer.
- For protection, I use a high-quality furniture wax or maintenance oil specifically designed for lacquered wood surfaces. This creates an additional layer that prevents or conceals minor scratches. It is important that the product is approved for lacquered furniture because some oils can dissolve the surface.
- Use felt pads under vases, lamps, or decorations to prevent abrasion.
- When moving the furniture, place sliders underneath to avoid scratches.
- In general, do not place sharp or pointed objects like keys or knives on the furniture, as this is often a common cause of scratches.

I am also curious if the furniture is subject to heavy use, for example from pets or children? This would slightly adjust my recommendations.

usluli, I read your question with interest and would like to offer a small practical tutorial that has proven effective for my Hemnes furniture over the years: 1. Surface preparation: Clean the furniture carefully with a damp, soft cloth and mild soapy water. Avoid aggressive cleaning agents and abrasive sponges. 2. Applying a protective layer: After drying, I apply a thin coat of furniture wax with a soft cloth. The wax absorbs into the surface and leaves a light, durable layer that prevents many fine scratches. 3. Felt pads: Under items like flower pots or vases, I recommend soft felt pads that prevent movement and micro-scratches. 4. Avoid damaging furniture when moving: Always lift furniture instead of dragging or sliding it, as this protects both the floor and the surface of the furniture. 5. Touching up small scratches: For existing fine scratches, I use special touch-up markers or wax sticks that match the Hemnes color. This is a simple, inexpensive way to disguise scratches discreetly. 6. Regular maintenance: I repeat the wax treatment once every quarter. This keeps the surface durable and preserves the natural wood charm. Common mistakes are: - Placing sharp objects directly on the surface without protection. - Using cleaners with high alkali or alcohol content that damage the finish. - Moving furniture without protective pads under the legs. If you like, I can also share the exact product names I use.

Kenon70 schrieb:
For surface care, I use furniture wax or special wood treatments that refresh the finish and create a protective layer.

I find these common recommendations not always sufficient. It’s unrealistic to expect furniture wax to work wonders under "heavy use." Sure, it can reduce minor scratches, but with daily use—such as in homes with children or pets—it’s mostly cosmetic.

Laukau5 schrieb:
When moving furniture, use sliders underneath to prevent scratches.

This is a good, but rather naive tip you often get from furniture sellers.

My provocative viewpoint: If you really want to avoid scratches, you should either choose furniture with more durable surfaces or accept that signs of wear are inevitable.

Protective films or glass tabletops may not be the most aesthetic solutions, but they do provide genuine protection. If you reject that, you have to see surface care as a necessary routine and avoid overstraining the furniture.

What do you think—is it realistic to keep Hemnes furniture completely scratch-free, or is that wishful thinking?