ᐅ Are there any tips for maintaining the white surfaces of Ikea BESTA units?

Hello everyone, I recently purchased an Ikea Besta shelving unit with white surfaces and am now looking for advice on proper care. The surfaces are usually melamine-coated or lacquered, which can be delicate, especially for white furniture that can easily discolor or get scratched. Does anyone have experience or recommendations on how to clean and maintain white surfaces optimally without causing dullness or marks? Are there specific cleaning products, care tips, or things to avoid? Best regards!

I use a damp microfiber cloth for my white BESTA surfaces and a little mild dish soap for stubborn stains. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals, as they can quickly cause unsightly scratches.

I completely understand how frustrating it can be when you put in effort and the white surfaces still get damaged. I have the same shelf and often worry about scratches or discoloration. What helps me a lot is wiping it down immediately after use and not letting liquids or stains sit on it for too long. Sometimes I make a small paste from water and baking soda to remove stains but always use it carefully. Does anyone else have experience using baking soda on these kinds of surfaces?

Hello Guillaumel, it’s great that you are addressing this topic so precisely. When it comes to caring for white BESTA surfaces, there are indeed some important points to keep in mind. Generally, these surfaces are melamine-coated, which means they are relatively durable but not scratch-resistant.

- In general, I recommend avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive pads, as these can damage the surface.
- For daily cleaning, warm water with a drop of dish soap and a soft cloth works well. Afterwards, wipe dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots.
- For tougher dirt, you can try a special furniture or laminate cleaner that does not contain polish or wax.
- It is also important to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the surface to yellow.

If you notice edges or discoloration, this may be caused by products that leave color rub-off (e.g., rubber, plastic mats). These should be avoided if possible or removed immediately.

If you like, I can also give you some tips on how to repair small scratches, if that would be helpful for you.

I would add that you shouldn’t underestimate Ikea’s specifications even for such furniture. The melamine coating is durable but by no means indestructible.

PeoDaniel schrieb:
to avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause the surface to yellow.

I am skeptical about that. Especially with white materials that don’t contain UV stabilizers, light does indeed cause yellowing, but...

- Is Ikea’s melamine coating really that susceptible?
- Are there reliable tests or reviews on this?

Also: What about cleaning agents that contain alcohol or ammonia? Are these really discouraged by Ikea or rather by users? I once read that some cleaners work well in the short term but can damage the material in the long run.

So the question is also: How do you assess the balance between cleaning effectiveness and material stress? Especially when it comes to "maintenance," it’s important not to get the impression that the furniture needs to be treated so cautiously that you’re basically not allowed to use anything on it anymore.

To clarify: I have also seen cleaning products that contain ammonia, and I agree with theo63. It’s better to avoid those.

I stick to water with dish soap and maybe a little diluted vinegar essence if necessary.