ᐅ Is it possible to use furniture oil for maintaining Kallax shelves?

Created on: 15 Jan 2023 09:37
B
Bagole
Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Kallax shelving unit from IKEA and am now considering the best way to maintain it, especially whether it is appropriate to apply furniture oil for its care.

I understand that Kallax is made from particleboard with a melamine coating, but there are also versions with a wood surface and apparently options to oil or at least maintain the unit to keep it looking good longer and reduce wear.

Does anyone have experience or recommendations on whether furniture oil is suitable, or if it might actually be counterproductive? What alternatives do you know for maintaining or protecting the surfaces?

I would really appreciate practical tips or warnings about any potential risks if using oil could cause damage. Thanks in advance!
M
Mufato
16 Jan 2023 10:33
Furniture oil is not recommended for Kallax units with a melamine coating. It usually leaves streaks and does not create a protective layer.

It is better to clean with a damp cloth and, if needed, use furniture care products specifically designed for plastic surfaces.
S
SANMAR
16 Jan 2023 12:45
Bagole schrieb:
I read somewhere that some people still use oils or waxes to create a kind of protective layer

That sounds like a desire to create something more durable and natural for the piece of furniture.

Unfortunately, such treatments do not work on melamine-coated surfaces, as others have already mentioned here.

But I understand that you want the best for your shelf! Perhaps a protective film, such as a clear cover or protective mat, could be an alternative to visibly reduce wear—without risking the surface.

Sometimes less treatment is the better care, so the high-quality coating does not suffer.
R
RETRAVIS
17 Jan 2023 09:11
SANMAR schrieb:
Protective film using sheets or mats as an alternative

That sums it up well. I would like to add: For Kallax shelves with melamine coating, mechanical damage (scratches, pressure marks) is the main issue. Cleaning agents cannot prevent this.

To protect them, it is advisable to use desk pads, fabric liners, or felt pads in the shelves if needed.

The surface is factory-made to be durable enough that no additional oiling is necessary. Proper cleaning and careful handling are usually sufficient.