ᐅ Are you experiencing streaking on your Kallax panels after applying the plaster product?

Created on: 16 Oct 2015 14:37
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Sheaman
Hello everyone, I have a question that has been on my mind for a while: Have you noticed streaks or smears on the surface of your IKEA Kallax shelves after using certain cleaning products? I usually clean my Kallax with common all-purpose cleaners, but the result often looks blotchy, especially if the shelf doesn’t dry immediately or if I use a microfiber cloth. I’m particularly interested to hear if others have had similar experiences and if there are any recommendations for cleaning agents that work better to avoid streaking. It would also be helpful to know whether the issue is caused by the material itself or by the cleaners used and how they are applied. Looking forward to your opinions and advice.
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ANFIKE
17 Oct 2015 09:04
I also had problems with streaks. Afterwards, I cleaned with vinegar water, which works great for me because it removes limescale and other deposits that would otherwise remain visible as streaks.
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Sheaman
17 Oct 2015 11:23
onfebe schrieb:
Have you ever tried cleaning with water and a bit of dish soap?

Yes, I have tried that. However, it didn’t always result in a streak-free finish, especially if I didn’t dry the surface immediately afterward.
dusujan schrieb:
Maybe letting the cleaning agent sit for a short time and then wiping with a damp cloth could help.

That’s a good tip. I usually dry everything right after cleaning, but maybe wiping with clean water afterward is crucial. By the way, you’re right—cleaning product residues seem to be the issue.

I’ll try your vinegar water suggestion next time! Does anyone have tips on how to prepare microfiber cloths to avoid streaks?
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relupa
17 Oct 2015 12:41
I can fully understand how frustrating this is. You want to clean the piece of furniture, but it ends up looking worse than before. What helped me was using special cleaning wipes designed for smooth surfaces and applying cleaning products very sparingly. It’s also important to keep the cloth clean—if it gets too dirty or too wet, those streaks are even more likely to appear. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you find the best method!
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alvalo
17 Oct 2015 13:58
For clarification: The Kallax shelf from Ikea has a melamine-coated surface, which should be relatively easy to maintain. However, due to its texture and slightly matte finish, certain residues may become more visible under light. I recommend using mild, pH-neutral cleaning agents designed specifically for melamine-coated furniture. Additionally, after cleaning, it is advisable to polish the furniture with a dry, lint-free cloth to avoid any residues remaining. Microfiber cloths are popular, but sometimes they can pick up residues and redistribute them, so occasional washing or rinsing is helpful.
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lideo
18 Oct 2015 08:27
I have made it a habit to clean the Kallax with a bucket of lukewarm water and a splash of dish soap, then immediately dry it. Since then, there have been no streaks.
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Sheaman
18 Oct 2015 09:16
alvalo schrieb:
Microfiber cloths are popular, but sometimes they can trap residues and then redistribute them

That really made me think, as I often reuse the same microfiber cloth several times without washing it in between. It’s quite possible that this causes residues to build up.
ANFIKE schrieb:
Vinegar water works great for me

That tip was excellent—I tried vinegar water yesterday, and the shelf actually looks better, with fewer streaks.

I want to thank everyone here for the tips. Is there anything else I should generally avoid when using cleaning products to prevent damaging the surface of the Kallax?

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