ᐅ How do I care for Ikea Hemnes furniture when there are pets in the house?

Created on: 28 Feb 2021 19:23
L
Lagochen
L
Lagochen
28 Feb 2021 19:23
Hello everyone,

I recently have several Ikea Hemnes furniture pieces in my living room, and I have a problem because I have pets in the house—specifically, two cats who like to scratch furniture and sometimes leave small marks with their claws. Since Hemnes furniture is mostly made of solid wood and has a special finish, I’m wondering how to best care for it while protecting it from damage.

Are there proven methods to protect the wood or remove minor scratches without harming the furniture with harsh cleaning products? What care products would you recommend if you have pets that often use their claws around the furniture? And how do you generally handle cleaning the surfaces to keep them durable and looking good?

I’m looking forward to tips and tricks that are especially suitable for Ikea Hemnes—particularly when there are pets in the household. Thanks in advance!
N
nedagla
28 Feb 2021 20:07
Hey Lagochen, great topic you brought up! 😊 I have two cats myself and a Hemnes sideboard. The most important thing is to clean it regularly with a dry or slightly damp cloth to prevent dirt and dust buildup that can cause scratches.

For the scratches: I treated small marks with a wood-colored furniture wax – this fills the scratches and makes them look much better!

A tip: Prevent your cats from scratching directly on the surface by placing scratching boards or special alternatives nearby. This way, you can keep your furniture looking nice for longer.

You’ve got this! 🙂
J
Jaime
28 Feb 2021 21:42
Hello,

I would like to point out that Hemnes furniture is made from solid pine wood, which is relatively soft and shows scratches quite easily. The surface is usually lacquered or oiled, which affects maintenance.

My tip for cleaning is to use only mild cleaning agents – for example, a mixture of warm water and a drop of dish soap. Harsh chemicals can damage the finish.

To protect against scratches, I recommend using a wax-based furniture polish sparingly, which nourishes the wood and forms a protective layer. For scratches, wax sticks in matching wood colors are suitable and can effectively conceal minor damage.

Additionally, I would suggest using some techniques to train your cats to avoid the furniture as much as possible.
G
gasidney
1 Mar 2021 08:14
Dust regularly, avoid using harsh cleaning agents. Repair scratches with furniture wax. Distract cats with scratching boards.
T
TEBILO
1 Mar 2021 10:58
Good morning,

to optimize the care of Ikea Hemnes furniture while considering pets such as cats or dogs, I recommend a multi-step approach:

- First, identify the type of surface treatment on the furniture. Hemnes pieces are usually finished with clear lacquer or oil. Use clean, lint-free cloths to clean the surface—preferably regularly with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth.

- For cleaning, lukewarm water with a mild household detergent is suitable. Avoid alcohol or solvents as they can damage the finish. Clean quickly and avoid soaking the wood to prevent swelling.

- For scratches: use color-matched furniture touch-up markers or professional wood repair kits. These typically contain waxes or oils that can restore the wood surface without harming the finish.

- Protective measures: if your pets like to scratch, consider applying invisible protective films or scratch-resistant coatings on furniture surfaces. Alternatively, stable covers made from plexiglass can be custom-cut and discreetly installed by a carpenter or at a specialty store.

- Additionally, integrating toys for cats is helpful. Make sure there are enough scratching posts or pads near the furniture to minimize damage.

I’m curious how your cats interact with the furniture and whether they often scratch directly on the Hemnes pieces or more beside them. That naturally influences the best approach!
G
Gilbert
1 Mar 2021 12:33
I have to be honest: If you have Hemnes furniture and pets, you usually have to accept minor wear and tear.
TEBILO schrieb:

- Protective measures: If your pets like to scratch, you should cover the furniture surfaces with invisible protective films or scratch-resistant coatings.

To me, this sounds like an admission that the furniture is not very durable when it comes to pets. And then protective films on top of that? For me, that takes away the charm of the natural wood finish that you expect from Hemnes.

Maybe it’s better to simply accept that living with pets means the furniture will age naturally, including small scratches and dents. If you don’t want that, you should probably avoid solid wood furniture or keep it only in pet-free rooms.