ᐅ How can I maintain Ikea Pax high-gloss fronts without scratching them?

Created on: 11 Jul 2024 09:34
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Robo10
Hello everyone,

I am specifically looking for advice on how to care for Ikea Pax high-gloss fronts to prevent scratches as much as possible. The surface is very delicate, and I would especially like to know which cleaning products and methods are effective without damaging the high-gloss finish. It would be great if you could also share your experiences with specific products or home remedies and maybe point out common mistakes to avoid, such as using rough cloths or inappropriate sprays. Additionally, I am interested in the best way to remove fingerprints without scratching the surface, as I have often had trouble with this. Thank you in advance for your detailed recommendations!
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Joe52
12 Jul 2024 10:48
I completely understand how much care is needed when cleaning, otherwise the beautiful high-gloss surface quickly ends up looking scratched, as if it had been sanded.

What helps me is really not trying to do too much at once. It’s better to wipe often and gently rather than doing a big cleaning that can quickly cause scratches.
flo-Theres schrieb:
a special polish for high-gloss surfaces

Do you have any experience with which polish is specifically recommended for Ikea Pax? I’ve always been cautious and didn’t want to make any mistakes.

Thanks in advance!
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Domau0
12 Jul 2024 15:02
Very interesting discussion so far – I would like to go into more detail because I have had a similar piece of furniture for years and also pay attention to scratch resistance.

Technically, the high-gloss front of Ikea Pax is usually made of a multi-layer lacquer or foil on an MDF board. The lacquer layer is relatively thin, which means even the smallest dirt particles caught between the cloth and the surface can cause minor scratches.

Therefore, it is crucial:

- Before cleaning, always wipe the front dry with a dust-free microfiber cloth to remove loose particles.
- When wiping, do not use circular motions but always wipe in one direction to reduce fine scratches.
- If you use a mild cleaner, apply it first to the cloth, never spray it directly onto the furniture.
- After cleaning, quickly polish again with a dry, clean microfiber cloth.

Regarding the difficult issue of fingerprints: The natural chemistry of our fingers is usually slightly oily and leaves residues. I have had very good results with a mixture of water and a few drops of vinegar – this is usually enough for cleaning and keeping the surface streak-free.

A question for you, Robo10: Do you have pets, or is the furniture placed in particularly high-traffic areas of the household? That could also affect cleaning.
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lyndon
13 Jul 2024 07:51
An important aspect that is often underestimated is water quality. Hard water quickly leaves unsightly streaks on glossy surfaces, which can appear like scratches when drying.

For this reason, I recommend either filtering the water used for cleaning or using distilled water. In my experience, this combined with microfiber cloths works best.

Additionally, it is essential to keep the cloth always clean, as embedded dirt can damage the surface.
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koduga
13 Jul 2024 09:20
Domau0 schrieb:
Do you have pets, or is the piece of furniture located in particularly busy areas of the home?

Great question! Pets often bring in fine particles or crumbs that can easily cause scratches.

In such cases, I would also recommend increasing the frequency of cleaning and making sure to thoroughly remove any abrasive particles.

And in general: be patient when cleaning, especially with delicate surfaces. I often felt like I wasn’t making much progress – but if you keep at it, the furniture really looks great.

Maybe try starting with just water and a microfiber cloth, and increase your cleaning steps later once you feel comfortable.