ᐅ How do I clean Billy bookcases when dealing with stubborn dirt?

Created on: 29 Oct 2023 08:17
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BIMIN
Hello everyone,

I have a question about cleaning my Billy shelves from IKEA. Over time, different types of stubborn dirt have accumulated, especially stains from dried liquids and dust that has really settled in.

I have already tried regular cleaning wipes and mild dish soap, but that is not enough to get the surfaces properly clean without worrying about damaging the material.

How can I effectively clean Billy shelves with stubborn dirt so that the shelves don’t get damaged and the paint or surface stays intact as much as possible? Are there any special cleaning products or techniques you would recommend?

Thanks in advance for your tips!
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koduga
29 Oct 2023 14:47
I understand that cleaning can sometimes be really frustrating, especially when dirt has set in deeply.

Sometimes it also helps to be patient and spread the cleaning process over several stages. Save smaller areas for later and work on them with some breaks in between to avoid rushing and to protect the materials.

Has anyone tried natural home remedies that might also be environmentally friendly? I urgently need sustainable alternatives and would appreciate any tips.
D
dijan
29 Oct 2023 15:33
koduga schrieb:
Has anyone ever tried natural home remedies that might also be eco-friendly?

Yes, I like to use a paste made from baking soda and water. I apply it to the affected areas, let it sit for a few minutes, and then wipe it off with a damp cloth. It doesn’t damage the surface and works very well on dried stains! 😊

Give it a try—it's affordable and environmentally friendly.
J
juMira46
30 Oct 2023 09:12
I can only agree with the tips about the vinegar-water solution and baking soda, but here is a small additional trick:

Make sure the cleaning cloth is only damp, not wet, to prevent water from seeping into the joints of the shelves, which could cause swelling or warping.

Also, always dry the wood or laminate thoroughly afterward—ideally by immediately wiping it down with a dry microfiber cloth.

This helped me keep the color and texture of the surface looking good for a long time. 🙂
S
Santi
30 Oct 2023 11:45
In short:

1. Remove dust
2. Clean with mild detergent and a damp cloth
3. Treat stubborn dirt with a vinegar solution
4. Wipe everything down with clean water
5. Dry

No harsh cleaners, no scrubbing!
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BIMIN
31 Oct 2023 08:20
Thank you all for the many helpful tips!

I will especially try the suggestions with vinegar water and the baking soda paste. I will carefully test the advice about the melamine sponge, but first on an inconspicuous area.

I also find the recommendation to clean with controlled moisture and immediately wipe dry extremely important.

If I have any further questions or want to share the results, I will gladly post them here.
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lyndon
1 Nov 2023 09:55
BIMIN schrieb:
If I have any more questions or want to share the results of using the product, I will happily post them here.

That sounds good. If you notice the surface becoming dull or developing light scratches when testing with the melamine sponge, I would recommend sticking to gentler cleaning methods.

As always: it's better to clean gently multiple times than to clean too harshly once and risk damaging the surface.