ᐅ How do I clean IKEA HEMNES furniture in homes with pets?

Created on: 21 Oct 2016 19:23
T
Thorben38
Hello everyone,

I recently acquired several IKEA Hemnes furniture pieces for my living area, and I live in a household with pets (a cat and a dog). Unfortunately, pet hair regularly accumulates, and the furniture surfaces show signs of wear, including occasional scratches and moisture stains. My specific question is: How can I clean IKEA Hemnes furniture, especially those made of wood/pine wood, in homes with pets so that I effectively remove pet hair while avoiding damage to the material? Are there any special care products or recommended cleaning techniques you would suggest for this purpose? I would be very grateful for any tips to help keep the furniture looking good and functional for as long as possible.

Thank you in advance!
K
kaudi
22 Oct 2016 07:04
Good morning, Thorben38,

your question shows that you care about the condition of your Hemnes furniture – I think that’s great! Regular maintenance is really important in households with pets.

I have similar furniture and usually do the following:

- Removing hair: I use a slightly damp microfiber cloth or a special pet hair roller.
- Cleaning: I clean thoroughly with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner designed for lacquered surfaces, which does not damage the clear coat.
- Protective layer: Once a month, I clean the surfaces and then apply a furniture polish spray specifically made for lacquer finishes. This creates a water-repellent effect and reduces dust and hair adhesion.

Regarding moisture: It helps to use waterproof mats under the bowls and to wipe up any spilled water immediately. This also prevents the wood underneath the finish from swelling.

If you like, I can provide you with a list of suitable products. Would you like that?
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Thorben38
22 Oct 2016 08:19
kaudi schrieb:
If you like, I can provide you with a list of suitable products. Would you like that?

Yes, I would really appreciate that. I haven’t yet researched care and protective treatments properly, so recommendations would be very helpful. Products often recommended online can sometimes be contradictory or not specifically designed for painted pine wood. So a clear recommendation with an explanation of how it works would be great.

Also: How often should such a maintenance treatment ideally be applied if there are pets in the household and the furniture is used daily?
G
giabau
22 Oct 2016 09:47
Hello Thorben38,

I’m happy to provide you with a structured guide to help protect and maintain your IKEA HEMNES furniture in a household with pets.

1. Furniture Preparation:
- Remove pet hair using a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a soft microfiber cloth.

2. Cleaning:
- Use only slightly damp microfiber cloths with a pH-neutral cleaner suitable for lacquered surfaces, such as a mild wood cleaner.
- Avoid harsh chemicals and alcohol-based products to prevent damage to the clear coat.

3. Drying:
- After cleaning, thoroughly wipe all surfaces with a dry, lint-free cloth.

4. Protection and Care:
- Apply a furniture polish designed specifically for lacquered wood surfaces 1–2 times per month. This improves resistance to moisture and scratches.

Warning:
- Avoid letting water sit on the furniture.
- Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish.

Regarding recommended products, for example, mild wood cleaners from brands like “Dr. Beckmann” are suitable, as they are specially formulated for lacquered wood. For care, furniture wax or a lacquer care oil can be used to protect the surface.

Time Investment: Depending on usage, I recommend cleaning at least once a week, more often with heavy use and pets. Protective treatments should be done monthly.

I hope this helps!
K
kulau
22 Oct 2016 10:10
giabau schrieb:
Regarding recommended products, I can suggest wood cleaners from brands like "Dr. Beckmann," which are mild and specially formulated for lacquered wood.

This recommendation is very good. I would add that when cleaning, you should always test the product on an inconspicuous area first to see how the material reacts. Especially with HEMNES furniture, which is sold in different series and finishes, the types of lacquer can vary.

Also, regarding maintenance: Make sure not to leave oily or greasy residues, as these can attract dust and pet hair. Applying the cleaner sparingly is really important here.

You might also consider placing mats under pet bowls to minimize water exposure to the floor and furniture. This helps keep the entire area cleaner for longer.
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nedagla
22 Oct 2016 11:35
Wow, so many helpful tips here!!! I can only confirm what has already been said: consistency is key! If you regularly wipe the furniture with a damp cloth and remove pet hair immediately, you’ll be really lucky in the long run.

And don’t forget: small scratches and stains make the furniture unique and tell your pet’s story – I personally think that’s really great! ☺️🐕🐈
K
kaudi
22 Oct 2016 12:04
Thorben38 schrieb:
A specific recommendation along with an explanation of how it works would be great.

Gladly! Here’s a short list of products I personally recommend for lacquered wooden furniture when you have pets:

- "Dr. Beckmann Wood Care Wipes" – gently cleans, nourishes the lacquer layer, and adds a slight sheen.
- "Lignocolor Furniture Wax" – creates a protective wax layer, making the surface more resistant to scratches and moisture.
- "Bona Furniture Polish" – easy to apply, leaves no greasy residue, and protects against dust.

How it works: The cleaners remove dirt and hair residues, while the waxes and polishes lightly seal the surface and provide a water-repellent effect. This way, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your furniture.

Care frequency: For your usage scenario, cleaning 1–2 times per week is sufficient, and applying the care products monthly. Also, make sure to wipe up any spilled water immediately to avoid damage to the clear coat.