ᐅ How do I clean IKEA Hemnes furniture when I have pets at home?

Created on: 13 Nov 2018 07:38
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Fikretmi44
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Fikretmi44
13 Nov 2018 07:38
Hello everyone,

I own several IKEA Hemnes furniture pieces in my apartment and have two pets, a dog and a cat. Since the furniture is mostly made of lacquered pine wood, I’m concerned about how to best remove stains, pet hair, scratches, and possible odors without damaging the surface.

Could you please provide specific tips on how to clean Hemnes furniture effectively in a household with pets? Which cleaning products are suitable, what should I avoid, and how should I handle the removal of pet hair and potential scratches?

Thank you very much for your help!
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fugolo
13 Nov 2018 08:47
Hello Fikretmi44,

regarding your question about how to keep IKEA Hemnes furniture clean when you have pets at home, I would like to recommend a structured approach:

- First, regularly vacuum or remove loose pet hair using a special lint roller to avoid unnecessarily scratching the wood surface.
- For cleaning, use a damp but not dripping microfiber cloth, as excessive moisture can damage the painted wood.
- Avoid aggressive cleaners or harsh abrasives, as these can damage the finish.
- If you have stains (such as saliva or scratches), you can use specialized wood care products or oils suitable for painted wood.
- For minor scratches, light furniture wax or a touch-up marker in a matching color often helps. Apply carefully.
- To deal with odors, I also recommend washing the cushions or blankets in pet areas and ensuring proper ventilation.

In summary: regular hair removal, gentle damp cleaning, no harsh cleaning agents, and targeted wood care products for damage. This way, your Hemnes furniture will stay beautiful for a long time, even with pets.

If you would like more specific product recommendations, I can gladly provide brand names.
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Dopoki
13 Nov 2018 12:23
fugolo schrieb:
For cleaning, a damp but not dripping microfiber cloth is recommended, as excessive moisture can damage the lacquered wood.

This is an important point.

Regarding pet hair: some suggest using a rubber glove technique because static electricity attracts hair well. However, these gloves should be clean and dry to avoid leaving residues.

As for cleaning agents, it is essential that they are pH-neutral. Products containing ammonia or alcohol can damage the finish or leave dull spots.

I would also add that regular checks for scratches are advisable since pet hair can settle in these areas and make the furniture look worn over time.

Summary:
- Use a damp microfiber cloth
- Use rubber gloves for removing hair
- Use pH-neutral cleaners
- Apply furniture care products specifically to damaged areas

This approach is fact-based and helps reduce long-term damage to Hemnes furniture in homes with pets.
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anno58
14 Nov 2018 09:11
Hello Fikretmi44,

I would like to add a few practical tips that have worked well for us with a dog and cat:

1. We usually remove pet hair with a vacuum cleaner that has a special brush attachment. This makes it easy to reach edges and corners.
2. For cleaning the surface, it’s best to use warm water with a mild detergent. Wring the cloth out thoroughly to avoid applying too much water to the wood.
3. To hide minor scratches, you can use furniture touch-up markers in a matching color, which are often available at places like IKEA.
4. For stubborn odors, placing bowls with baking soda or activated charcoal near the furniture can help.
5. Avoid placing furniture in direct sunlight or in damp areas, as both can further damage the wood.
Dopoki schrieb:
pH-neutrale Reiniger

I fully agree with this, as acidic or alkaline cleaners are not suitable for lacquered wood.

I hope this helps!
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chenga
14 Nov 2018 11:02
Wipe off pet hair using rubber gloves, do not wet them.

Use a slightly damp microfiber cloth for cleaning.

Avoid harsh cleaning agents as they can damage the finish.

Use furniture touch-up markers for scratches.
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JAPLO
15 Nov 2018 18:37
Fikretmi44,

to remove pet hair from Hemnes furniture, it is recommended to use a cleaning foam specifically designed for wood, which is residue-free and protects the surfaces.

It is important not to use cleaners containing ammonia, as these can damage the finish. In households with heavy use, regular treatment with an appropriate wood care product is advisable to seal the finish and protect against moisture.

For scratches, I suggest starting with furniture wax before using a touch-up pen, as the latter often remains visible if applied incorrectly.

Finally, repeated airing and cleaning of textiles around the furniture helps prevent unpleasant odors.