ᐅ How do I clean Ikea Platsa units with heavy use?

Hello everyone,

I have been using the Ikea Platsa cabinet intensively for some time now, especially in everyday life with children and pets. Due to frequent use and the variety of materials (wood panels, plastic fronts, metal hinges), I wonder: What is the best way to clean my PLATSA to keep it looking new and fully functional for as long as possible? Which cleaning methods or products are recommended, particularly with heavy use and increased dirt? Are there any special tips for maintaining the surfaces, drawer slides, and fittings that I should keep in mind?

I look forward to your experiences and advice!

Hello Maciej,

For cleaning the Ikea PLATSA cabinet under heavy use, I recommend the following approach:

- First, wipe surfaces with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth. This prevents dirt from being mechanically rubbed into the surface.

- For stubborn stains, mild, neutral cleaning solutions may be used, such as a small amount of dish soap mixed with water. Avoid acidic or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the coating.

- Metal hinges and drawer slides can be cleaned with a dry cloth; if needed, apply a small amount of fine machine oil (e.g., sewing machine oil) sparingly to maintain functionality.

- Avoid leaving water standing or soaking the surfaces, as this can cause the material to swell.

- Regular maintenance: after cleaning, wipe surfaces with a dry cloth and, if appropriate, treat them with a water-based furniture care spray.

This method has proven effective in extending the lifespan of the PLATSA furniture even with heavy use.

RENMA schrieb:
Avoid leaving water standing or soaking the surfaces, as this can cause the material to swell.

I can only confirm this from my own experience! For our PLATSA, I used a mixture of warm water and a few drops of dish soap, applying it with a soft cloth so it wasn’t too wet. Cleaning daily was much easier this way, and the cabinet still looks really good, even though it’s been in heavy use for a year.

Sometimes you hesitate to clean too aggressively because you’re afraid of causing damage. I was unsure at first, but this gentle method works better than scrubbing too hard.

Do you have tips on the best way to remove fingerprints or children’s marks without applying too much pressure?

Luciandi schrieb:
Do you have any tips on how to best remove fingerprints or smudges from children without applying too much pressure?

Use a damp microfiber cloth, no cleaning agent needed. Just wipe gently; it removes fingerprints effectively.

Maciej schrieb:
Are there any special tips for maintaining the surfaces, drawer slides, and fittings that should be considered?

A specific tip: Silicone sprays are ideal for drawer slides and hinges because they neither attract dust nor cause stickiness. They ensure smooth operation of the mechanism over the long term.

The surfaces of the PLATSA are melamine-coated. Therefore, avoid using aggressive cleaners, as they can damage the protective layer, leading to faster wear.

In addition to cleaning, I recommend applying furniture wax or a suitable care product for melamine-coated surfaces, possibly once a year. This maintains the shine and protects against new stains.