ᐅ How can I protect Ikea Brimnes furniture during renovations?

Hello everyone, I am about to undertake a renovation in my apartment where my Ikea Brimnes furniture—specifically a bed frame and several dressers—need to be well protected. Since the renovation will be quite extensive, involving sanding walls, dust generation, and occasional rearranging, I would like to know the best way to protect my Brimnes furniture from damage and dirt.

Are special covering materials recommended? Should all the drawers be completely removed or just secured? Are there practical tips to prevent scratches on the surface, especially since the furniture has a white melamine-coated finish?

I look forward to your experiences and recommendations, including advice on the best cleaning products for aftercare of the furniture following the renovation.

Simply cover the furniture with plastic sheeting and blankets. Remove drawers and store them separately. Use painter’s fleece to protect against liquids and paint splatters. After renovation, clean the furniture surfaces with a damp cloth and mild dish soap. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents.

Since your Brimnes furniture has a melamine surface, caution is necessary as it is prone to scratches and not very heat-resistant. The best protection during renovations starts with proper preparation:

- Use breathable protective covers, such as painter’s plastic sheeting or special furniture fleece, to keep dust and moisture away. Avoid waterproof plastic sheets, as they can easily damage the surface or cause discoloration due to condensation.
- Remove all drawers, especially when dust is generated. Taking out drawers protects both the furniture as a whole and the mechanisms from dirt, keeping them functional.
- To prevent scratches, place felt pads or soft fabric under decorative items or when moving furniture pieces.
- When working on walls or sanding, maintain distance to avoid paint splatters or dust. Secure painter’s fleece with tape at the edges to minimize dirt on the furniture.

Regarding cleaning agents, definitely use solvent-free cleaners and never use abrasive sponges to avoid roughening the surface. A microfiber cloth and warm water with a few drops of dish soap are ideal. If you have any specific questions about the renovation, for example whether you need to wipe walls with a damp cloth or expect very dusty sanding work, feel free to ask!

PIN66 schrieb:
Since your Brimnes furniture has a melamine surface, caution is advised because it is scratch-prone and not very heat-resistant.

I can only confirm that; last fall during my apartment renovation, I had similar furniture and unfortunately got a scratch on a dresser – that really hurt!

I would also recommend ventilating the room as often as possible during the renovation, because moisture combined with dust can cause unpleasant discoloration.

Additionally, I am a big fan of well-padded furniture covers, which you can buy separately at IKEA or other furniture stores. These not only protect against dust but also cushion impacts if something bumps against them.

If you have someone to help, make sure to do regular inspection rounds yourself to check that everything stays properly covered. A bit of caution also helps you stay alert about potential damage.

Ah, renovations and furniture – it’s like walking on a tightrope, isn’t it? 😅 Especially the white Brimnes furniture can really test your patience and care.

My tip, with a wink: treat your furniture to a kind of "wellness program" before and after the renovation. Cover it well beforehand, of course, and when you take out the drawers, you might even feel like an archaeologist on a treasure hunt when you put them back in later.

Even if it’s a bit time-consuming, a few old, soft cotton cloths or extra furniture covers are worth their weight in gold – you can throw them over the furniture all day and still quickly move them aside when needed.

And after all the stress: a gentle final clean with a soft cloth and a mild cleaner will make your furniture shine again. They will definitely appreciate it and look their best. 😊

Hello sinlo, I think your question is very important because during renovations, besides dust and paint, mechanical damage to furniture often occurs. I would like to give you a brief overview based on my extensive experience with IKEA furniture:

- Completely cover furniture, preferably with a breathable painter’s fleece, which prevents dust deposits and is easy to handle
- Remove drawers and store them separately; this reduces the risk of warping and damaged runners caused by dust or moisture
- Avoid placing furniture directly against freshly painted walls to prevent adhesion or paint stains
- Always handle furniture gently during necessary rearrangements; consider attaching felt pads under furniture legs
- After renovation, clean gently with lukewarm water and mild dish soap, then wipe dry immediately

If you like, I can also give you tips on choosing suitable protective materials or explain what to watch out for when storing drawers. Good luck with your project!