ᐅ What is the best way to care for IKEA Hemnes furniture in a household with pets?

Hello everyone, I have a question about the best care for IKEA Hemnes furniture, especially in a household with pets. Our apartment is home to two cats, which tend to scratch the furniture and cause wear on the surface from hair and small dirt particles. Beyond regular cleaning and maintenance, I am particularly interested in methods or products that can help make the light surface of these wooden pieces more durable without damaging or altering the wood’s character. Are there any tips on how to protect the furniture from scratches or how to best treat them if signs of wear appear? Thank you very much for your experiences and recommendations!

Hello ralphla, I have had good experiences with a systematic care routine, especially when there are pets in the household. Here is my three-step suggestion:

- Regular cleaning: Wipe the furniture weekly with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove dust, pet hair, and dirt. Avoid excessive moisture, as the wood can swell.

- Surface protection: For Hemnes furniture, I recommend using a suitable furniture wax or wax-based wood oil that protects the surface and reduces minor scratches. Important: Do not use varnish or harsh cleaning agents.

- Scratch prevention: Cats like to scratch. I have found it helpful to apply protective films to prominent areas or use scratch-resistant covers. Also, regularly provide scratching posts; otherwise, the furniture often catches the claws.

A common mistake is cleaning furniture with too much water or using aggressive cleaners that damage the finish. Applying too much care oil can also soften the surface and make it more sensitive. If scratches occur, you can touch them up with color-matched wax sticks or polish, but carefully.

I hope this helps you!

Use only a dry microfiber cloth for cleaning and, if necessary, a little lukewarm water. For protection, use a furniture wax that does not create a glossy finish. To prevent cat scratches, the best solution is scratching posts.

For the optimal care of IKEA Hemnes furniture in homes with pets, I recommend the following points:

- Hemnes is made of lacquered pine wood. Harsh cleaning agents or abrasives can damage the surface, so please use only mild, pH-neutral cleaning products.

- Regular dusting prevents the buildup of pet hair and dirt, which can cause micro-scratches through friction.

- To reduce scratches from cats, in addition to scratching posts, placing decorative protective covers in high-traffic areas is advisable.

- For minor scratches, there are special furniture polishes designed for lacquered wood that can diminish superficial damage.

- I would only use oils or waxes if the furniture is untreated or oiled. Hemnes furniture is usually lacquered, so wax can smear the surface.

These recommendations are based on material analyses by the manufacturer and practical experience from many users in pet households.

I can completely understand how frustrating it can be to use Hemnes furniture with cats. Our three indoor cats have also left scratches from time to time, which was sometimes quite stressful for me. What helped, besides the tips already mentioned, was intentionally placing the furniture in less accessible areas and providing alternative climbing options.

PAREL schrieb:
Cats like to scratch. I have had good experiences applying protective films in exposed areas or using scratch-resistant covers.

I also tried that – a transparent protective film is really helpful because it’s barely noticeable and keeps the furniture intact. Admittedly, it’s not the most elegant solution, but better than constantly replacing items.

Do you have any other ideas on how to lovingly protect furniture without it looking too intrusive?

Pets + light wood furniture = an adventure! 😄 From my experience, a combination of regular care and a few simple tricks can really save the furniture. A few tips:

- After cleaning, gently wipe the furniture with a care cloth containing some beeswax – this helps preserve the shine and provides protection.

- Filing your cat’s claws can help reduce scratch marks (although, not all cats tolerate that 😅).

- And: A bit of patience! Natural signs of use are part of it and make the home feel alive.

If anyone has tips for notoriously impatient cat owners, feel free to share!