ᐅ What is the best way to clean IKEA Platsa units to remove fingerprints?
Created on: 26 Feb 2017 08:23
R
rigla45
Hello everyone, I have a rather specific question that comes up often in everyday use with my IKEA Platsa system: What is the best way to clean it when fingerprints appear on the surfaces?
It is important to me that no materials get damaged and that the surface does not become dull, as I suspect that the smooth fronts are quite sensitive. Are there any specific cleaning products or home remedies that should definitely be avoided? Ideally with an explanation of why.
I am mainly interested in:
- Which cleaning product is suitable for effectively removing fingerprints?
- What is the recommended cleaning method in general (application, cloths, temperature)?
- What should I be careful about to ensure the furniture remains in good condition over time?
I look forward to your experiences and tips!
It is important to me that no materials get damaged and that the surface does not become dull, as I suspect that the smooth fronts are quite sensitive. Are there any specific cleaning products or home remedies that should definitely be avoided? Ideally with an explanation of why.
I am mainly interested in:
- Which cleaning product is suitable for effectively removing fingerprints?
- What is the recommended cleaning method in general (application, cloths, temperature)?
- What should I be careful about to ensure the furniture remains in good condition over time?
I look forward to your experiences and tips!
P
pauPierce27 Feb 2017 07:42I’d like to add some technical details, as Platsa surfaces often consist of melamine resin-coated particleboard:
- The melamine coating is quite durable but sensitive to solvents used to remove grease and fingerprints.
- Glass cleaners often contain ammonia, which can temporarily enhance shine but may weaken the polymer chains over time—so they should not be used routinely.
- Vinegar essence has a pH of about 2-3, which can gradually damage the surface and cause it to become dull, even though it is a common home remedy.
- For stubborn fingerprints or grease, a mild dish soap or a product with a pH-neutral formula is recommended.
- For cleaning: use a soft cloth (microfiber or cotton); avoid textured sponges or abrasive materials.
- Liquids should be wiped dry immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots or swelling.
If you like, I can suggest specific product examples from the furniture cleaning category. What type of dirt do you encounter most often? Just fingerprints or greasy smudges as well?
- The melamine coating is quite durable but sensitive to solvents used to remove grease and fingerprints.
- Glass cleaners often contain ammonia, which can temporarily enhance shine but may weaken the polymer chains over time—so they should not be used routinely.
- Vinegar essence has a pH of about 2-3, which can gradually damage the surface and cause it to become dull, even though it is a common home remedy.
- For stubborn fingerprints or grease, a mild dish soap or a product with a pH-neutral formula is recommended.
- For cleaning: use a soft cloth (microfiber or cotton); avoid textured sponges or abrasive materials.
- Liquids should be wiped dry immediately after cleaning to prevent water spots or swelling.
If you like, I can suggest specific product examples from the furniture cleaning category. What type of dirt do you encounter most often? Just fingerprints or greasy smudges as well?
pauPierce schrieb:
If you want, I can suggest more specific product examples from the furniture cleaning sector.That would be really helpful, thanks!
Most of the time, it’s actually just regular fingerprints, sometimes small grease spots, for example when I’ve touched something with fingers that had kitchen residue, which makes it slightly sticky.
So far, the surface hasn’t dulled, which I find very positive.
I definitely want to avoid the film becoming dull or stained over time.
If you also have tips on how to handle the cleaning wipes, please share – whether some are especially suitable or others I should avoid.
Hello rigla45! It’s great to see you focusing on maintenance that lasts and keeps things looking good 🙂
Regarding cleaning cloths: microfiber cloths are excellent! They absorb grease very well and won’t scratch the surface. I would avoid paper or rough cloths, as they can cause tiny scratches.
As for cleaning agents, stick with mild dish soap diluted in water. If you need something more effective, there are furniture care products designed specifically for laminated surfaces that both clean and gently protect.
Important: always wipe gently without applying too much pressure. Fingerprints are usually soft, so no scrubbing or rough rubbing—it won’t help 😉
Good luck with the cleaning and fighting those fingerprints!
Regarding cleaning cloths: microfiber cloths are excellent! They absorb grease very well and won’t scratch the surface. I would avoid paper or rough cloths, as they can cause tiny scratches.
As for cleaning agents, stick with mild dish soap diluted in water. If you need something more effective, there are furniture care products designed specifically for laminated surfaces that both clean and gently protect.
Important: always wipe gently without applying too much pressure. Fingerprints are usually soft, so no scrubbing or rough rubbing—it won’t help 😉
Good luck with the cleaning and fighting those fingerprints!
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