ᐅ What is the best way to maintain BILLY shelves in a children's room?

Created on: 20 Jan 2020 08:17
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prailirian
I have a few Billy shelves from IKEA in our children's room and was wondering how to best maintain them so they stay durable and clean. Since they are used by children, dust, fingerprints, and sometimes small scratches or adhesive residue from stickers tend to accumulate. I would like to know which cleaning products are recommended, whether special care products can be used, and how to handle the shelves gently to avoid damaging the surface. Additionally, I am interested in any tips to protect the shelves from wear and tear. How can Billy shelves in a children's room be properly maintained to keep them clean, undamaged, and well cared for over time?
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nera59
21 Jan 2020 08:47
Regarding your question about adhesive residue: I recommend first carefully removing the label or sticker by hand or with a plastic scraper (no metal!). If any adhesive remains, you can lightly dampen a lint-free cloth with isopropanol (rubbing alcohol, available at pharmacies) and gently wipe off the residue.

Make sure to test this on an inconspicuous area first to check if the surface tolerates the treatment. If there is any negative reaction, it is best to avoid this method. Afterward, clean the area with a lightly damp cloth without any cleaning agents to ensure no residue remains.

This approach is gentle and more effective than using harsher solvents or scraping.
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SUPE2
21 Jan 2020 09:22
I always apply a little olive oil to the adhesive residue, let it sit for a while, and then everything comes off easily. But don’t use too much, or the surface will become greasy.
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gaubla
21 Jan 2020 10:45
For clarification:
nera59 schrieb:
Moisten with isopropanol (rubbing alcohol) and gently wipe off the residues.
is correct but should be used sparingly.

Alternatively, commercially available citrus-based cleaners can be suitable as they dissolve adhesives while being less aggressive on the surface compared to solvents like acetone. However, I always recommend testing on a hidden area first.
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Khalil
21 Jan 2020 15:33
This is great, so many tips here! 🙂 I’ve personally had good experiences with BILLY shelves in the kids’ room by dusting them at least once a week and using these simple household remedies. I also once attached thin felt pads to the edges of the shelf boards to prevent wear from toys. This helps the shelves stay in good condition longer! 🙂 Cool that you’re sharing this here!

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