ᐅ What is the best way to clean IKEA Hemnes furniture in a household with children?

Created on: 5 Nov 2017 08:37
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Ottilieken
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Ottilieken
5 Nov 2017 08:37
Hello everyone,

I have some IKEA Hemnes furniture at home that, naturally, shows signs of wear, stains, and minor dirt due to having small children. Since I am particularly concerned about the material compatibility and want a gentle yet effective cleaning method, I wanted to ask how you best clean your Hemnes furniture, especially when you have young kids around.

What should one be careful about to avoid damaging the surface? Are there preferred cleaning agents or home remedies that are gentle but effective against fingerprints, spills (e.g., from juice or glue), and small scratches?

I’m also interested in any recommended routines for regular maintenance that do not discolor or harm the light-colored finish.

Looking forward to your tips and experiences!
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tutan
5 Nov 2017 11:05
Hey Ottilieken,

great question! The Hemnes series is fantastic, but yes – when it comes to kids, maintaining it can get tricky quickly. 😅

What you definitely want to avoid are harsh cleaners or abrasive sponges since the surface of Hemnes furniture is often painted or coated with a thin protective layer that can be damaged. I usually just use a damp microfiber cloth with very mild dish soap for light dirt or fingerprints.

For tougher stains like ketchup or juice, a mixture of water and a little vinegar essence works well, but use it sparingly and always test first on a hidden spot!

Here’s a little tip: If you occasionally polish the furniture with a bit of wax-based furniture polish, the surface stays nicely protected and looks well cared for.

Good luck with the cleaning! When the mess hits again, just stay cool 😉
G
giabau
6 Nov 2017 09:22
Hello Ottilieken,

I would like to respond to your question in a more structured way, as the topic of "optimal cleaning of Hemnes furniture in a household with children" involves several details that can easily be overlooked.

1. Material and surface:
Most Hemnes furniture is made of solid pine wood and is usually treated with a lacquer or a stain. This means the surface has some resistance to moisture but should still be handled carefully.

2. Cleaning steps:
- Regular dry dusting with a dust cloth or microfiber cloth to avoid fine abrasion.
- For fingerprints or sticky spots, use a damp microfiber cloth with lukewarm water and a pH-neutral soap (e.g., soft soap or mild dish detergent).
- Avoid aggressive cleaners containing solvents or ammonia, as these can damage the protective coating.
- For stubborn stains:
- A mixture of water and a few drops of white vinegar can help, but use sparingly.
- Marks from pens or glue can be treated with a special wood cleaner, always testing first on an inconspicuous area.

3. Drying:
Always wipe the surface immediately with a dry cloth after cleaning to prevent moisture damage and swelling.

4. Maintenance:
Regular care with furniture polish or pure beeswax, ideally every few months, increases durability and protects against minor scratches.

5. Additional tips for households with children:
- Place mats or washable pads on the furniture help protect the surface from liquids.
- Protect edges and corners with felt pads to reduce scratches during play.

I hope this structured guide is helpful to you.
R
Ryker66
6 Nov 2017 12:19
giabau schrieb:
Do not use harsh cleaners containing solvents or ammonia

I can confirm this.

Simply use lukewarm water with a small amount of mild dish soap and a soft cloth. For stains, use diluted vinegar water as described, but be very sparing.

Avoid abrasive cleaners and rough sponges.