ᐅ KALLAX unit in the children's room rented out to a subtenant has been covered with stickers – how can they be removed?

Hello everyone,

I have a KALLAX shelf from IKEA in the children's room, where a little tenant has stuck colorful stickers on several walls of it. Now I’m wondering: What’s the best way to remove these stickers without damaging the surface of the shelf?

Some of the stickers are quite old and have stuck really well, so I’m a bit worried that peeling them off might leave residue or make the surface dull or damaged.

Has anyone had experience with such stickers on KALLAX (or similar smooth surfaces)? Are there specific products, tools, or tricks that work well and protect the surface? I’d prefer not to use harsh solvents right away before knowing what’s most suitable.

I look forward to your tips and advice!

hannesmar schrieb:
How can I best remove these stickers without damaging the surface of the shelf?

I know that all too well—these little artworks from kids are often made with love, but they can be quite challenging on furniture!

When I remove stickers, I usually start by using a hairdryer to gently warm the adhesive. This makes the stickers come off more easily and reduces the risk of damaging the surface. But, just like you, I’m always concerned about leftover residue.

If adhesive remains, I often gently rub the area with a bit of oil—like a few drops of baby oil or some olive oil on a cloth. That usually helps. Some people mention using isopropyl alcohol, but I’ve been cautious with that since I didn’t want to risk ruining the shelf.

I’m glad you’re thinking it through before you start—that’s the best way to protect your furniture in the end. 🙂

Hopefully, others with more experience will chime in!

Hey, this is exactly my topic! 🙂

Great that you described the problem so well, it really helps to provide useful answers!

I recently helped kids remove stickers from a similar shelving unit. My tip: a hairdryer works great! Just warm up the stickers thoroughly (30 to 40 seconds), then you can usually peel them off easily. If the sticker is stubborn, mix baking soda with a little water, apply the paste to the sticky spots, let it sit for a short while, and then wipe it away.

This is a little secret tip from me! 🙂

And don’t worry about peeling it off in small steps—that usually works well and protects the KALLAX shelving unit. Good luck!

Use a hairdryer + slowly peel off.

Wipe off adhesive residue with warm water + dish soap.

Do not use harsh solvents.

Tyrese schrieb:
A hairdryer works great! Just warm the stickers properly

That’s a good approach. I’d like to explain in more detail how to proceed to make removing the stickers as easy as possible.

First, the shelf should of course be dry and clean. Then set the hairdryer to medium heat and hold it about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) away from the sticker. The heat will soften the adhesive and reduce its grip. Don’t hold it too close, as plastic coatings or paint can be easily damaged.

After heating one spot for 30-40 seconds, carefully try to lift a corner of the sticker with a fingernail or a plastic card (e.g., an old credit card or plastic scraper). If the sticker is still stuck, simply apply heat again briefly with the hairdryer.

When peeling it off, pull slowly and evenly, not abruptly. This prevents adhesive residue from sticking behind.

If adhesive residue remains, I recommend applying a small amount of isopropyl alcohol (70%) to a lint-free cloth and gently rubbing the spot. KALLAX surfaces are coated with melamine resin—often acid-free and relatively resistant. Still, test the alcohol on an inconspicuous area first!

Afterward, clean with mild dish soap and water to protect the surface.

Very important: Do not use other solvents, acetone, nail polish remover, or aggressive chemicals, as these can damage and dull the plastic.

I hope this helps! What kind of stickers are they exactly? Paper labels or plastic stickers? That can sometimes make a difference.

Here is a step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare a hairdryer and set it to medium heat.

2. Heat the sticker with the hairdryer for 30-45 seconds.

3. Slowly peel off the sticker from one corner, heating further if needed.

4. Carefully remove any adhesive residue with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cloth.

5. Finish by cleaning with warm water and mild soap.

Common mistakes:

- Using too much heat – damages the surface.

- Peeling off quickly like a zipper – causes the sticker to tear or leave residue.

- Using overly aggressive solvents.

Important: Test on a hidden area first to avoid damaging the surface.