ᐅ KALLAX Doors Difficult to Clean – Material Issue?

Created on: 22 Feb 2021 08:37
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Melih33
Hello everyone,

I have been using KALLAX shelves from IKEA with the matching doors for some time, and I have unfortunately noticed that the doors are much harder to clean in everyday use than I expected. Particularly stubborn stains, small scratches, and especially the matte plastic seem to make cleaning unnecessarily difficult.

My question is therefore: Is the issue with the KALLAX doors primarily related to the material used and its manufacturing process, or are there specific cleaning methods that I might have overlooked?

It is important to me that the material remains durable over time and is not damaged by improper cleaning. Has anyone had similar experiences or can provide an assessment of the material issue? Thanks!
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BEATE
22 Feb 2021 13:17
Be careful with vinegar, as it can darken certain surfaces depending on the material. It is better to clean with warm water and a mild detergent.

After cleaning, wipe dry immediately to prevent water spots.
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Linavin
22 Feb 2021 14:22
Leonardteo schrieb:
It is indeed due to the material of the KALLAX doors.

This is a common perception, but the material factor should be considered in more detail. MDF with a melamine coating is generally durable and widely used.

The real issue often lies in improper cleaning, such as using harsh chemicals or abrasive tools. Acceptable problems sometimes only arise from incorrect maintenance.

It would be interesting to know if there are users who have owned KALLAX doors for years without experiencing any cleaning problems.
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TELAHAU
22 Feb 2021 15:09
Simply do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they can make the surface streaky or rough. A soft cloth with water is usually sufficient.
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Melih33
23 Feb 2021 08:02
Thank you for the previous responses; they have already been helpful.
Linavin schrieb:
It would be interesting to know if there are users who have had KALLAX doors for years and still experience no cleaning issues.

I have been using the doors for about two years now and have noticed a significant decline in how easy they are to clean. I especially observed that the surface coating seems to become more porous or dull over time, which causes stains to adhere more.

Do you know if the material degrades over time or if other environmental factors (e.g., humidity, sunlight) might cause this? I would like to assess whether I should adjust my cleaning method or consider replacing the doors.
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Leonardteo
23 Feb 2021 09:27
Melih33 schrieb:
Whether the material degrades over time or ... is caused by another environmental condition?

Over time, the melamine resin layer can become more brittle due to exposure to UV radiation and temperature fluctuations. Additionally, dirt can accumulate in the texture, which becomes harder to remove.

Moisture can also affect the material if edges remain wet for extended periods. Therefore, regular gentle cleaning followed by immediate drying is recommended to extend its lifespan.
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semuneo
23 Feb 2021 11:39
I also realize that in households with children or pets, surfaces naturally experience more wear and tear.

This is due partly to frequent contact with hands or pet hair, and partly to careless use.

Preventive care might help, such as regular maintenance of plastic surfaces or a protective spray that additionally seals the surface.

Of course, this requires some effort, but it prevents frustration during cleaning.