ᐅ KALLAX shelf constantly getting dusty – cleaning tips?

Created on: 6 Feb 2024 08:23
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elbasan30
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elbasan30
6 Feb 2024 08:23
Hello everyone,

I have a KALLAX shelf unit from IKEA, which I actually find very practical, but I notice that this shelf constantly gets dusty. No matter how often I wipe it down, after just a few days there is a visible layer of dust on the shelves or inside the compartments.

My question to you is: What are your best cleaning tips or methods to keep the KALLAX shelf as dust-free and clean as possible? Do you use any special products or techniques to prevent or minimize dust? Tips on how often to clean would also be great. Thanks in advance!
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Ramon4
6 Feb 2024 08:47
Hello elbasan30,

I’m very familiar with this issue. KALLAX shelves are made of fiberboard with a plastic foil that attracts dust. My tip: use a microfiber cloth for daily cleaning, as it’s great for picking up dust. For weekly cleaning, I use slightly damp cloths, but not too wet to prevent the surface from swelling.

It’s also helpful to bend back the back panel and regularly dust behind it, as a lot accumulates there. For the compartments, I often place wipeable mats, which reduce dust settling directly on the shelf surface.

How often you need to clean also depends on your living space. In rooms with a lot of air movement and open windows, more frequent cleaning is necessary. If the shelf is in the bedroom, regularly airing out the room and reducing dust traps like rugs can also help.
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BOMILAN
6 Feb 2024 09:12
In short: Regularly wipe off dust with an antistatic cloth to significantly reduce dust buildup. Do not use aggressive cleaning agents when cleaning.
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Dustin
6 Feb 2024 09:39
I occasionally spray some glass cleaner onto a cloth and wipe the surface. This attracts less dust than dry wiping.
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elbasan30
6 Feb 2024 10:07
Ramon4 schrieb:
Use wipeable mats for the compartments

Can you recommend which materials or mats work well? I was thinking of something thin and easy to clean but that doesn’t take up too much space.
Dustin schrieb:
I spray glass cleaner onto a cloth and wipe with it

Don’t you use a microfiber cloth then? And have you had good experience with that, since you often read that glass cleaner can damage the surface?
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Nathanaelk
6 Feb 2024 11:51
Very interesting topic! There are mainly two factors to consider when cleaning the KALLAX shelf:

1. Due to the material, the plastic coating often attracts static electricity – meaning dust is almost magnetically drawn to it.
2. The design with open compartments also promotes dust accumulation.

My detailed suggestion:

- Use anti-static cleaning wipes specially made for plastic surfaces. These wipes neutralize static charge and prevent dust from settling quickly again.

- If you don’t have such wipes, you can carefully vacuum the dust before wiping with a damp cloth. This removes loose dust before it builds up into a layer.

- For cleaning itself: prepare a solution of warm water and a mild dish soap, then wipe with a well-wrung microfiber cloth. Afterwards, dry immediately.

- To maintain the effect, it’s recommended to clean the shelf at least once a week and occasionally empty the compartments completely to reach corners where dust tends to collect.

Besides these tips: could you say something about your room climate? For example, whether you have pets, many plants, or how well ventilated the space is? This also has a significant impact on dust levels.