ᐅ My Kallax develops gray streaks from sunlight – any cleaning tips?

Hello everyone,

I recently have an IKEA Kallax shelf in my apartment that, unfortunately, developed gray streaks in some areas after prolonged exposure to sunlight. These streaks almost look like the surface is faded or damaged in those spots.

I mainly use the shelf to store books and decorations. The areas with gray streaks are exactly where sunlight hits the shelf directly—not all day, but for several hours.

Now my question is: What cleaning methods or care tips would you recommend to make these gray streaks disappear or at least less noticeable? I definitely don’t want to damage the surface or leave unsightly residues.

Does anyone have experience with this issue? Maybe suitable cleaning products or home remedies? Or is this a case for repairing and repainting?

Thanks for your advice!

Try using a mild soapy water solution and a soft cloth. Avoid using harsh cleaners or abrasive materials. If that doesn’t help, you can gently buff the surface with a furniture polish cloth.

Hello Laufu,

your description suggests discoloration caused by UV exposure, which can especially affect lacquered or melamine-coated surfaces like those on Kallax. These grey streaks might be due to either fading or deposits.

My advice: first clean the shelf with a lint-free, lightly dampened microfiber cloth and use a mild dish soap. Avoid harsh cleaners, as they can further damage the surface.

If it’s only surface deposits, a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar can help dissolve any possible limescale buildup. Please test this first in an inconspicuous area!

If that doesn’t work, you can also try furniture care products made specifically for laminate or melamine, which can restore some shine and help conceal minor discolorations.

A small tip: try to avoid placing the Kallax in direct sunlight to prevent this kind of damage.

Laure57 schrieb:
Discoloration due to UV radiation

That is very likely, and I wonder how well the surface of Kallax is actually protected against UV light. IKEA products are often designed for cost-effective manufacturing, which doesn’t always align with long-term durability.

I believe cleaning agents alone won’t provide a permanent solution here, as the structure and material may already have been altered by sun exposure.

Perhaps replacing the damaged parts or applying some kind of protective film could help if the sun exposure cannot be changed.

When cleaning, do these streaks appear lighter or darker? And are they just visually annoying, or can you also feel a change in the surface texture?

I completely understand your dilemma, Laufu. Especially when a piece of furniture is a permanent part of your home, it’s frustrating when sunlight leaves marks on it. I also noticed that you’ve already considered avoiding damage to the surface.

I would recommend starting patiently with mild cleaning agents, as some have already suggested. And if you find that the streaks don’t really improve, perhaps you could move the Kallax to a different spot or use curtains/blinds to filter the sunlight.

Sometimes it also helps to apply a color-matched protective varnish or a special furniture care product to the piece to protect the surface and slightly even out the color.

I hope you manage to save the shelf so you can feel comfortable with it again!

If you plan to replace the shelf soon anyway, I wouldn’t recommend any major cleaning efforts. But if it needs to last: rub in some elbow grease with a soft cloth and then polish. It costs nothing and often gives a good result.