ᐅ My white KALLAX is developing dark streaks – does anyone know of a polish or cleaner that can help?

Hello everyone,

I have a white KALLAX shelving unit that I really like because of its simple MDF board—it fits perfectly in my apartment. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed that the white surfaces develop unsightly dark streaks quite quickly. These are probably caused by everyday use, such as placing items on it or touching it with slightly dirty hands. Now I’m looking for an effective polish or suitable care product that can brighten the white surfaces again and remove the dark streaks without damaging or visibly altering the finish.

Does anyone know of a polish specifically suitable for furniture like the KALLAX shelving unit? It’s also important to me that the product is not too aggressive so it doesn’t harm the surface. I look forward to your experiences and tips!

Hello Klayael,

Regarding your issue with the dark streaks on the white KALLAX, I can provide you with some detailed advice.

First of all: KALLAX shelves are mostly made of melamine-coated engineered wood panels (MDF), which are quite resistant to moisture but can still get stains from mechanical wear and dirt.

The streaks could be caused by dirt, slight color abrasion from objects, or even grease. Therefore, I recommend starting by gently cleaning the surface with a mild cleaning agent, such as a pH-neutral dish soap mixed with water. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratches.

For polishing: Special furniture or plastic polishes containing silicone are suitable for melamine surfaces. These can slightly refresh the surface and lighten dark streaks without leaving a visible film. Examples include polishes like “Polytrol” or plastic care products, as they are not too aggressive.

Important tip: Always test the polish on an inconspicuous area first to avoid color changes. After polishing, wipe the surface thoroughly and optionally buff with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any residue.

One more question: Are the streaks mostly superficial, or do you see small scratches? Polishing only helps to a limited extent with scratches.

If you’d like, I can also provide you with a step-by-step guide for cleaning and maintenance.

Hi Klayael,

I often clean my white KALLAX with a simple mix of water and a few drops of vinegar; this works well to remove dark streaks. Afterward, wipe it down with a dry cloth to avoid any streaks.

If you're looking for something polish-like, try a silicone-based furniture polish, which protects and refreshes the surface nicely.

bapar schrieb:
Polish with silicone content for melamine surfaces can refresh the surface and remove dark streaks

That is correct. In addition, I recommend using a non-abrasive microfiber cloth for application to avoid scratching the surface.

The dark streaks often result from abrasion caused by dark plastic materials or metal parts rubbing against the white surface. An important point is to avoid cleaning the surfaces with overly aggressive household cleaners or harsh solvents, as these can damage the melamine coating.

Also, be careful not to clean with excessive moisture, since standing water between the edges can cause swelling of the MDF core.

In summary:

1. Clean the surface using a mild detergent and a soft cloth.
2. Use a silicone-containing polish for light stains.
3. Buff with a dry microfiber cloth afterward.

This way, you achieve proper maintenance and preserve the appearance of the white KALLAX shelf unit.

Klayael schrieb:
I have noticed that quite quickly unsightly dark streaks appear on the white surfaces

These dark streaks are often abrasion-related discolorations, which also occur on other white furniture with melamine-coated surfaces. For gentle removal, I recommend a very fine cleaning paste, such as a mixture of baking soda and water, applied carefully with a soft cloth.

Joshbe schrieb:
The dark streaks often result from abrasion caused by dark plastic materials or metal parts

I would like to add that colored ink or dust can also be the cause. When choosing polishes, make sure they do not contain additional dyes to avoid creating yellowish or grayish layers.

If you want long-lasting care, polishes with anti-fingerprint properties are recommended, as they nourish the surface and also reduce re-soiling. Such products are available specifically for laminate and melamine.

Finally, I recommend drying the surfaces thoroughly after cleaning to prevent moisture damage.