Q: I bought (and love) some IKEA Stuva pieces for my older daughter's room. She has a large window on one wall and it worked out perfectly, by measurements, to fit 3 Stuva desk/ benches underneath, in a row (similar to above photo). My question is, since she's using the benches more as desks, what's the best way to prevent markers, glue, sparkles, you name it, from embedding themselves in the surface? It's important to me to encourage her creativity without chasing after her with sponges, or looking over her shoulder to make sure she 'stays on the paper'. Any ideas? Thanks!
Sent by Ziva
Editor: First (and you probably already do this) buy washable markers/paints/crayons whenever you can! Readers, do you have any Stuva or similar Ikea laminate pieces and have suggestions for cleaning them/keeping them clean?
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Soft scrub.....
maybe try covering the surface with drawer liner? they're removable and come in clear or pretty patterns
1) Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
2) Make a cover out of oil cloth or heavy weight plastic?
3) Chalkboard paint on the surface
clear contact paper?
My son uses a laminate VIKA tabletop and we've had ZERO stain problems. It's seen paint, crayon, stamps, markers, glues, everything and it's still going strong. Even if I catch something days afterward it always comes up. Now, granted, he doesn't get to use Sharpies or anything, but if he did I'm confident a Magic Eraser would get it up. I don't think you'll have much of a problem with staining, to be honest.
When I was little my parents got me a clear plastic office style mat to go over my idea desk. I could put pictures underneath since it was clear. It helped keep the desk from getting stained or scratched so I had it until well after college. Office supply stores have plenty of options http://www.staples.com/Artistic-Krystal-View-Desk-Pad-Clear-17-x-22/product_78371?cmArea=SEARCH
Spot check the Magic Eraser first. It will sometimes dull shiny or slick surfaces.
All my laminate IKEA stuff has been really easy to keep clean with just soap and hot water.
What about getting some plexiglass cut to fit the top of the laminate?
Go back to Ikea and get the desk top clear plastic top sold in the home organization section. Ohdeedoh featured it as a large place mat for the table. I bought it for the exact purpose, to cover my daughter's Ikea desk top.
I have oodles of IKEA in my home and I have found 2 things that work. For laminate baby wipes take off nearly everything without doing any harm. For my wood pieces I use a cloth and furniture polish, both have worked well at removing stains without leaving damage.
Baby wipes are great! Magic Erasers are miraculous. Use em all the time at home and work on IKEA stuff.
Glue is a tough one, sometimes you just gotta use elbow grease with that one. However, I have several ikea white laminated pieces and baby wipes work great to remove most things. Any stubborn spots I use the Mr Clean Magic Eraser! (Awesome for marks that get on the wall too)
I definitely agree with the suggestion to get a clear top for it. I had a desk when I was growing up that had glass on top (Plexi would also work just fine), and it allowed me to decorate the desk top, and keep the wood in perfect condition.
Thanks everyone! I greatly appreciate your confidence in the Magic Eraser - which it looks like Ill have to use a lot more often ;)
And the clear desk top idea from IKEA - or plexiglass - are also great ideas that I'll look into. I've discovered, the hard way, that not all washable markers are equally washable, but I'm happy to have some creative alternatives. Ill be sure to update!
Best wishes all readers, Ziva
We have a laminate Ikea table in our kitchen, and I've found that baking soda with a bit of warm water and a non-scratch sponge gets out any tough marks or dinginess like magic.
Gojo (it's a pumice hand cleaner in the auto department) gets Anything off of my Ikea desk...even permanent marker! I love it so much that I wrote an entire blog post showing how well it works.
http://www.cleansmartsimplestyle.com/2013/03/keepin-it-clean.html