ᐅ How to Clean Malm Furniture – Which Cleaner to Use?

I recently purchased some furniture from the IKEA Malm series, which typically features a foil coating. My question is, which cleaning product or cleaner is best suited for these surfaces to avoid damage while keeping them clean?

Many pieces of furniture are usually recommended to be cleaned with microfiber cloths and mild cleaners, but I’m uncertain if aggressive cleaners might dissolve or dull the foil on the Malm furniture.

Does anyone have experience with suitable cleaners or perhaps use special products or household remedies? Tips for dealing with stains or smudges would also be appreciated. Thank you in advance!

kuanuschka schrieb:
My question is, which cleaning agent or cleaner is best for treating these surfaces so they don’t get damaged while staying properly clean?

Hey, I can tell you from my own experience: For the Malm series, I usually just use warm water with a mild dish soap and a soft microfiber cloth. It’s simple, doesn’t harm the surface, and reliably removes everyday dirt.

I think harsh cleaners or abrasive agents are a no-go for foil-covered furniture, as they can quickly cause unsightly marks.

If there are stubborn stains, sometimes a little glass cleaner works for me, but use it very sparingly and always test it first on an inconspicuous spot. That way, the nice matte finish stays intact. 🙂

meGreg schrieb:
In my opinion, aggressive cleaners or abrasive agents are a no-go for foil furniture

Interesting point, but I think foil coverings are overrated anyway. Of course, you will always have to deal with scratches and stains, no matter what you use. I would argue that a bit of cleaning aggressiveness actually benefits the furniture more than it harms it, because otherwise you tend to build up a greasy film that dulls the surface.

So: Be a little bolder with your cleaning agents, not just water. Why always be so cautious?

Therefore, my view is: Being completely gentle doesn’t help in the long run. You do have to ‘attack’ it a bit. But yes, no steel wool or anything similar – know your limits.

GEKAU51 schrieb:
A bit of aggressive cleaning does more good than harm to the furniture

This approach should be reconsidered carefully. Malm furniture from IKEA is coated with a thin film that is sensitive to alkaline or abrasive cleaning products.

It is recommended to use cleaners with a neutral pH level (around pH 6-8). Solvents should also be avoided, as they can dissolve the film.

My tip: Use a microfiber cloth lightly dampened with warm water and a small amount of dish soap. For stains, a 70% isopropanol-water mixture can be applied gently, but only after testing on an inconspicuous area and not too frequently. Any chemical treatment increases the wear on the film and can lead to discoloration or peeling over time.

letar schrieb:
Microfiber cloth slightly dampened with warm water plus a small amount of dish soap

Exactly, that’s my motto!

And to add something practical: Avoid using harsh scrubbing tools; even the softest microfiber cloths can sometimes be too abrasive when they are dirty. Changing or rinsing the cloth regularly helps a lot.

Be careful with water marks as well – dry immediately after cleaning to prevent unsightly stains.

With just a little effort, the furniture stays beautiful for a long time, and you avoid unnecessary chemical products. 🙂