ᐅ How can Malm furniture be cleaned easily?

Created on: 21 Jun 2016 14:13
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heide6
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heide6
21 Jun 2016 14:13
Hello everyone, I have a question about practical cleaning of Malm furniture from Ikea. I’ve noticed that despite regular care, dust, small stains, or grease marks still appear on the surface, especially on white versions where it is very noticeable. I’m interested in how to clean Malm furniture easily and effectively without damaging the material or causing dull spots. Do you use special cleaning products, or are simple household remedies enough? And what exactly is your approach, especially for more stubborn dirt? I look forward to your tips and experiences!
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Pome60
21 Jun 2016 15:07
Hey heide6, great question! 😊 I usually clean my Malm dressers with just a slightly damp, soft cloth and a bit of mild soap – it’s really quick and doesn’t leave any streaks.
heide6 schrieb:
wie man Malm Möbel leicht und effektiv reinigen kann, ohne das Material zu beschädigen oder stumpfe Stellen zu riskieren

That’s really important! Harsh chemicals should be avoided because they can damage the surface. If there’s something more stubborn, I gently use a microfiber cloth with some vinegar water (one tablespoon of vinegar per liter of water). It’s worked great for me—no scratches and everything looks fresh again!

Give it a try, it’s really simple and effective ;-) Good luck!
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naudan
21 Jun 2016 16:45
Hello heide6, I completely agree and would like to add: Malm furniture is usually made from coated particleboard, which means you should avoid abrasive cleaning products when cleaning.
Pome60 schrieb:
Harsh chemicals should be avoided, otherwise the surface will suffer.

That's perfectly put.

I generally recommend first dusting the furniture with a dry, soft cloth. Then you can dissolve a mild dish soap in warm water and dip a soft cloth into it, wring it out well, and wipe the surface. This method removes stains effectively without damaging the finish.

If this gentle method is not enough, a vinegar-water solution (20–30 ml vinegar per 1 liter (34 fl oz) of water) can help with grease stains or residues. However, use it sparingly, avoid wiping too wet, and dry the surface after cleaning to prevent moisture from seeping in.

I would avoid using abrasive cleaners, alcohol, or similar products, as these can cause the coating to become dull or spotty. It is also important to never use rotating cleaning devices, as they are too harsh.
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piBenedi41
22 Jun 2016 09:29
Hello heide6, I completely understand how frustrating it is when you want to keep your furniture clean, but dust and stains hardly come off. I had the same issue with my white Malm drawers.
naudan schrieb:
dissolve mild dish soap in warm water and dip a soft cloth in it

I have tried that too, but sometimes I worry that too much water soaks into the edges, causing the furniture to swell or the coating to peel. That’s why I started wringing my cleaning cloths very well and drying quickly to minimize the risk.

I’m curious: do you have any experience with special furniture care products for laminate or coated surfaces? You don’t want to risk damaging the material with the wrong products in the long run... I think sharing tips here would be really helpful, especially if everyone could share their best-practice solutions. 🙂
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glapu
22 Jun 2016 11:03
Hello,

Dampen a cloth, use a mild dish soap, wipe, and then dry. For stubborn stains, use a little vinegar water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals.
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kepunau
22 Jun 2016 12:56
I really love this simple everyday tip 😊: just take a microfiber cloth, lightly spray it with water, and wipe over the furniture. No streaks, no hassle, and the surface shines like new again!
piBenedi41 schrieb:
Sometimes I worry that too much water soaks into the edges

I know that feeling all too well! That’s why I try never to use wet cloths, only well-wrung ones. It’s almost like yoga for furniture care – lots of feeling and patience! 😉

And for those who prefer a looser approach: add a drop of dish soap to the water and then wipe down. Important: don’t leave it sitting, or you’ll get ugly marks. But hey, this way you can quickly and almost effortlessly get the job done. Good luck and enjoy cleaning!