ᐅ How can MALM surfaces be cleaned without losing their shine?

Hello everyone,

I would like to know the best way to clean the surfaces of Malm furniture without affecting the typical matte finish or causing the surface to lose its shine. I understand that harsh cleaning products or improper care methods can negatively impact the appearance of Malm surfaces, but I am looking for an effective method that preserves the condition and visual appeal over time. If you have any recommendations on which products or cleaning procedures work particularly well for Malm, that would be very helpful. I am especially interested in whether there are any special home remedies or if the IKEA care instructions are sufficient.

Thank you in advance!

It is best to use a damp, not too wet, microfiber cloth and a mild pH-neutral cleaner. Avoid alcohol and abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the furniture.

IKEA generally recommends using a soft, damp cloth without aggressive cleaning chemicals for MALM surfaces. It is important to avoid alcohol-based cleaners or solvents, as these can damage the surface protection and reduce the matte effect.

A simple pH-neutral all-purpose cleaner, diluted to the maximum extent recommended by the manufacturer, works well. Afterwards, wipe the surface with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent water spots and streaks.

To maintain the matte appearance, waxes or polishes should be specifically avoided, as they can alter the finish.

Hello Erikjan,

I completely understand your concern. MALM furniture has a specific surface composition due to its painted or laminated finish, which requires care without losing its matte appearance.

If you want to use surface cleaners, make sure they do not contain silicones or waxes. These often cause unwanted shine or change the texture.

Alternatively, you can use a mixture of lukewarm water and a small amount of mild dishwashing detergent. This cleans gently and leaves no residue. It is important not to make the cloth too wet to prevent moisture from penetrating.

For drying, I recommend wiping immediately with a dry cloth, preferably also microfiber, to avoid water spots and maintain the surface’s matte finish.

If you have stubborn stains, use a very mild cleaning agent, but always test it first on an inconspicuous area.

I hope this helps!

Donar34 schrieb:
do not use cleaning agents or solvents containing alcohol

Just to add: While this statement is generally correct, there are studies showing that certain concentrations of isopropanol in diluted form under controlled conditions do not damage the surface.

However, I want to emphasize that for the end user, the risk of permanently damaging the surface with inappropriate products is high. Therefore, it is more advisable to rely on proven mild cleaning agents.

Svenja7 schrieb:
Always wipe immediately with a dry cloth

This is a very important point. Often, streaks are left behind after wet cleaning, which can also give the impression of a loss of shine.

It is also worthwhile to use gentle motions with the cloth to avoid creating micro-scratches, since MALM now offers various surface finishes.

As an addition, I would like to mention that the MALM series offers various versions with laminated and painted finishes. The laminated surfaces have a thin protective film that is sensitive to solvents, while the painted surfaces have a more durable seal.

Accordingly, the cleaning recommendations vary:
- Laminated surfaces: Use only a lightly damp cloth. Avoid cleaning agents containing ammonia, alcohol, or solvents, as these can damage the laminate.
- Painted surfaces: Mild cleaning agents are permitted, but abrasive cleaners or waxes should never be used.

For both types, I recommend using a microfiber cloth and simple cleaning with water, optionally with a small amount of mild cleaner (e.g., with neutral pH).

Patience is advised when removing stubborn stains to avoid over-cleaning, which could damage the surface or diminish the matte finish.