ᐅ What is the best way to clean IKEA Malm furniture – any tips?

Created on: 14 Mar 2018 18:37
T
Tinege
T
Tinege
14 Mar 2018 18:37
Hello everyone,

I have a few IKEA Malm furniture pieces at home, mainly dressers and nightstands, that I would like to clean gently but thoroughly. My question is: What is the best way to clean IKEA Malm furniture without damaging the surface?

I know that Malm is mostly made of particleboard with a laminate finish, so I am cautious about using cleaning products and water. Are there any specific methods or home remedies that have proven effective? Also, I am interested in any maintenance tips to keep the furniture looking like new for longer—such as the proper way to deal with dust, stains, or perhaps occasional oiling or waxing?

I look forward to your recommendations and practical advice!
D
Deoren
14 Mar 2018 19:06
Hello Tinege,

It's simple: Use a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth for dusting. For stains, use water with a few drops of mild dish soap, but do not apply it wet—wring the cloth out thoroughly first. Then wipe again with a dry cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasives, as they can damage the surface.
I
Ianlau
15 Mar 2018 07:54
Hello Tinege,

I’d like to share some additional tips for cleaning IKEA Malm furniture. The surface of these pieces is laminated, which means it is fairly sensitive to moisture. Therefore, you should avoid letting water sit on the surface for extended periods.

For daily cleaning, a slightly damp microfiber or cotton cloth works best to remove dust and light dirt. For stains, you can use lukewarm water with mild soap or a few drops of dishwashing detergent, but be sure to wring the cloth out thoroughly, as Deoren mentioned.

It is also important to never use harsh cleaners like ammonia, alcohol, or abrasive products. These can roughen or discolor the laminate.

Regarding maintenance: Malm furniture does not have treated wood surfaces, so oiling or waxing is neither necessary nor recommended. In the worst case, this could damage the laminate or leave stains.

Additionally, the furniture surface should never be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme heat, as this can cause the laminate to fade or warp.

In summary: gentle cleaning with mild products, minimal water, and no waxing or oiling.

I hope this helps 🙂
L
LIELCHEN
16 Mar 2018 21:22
Deoren schrieb:
Avoid harsh cleaners or abrasive agents, as they can damage the surface.

That’s exactly the point!

I find it quite interesting how often people assume that just because it says "wood furniture," you can use any cleaner or quickly wipe it with a mop. Malm is not solid wood; the particleboard with the laminate is much more delicate. That’s why the well-known "furniture wax" or "wood oil" is more counterproductive than helpful for Malm. These products are often recommended blindly, without considering the actual material properties.
Ianlau schrieb:
Malms have no treated wood surfaces, so oiling or waxing is neither necessary nor recommended.

I completely agree.

Personally, I’ve had good results using a slightly damp microfiber cloth, which removes dust effectively without harming the lacquer or laminate surface.

One more tip: If you temporarily place something on the surface, such as a damp vase, always use coasters! The laminate can develop unattractive water rings that usually cannot be removed afterwards.

Just a thought to keep in mind – when caring for furniture, you shouldn’t just use what’s supposedly "for wood." The material composition really matters!