ᐅ How do I clean MALM surfaces after renovation work?

Hello everyone, I renovated my apartment last week and had Ikea Malm furniture in the living area, which unfortunately is now dirty with dust, paint residue, and some adhesive spots. After removing the large debris, I’m wondering how to best clean the surfaces without damaging or affecting the light melamine coating. Are there any specific cleaning products or home remedies that have proven effective, especially after renovation work where stubborn dirt like wall paint or fine sanding dust can be present? It’s important to me that the cleaning is thorough but gentle. I look forward to your tips and experiences!

fartu schrieb:
How can I best clean the surfaces without damaging or affecting the light melamine coating?

That is the key question. I doubt that household remedies are always gentle on paint residues. Have you checked whether the paint is water-soluble? Only then would I consider wet cleaning at all. Otherwise, a cleaning agent conflict between the paint and the surface can quickly occur. Mechanical removal might be the only option, followed by continuing with a mild cleaner.

Hello fartu, for cleaning melamine surfaces after renovation work, I recommend first gently removing dust and coarse particles with a soft cloth or duster. For paint residues, it is important to determine whether the paint is dry or still wet. In the case of dried splashes, a special plastic cleaner might sometimes help without damaging the surface.

For pure melamine surfaces, avoid harsh solvents and abrasive cleaners. A tip from me is to use a mixture of warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap. Gently wipe with this and then thoroughly dry with a clean cloth to prevent water spots. If the surfaces still appear dry and dull, a care product for laminated furniture can help protect the surface and restore its shine. Good luck! 🙂

Paint residues are best wiped off with lukewarm water and mild dish soap. Do not use abrasive cleaning agents.

Use a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap. If there are stubborn paint spots, carefully test with isopropanol. Always test first in an inconspicuous area.

Kenon70 schrieb:
be careful when testing with isopropanol

Interesting, but how do you define careful? You don’t want to damage the surface permanently. It would be helpful to include dosage or application instructions here; otherwise, the advice is of limited use.