ᐅ Removing Stains from IKEA Malm Nightstand – Home Remedies?

Hello everyone,

I’ve noticed some stains on my IKEA Malm bedside table that won’t come off with regular cleaning. The surface is coated, and I definitely want to avoid damaging it with harsh cleaners. So my question is: does anyone know effective home remedies or gentle methods to remove stains from the IKEA Malm bedside table without harming the wood or the coating? I would appreciate any tips, especially those based on natural or common household products that have proven effective in everyday use.

Hello, try using a mixture of water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio. Gently wipe the stains with a soft cloth, then thoroughly wipe again with a damp cloth to prevent the vinegar from soaking in.

When cleaning IKEA Malm nightstands, it is important to note that the surface is usually made of laminated wood. Harsh cleaning agents should be avoided to prevent damaging the seal.

Home remedies that have proven effective include:
- Lukewarm water with mild soap
- Vinegar-water mixture (1:1), as mentioned earlier
- Glass cleaner, but avoid letting it sit on the surface for too long

Never use abrasive cleaners or strong chemicals. Wiping with a microfiber cloth is also recommended to avoid scratches.

KAULIS schrieb:
An important point when cleaning IKEA Malm nightstands is that the surface is usually made of laminated wood.

Of course, the surfaces are laminated – but I still wonder if the whole “gentle” treatment is a bit exaggerated. A little scrubbing with a mildly abrasive sponge has never damaged the finish for me; it only removed the stains. Especially when dealing with coffee stains or similar, water with vinegar isn’t always enough.

You shouldn’t be too cautious, or you’ll be stuck with the stains forever. 😉 Just avoid overdoing it with harsh chemicals.

I completely understand the dilemma of cleaning furniture. I went through the same with my Malm nightstand, where I initially felt frustrated because the stains from the coffee cup coaster wouldn’t come off.

What helped me was patience and small trials using gentle home remedies. My advice is to start with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and only if needed, try a vinegar-water mixture (1:1). Afterwards, always wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to avoid leaving the wood unnecessarily damp.

Sometimes a bit of persistence helps, but always proceed gradually to avoid damaging the piece of furniture.

Thanks in advance for the initial responses.

My stains are actually more from oil or makeup, so they’re a bit more persistent. That’s why I’m wondering if vinegar might be too harsh in this case.

GALEO4 schrieb:
A little scrubbing with a mildly abrasive sponge has never damaged the finish for me

That sounds interesting. What kind of sponge exactly is that? I definitely don’t want to cause any scratches, but if gentle rubbing helps, that could be an option for me.

Also: Should the surface be protected in any way after cleaning?