ᐅ How to Properly Care for MALM Furniture Made of Particle Board?

Hello everyone, I would like to address a topic that concerns many: How do you properly care for Malm furniture made of particleboard to keep it looking good for a long time?

I am especially interested in which cleaning agents and care products are suitable, as particleboard often reacts differently than solid wood or MDF. Are there recommended methods tailored to the painted or melamine resin-coated surfaces of the MALM series?

Also, how should I handle small scratches without damaging the surface?

I look forward to helpful tips, personal experiences, and explanations regarding the materials used in the furniture. Thank you!

For MALM furniture made of particleboard, a slightly damp cloth without harsh cleaning agents is sufficient.

Do not use abrasive cleaners or aggressive chemicals, as they will damage the surface.

Scratches can be visually concealed with a suitable wood touch-up pen.

Hello eckehardke, I’m happy to help you. MALM furniture is mostly made of particleboard coated with melamine resin. This surface is durable but still sensitive to chemical cleaners and excessive moisture.

For cleaning, it is recommended to use a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid overly wet cloths, as moisture can penetrate the edges and cause swelling damage.

Small scratches can often be repaired with furniture touch-up markers or wax fillers available at hardware stores. For larger damage, special repair kits designed for melamine-coated surfaces are helpful.

Additionally, it is advisable to protect the furniture from direct sunlight and intense heat to prevent fading or warping of the material.

That’s brilliant, especially when you properly care for MALM! 🙂 I swear by a mix of clear water with a little mild dish soap solution for everyday cleaning.

Always wring out the cloth well to avoid puddles on the surface!

For minor scratches, I sometimes use furniture touch-up markers, which are also available at Ikea. And if you’re interested, try wax cream – it gives a great finish and additionally protects the surface!

Good luck with your furniture, it really looks fantastic when well maintained!

Kurtis5 schrieb:
You can visually conceal scratches with an appropriate wood touch-up pen.

This only helps to a limited extent. For particle boards with melamine resin-coated surfaces, like those on MALM furniture, wood touch-up pens are often unsuitable because the color does not match exactly and the surface remains smooth.

It is advisable to use repair kits specifically designed for melamine resin-coated furniture, which fill the surface and can be lightly sanded.

lochen schrieb:
For cleaning, a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth is recommended.

This advice is technically correct and should be the basis for any cleaning.

Moisture should not penetrate the edges if possible, as particle boards will swell.

Taking Care of MALM Particleboard Furniture? Easy, If You Know How! 😉

Here’s what I always do: First, avoid using too much water, as it’s the biggest enemy of particleboard. Usually, a damp cloth is enough.

For small scratches, sometimes a bit of candle wax from an old tealight does the trick! Just apply it gently, smooth it out, and voilà—the damage becomes barely visible.

Give it a try, it’s fun and costs almost nothing! 🙂