ᐅ Cleaning Malm Furniture Without Damage – What Tips Are There?

Created on: 23 Aug 2023 09:13
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Kaupe
Hello everyone, I have a Malm bed frame and various pieces of furniture from the IKEA Malm series at home. Since these usually have veneered or lacquered surfaces, I am wondering: How can I clean these Malm furniture pieces without causing any damage? Of course, I want to avoid unattractive water stains, scratches, or even worn spots caused by harsh cleaning agents. Are there any special tips for gentle yet effective cleaning that you would recommend? I am especially interested in advice on choosing cleaning products, suitable cleaning tools, and methods to clean the furniture as carefully as possible. Thank you in advance!
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Goixkin
23 Aug 2023 10:45
For white furniture, I would also avoid using harsh abrasive cleaners. Instead, sometimes a cleaning sponge with two sides helps – one soft side for the surface, moistened well to prevent scratches.
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Danial
23 Aug 2023 11:02
Kinbu schrieb:
A simple trick is to lightly dampen the microfiber cloth with some vinegar water (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water); this helps to dissolve grease without damaging the paint layer.

I don’t see it that simply – although vinegar is natural, it can damage some paint finishes over time, especially with regular use. Studies show that acidic cleaners can degrade the finish in the long run. It’s better to use cleaning products specifically designed for painted surfaces.
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Mufato
23 Aug 2023 11:15
Use vinegar very cautiously. I stick to warm water with a mild detergent, which is usually sufficient.
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mauka
23 Aug 2023 11:35
Hey, you’re already really knowledgeable on the topic! 🙂 I’d like to add a little tip from my own experience that I love: For those small grease stains, I often just use a piece of bread crust (dry) soaked lightly and gently rub it over the spots — it works great without moisture, basically a dry "crumbing away" of the dirt. Of course, it’s not for stubborn stains, but as a gentle method it’s ideal to protect delicate surfaces 😉
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Paunon
23 Aug 2023 12:02
Briefly to the point: No harsh cleaners, lukewarm water, microfibre cloth, dry wiping afterwards. This way you avoid scratches and discoloration.
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PLOMA
24 Aug 2023 08:17
Danial schrieb:
Vinegar can damage some paint finishes over time, especially with regular use

That is an important point, Danial. For this reason, I recommend using vinegar water very sparingly and preferably only on tougher grease stains, not for regular cleaning. For ongoing maintenance, a solution of mild neutral detergent in water works best, as I mentioned earlier.

Additionally, extra caution is needed with white painted surfaces like those Kaupe has, since unsuitable products can easily cause dullness or yellowing. Do you perhaps use any protective treatments such as furniture wax or care oil? While these are uncommon for Malm furniture, they can sometimes be useful for preserving the surface.