ᐅ How can I gently remove stains from MALM furniture?

Created on: 11 Nov 2024 08:42
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gasylveste
Hello everyone,

I recently purchased a Malm piece of furniture from IKEA and noticed that there are some unpleasant stains on the surface that I want to remove very gently.

My question is, what methods or home remedies are best suited to remove stains from Malm furniture without damaging the surface?

The furniture is white lacquered, and I know that harsh cleaners often cause more harm than good. Are there any safe cleaning products or techniques that work well?

I look forward to your tips and experiences!
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Filippo
11 Nov 2024 14:36
I can agree and add the following: The surface of Malm furniture is melamine-coated, which makes it resistant to water and many chemicals, but it is not miracle-proof.

For stain removal, I recommend the following approach:

1. First, try with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth and plain water only.
2. For stubborn stains, use a pH-neutral cleaner or a few drops of dish soap in the water.
3. Never use abrasive cleaners or rough sponges.
4. After cleaning, immediately wipe with a dry cloth to remove moisture.

One important question: What type of stains are these exactly? Are they grease stains, water stains, ink, or something else? That would make the recommendation more precise.
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Domau0
12 Nov 2024 09:18
I would like to add to Filippos' comments because the type of stains is crucial.

For water stains, quick drying is essential, as standing moisture causes the edges to swell. For grease stains, you can carefully use a cleaner containing isopropanol (rubbing alcohol), but never undiluted and do not let it sit for too long.

Additionally, I recommend gently polishing the surface with a dry cloth after each cleaning to prevent dull spots caused by residual moisture.

Have you already experienced any problems with dull spots or delamination?
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gasylveste
12 Nov 2024 11:24
Filippo schrieb:
An important question: What kind of stains are these exactly?

That’s a valid question: On one hand, there are light water rings from glasses (moisture), and on the other, slightly yellowish grease stains that have been there for a while. These are not ink or paint stains.
Domau0 schrieb:
Have you experienced any issues with dull spots or peeling?

Yes, during a test with a bit of dish soap and too much water, I noticed slight swelling at the edge in one area yesterday, which I wiped off immediately. I didn’t expect that, as I thought the coating would be more resistant.

That’s why I’m looking specifically for methods to avoid such problems.
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flo-Theres
13 Nov 2024 08:05
For water stains, I recommend a method commonly used on wooden furniture: lightly sprinkle baking soda on a dry cotton cloth and gently rub it over the stain. This absorbs moisture and helps remove the rings.

For grease stains, a mixture of water and isopropyl alcohol in a 3:1 ratio can sometimes help. Test this on an inconspicuous area first. After cleaning, always dry polish to protect the surface.
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Davidleo
13 Nov 2024 11:29
Wow, there are really a lot of great tips gathered here! 🙂
I was especially convinced by the method using diluted vinegar because I saw noticeable results without much effort!

It’s important to be patient and avoid aggressive cleaning – that way the MALM will stay looking good for a long time!