ᐅ How do I clean and maintain Malm matte lacquer?

Hello everyone,

I have several pieces of furniture from Malm with a matte lacquer finish and am now facing the challenge of cleaning and maintaining them properly without damaging the finish. The surface is very sensitive to scratches and stains, so I would like to know which cleaning products and care methods are especially suitable to preserve the matte appearance while also ensuring the durability of the lacquer.

I am particularly interested in whether aggressive cleaners should be avoided completely and if there are specific care products designed for matte lacquer. Tips on dealing with everyday dirt, such as grease marks or water stains, would also be very helpful.

How do you approach cleaning and maintaining Malm matte lacquer? Are there things you would definitely avoid? What experiences do you have with commercial products or home remedies?

Thank you in advance for your detailed answers!

Hello Rooseveltp,

you have described the challenges of cleaning Malm matte lacquer very well. Matte finishes are indeed more sensitive than glossy surfaces, as scratches and streaks show up more easily on matte paint, and the texture is often altered by improper care.

In general, I recommend avoiding abrasive or alcohol-based cleaners, as these can damage the paint. Instead, it is best to use a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth and lukewarm water, possibly with a mild dish soap. Gentle cleaning is usually sufficient since the protective layer of the lacquer remains flexible.

For grease stains, you can carefully wipe them off with a slightly damp cloth and a few drops of dish soap. Water spots are usually caused by minerals in tap water; wiping with distilled water or drying immediately often helps.

There are special care products for matte lacquer that protect the finish and keep it supple without adding shine. I would avoid waxy or overly oily products, as they can alter the matte surface or make it sticky.

If you follow these guidelines, your Malm matte lacquer should stay looking good for a long time. 🙂

TEOZAR schrieb:
There are special matte finish care products that protect the finish and keep it supple

That’s brilliant! Thanks for the explanation! I didn’t know there were specific products for that. Until now, I’ve just used regular cleaning wipes for my furniture, but after reading your tip, I’ll definitely give it a try.

I think almost everyone should take good care of their furniture, especially when it has such a delicate surface like a matte finish. Plus, it’s enjoyable when the furniture looks really nice. I’m looking forward to pampering my Malm furniture with these care products! :-)

Rooseveltp schrieb:
The surface is very sensitive to scratches and stains

That sums it up well. From a technical perspective, matte lacquer typically consists of a special coating that does not create a smooth, glossy finish but rather a textured, matte appearance with micro-surface structures.

For cleaning, it is important to minimize mechanical stress to prevent micro-damage. Using microfiber cloths is essential, but the choice of cleaning agents is also crucial.

Alcohol- and solvent-based cleaners can break down the binders in the lacquer, causing surface damage. Abrasive sponges or brushes should also be avoided.

For maintenance, I recommend using products specifically designed for matte lacquered furniture. These often contain silicones or special care agents that preserve the surface without spoiling the matte effect.

If water spots appear, they are caused by uneven evaporation. Simply wipe dry to avoid limescale residues. In summary: gentle cleaning, no scrubbing, and special care products.

Hey Rooseveltp and all other matte finish fans! 😉

I actually find this sensitivity of Malm matte finish quite charming because it gives the furniture a really elegant look. But yes, it does come with some challenges.

My advice: work gently and with care – no one wants scratch marks, right? 🙂 I usually use exactly what TEOZAR mentioned: warm water, a few drops of dish soap, and gentle circular motions with a microfiber cloth.

For grease stains: don’t scrub too hard, and dab dry after rinsing. Every now and then, I treat my furniture with a special matte finish protector from a specialty store – it keeps the surface smooth and doesn’t add any shine!

A little extra love for the furniture 😉

In short: No alcohol, no abrasive pads. Use only a soft cloth, lukewarm water, and mild dish soap. Care products should be specific to matte finishes. That’s it.