ᐅ Malms Furniture with Stains – How Can I Remove Them?

Created on: 20 Dec 2017 18:47
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Kareo5
Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Ikea Malm furniture – specifically with the surfaces. Unsightly stains have appeared on the wood surfaces and the painted parts, probably caused by water or coffee exposure. I’m unsure how to best remove these stains without damaging the surface, since Malm is usually made of particleboard with a melamine coating.

Has anyone had experience successfully removing such stains? It’s important to me to avoid using harsh chemicals that might damage the paint or melamine layer. Which home remedies, cleaning products, or practical tips would you recommend?

Thanks in advance for your helpful advice!
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Nils58
21 Dec 2017 08:53
Hey Kareo5, great that you brought up this topic here!

I used to have stains on my Malm desk as well and was able to remove them with regular glass cleaner and a soft cloth. The important thing, as mentioned, is not to scrub too hard but to wipe gently!

Give it a try – fingers crossed you’ll be able to get the stains out 🙂
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Alberto51
21 Dec 2017 09:11
Nils58 schrieb:
I used to have stains on my Malm desk as well and was able to remove them with regular window cleaner and a soft cloth

That sounds great, but I know that some window cleaners contain alcohol or ammonia, which can cause issues with certain surfaces.

Has anyone had longer-term experience with this? Could the surfaces possibly become duller or damaged over time?
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janeo
21 Dec 2017 09:22
Alberto51 schrieb:
That sounds great, but I know that some window cleaners contain alcohol or ammonia, which can cause issues on certain surfaces.

Exactly. This definitely needs to be checked.

I recommend reviewing the ingredients and making sure no harsh chemicals are included or that the product is heavily diluted. On melamine surfaces, ammonia can damage the glossy layer and cause it to appear dull over time.

Using specialized melamine or plastic care products can therefore be a smarter choice.
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SARBLA1
21 Dec 2017 09:45
To avoid damage, the following has proven effective:
- Use mild, pH-neutral cleaners
- Use soft microfiber cloths that are gentle on the paint
- Test all products on an inconspicuous area first

If stains are particularly stubborn, a soft plastic eraser can be gently rubbed on the area. Be careful with the pressure to avoid creating a dull spot.

In general, this helps even though it may sound unusual.
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Nicksin
21 Dec 2017 10:08
When it comes to stains on Malm furniture, here’s my take: Just try gently cleaning with lukewarm water and a little dish soap. If that’s not enough, carefully try using rubbing alcohol (isopropanol), but as already mentioned, be really careful! 🙂

If you love your furniture, avoid abrasive cleaners or vinegar – that could almost turn into a disaster.

And if it doesn’t work, cheers to a new Malm! 😉
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Kareo5
21 Dec 2017 19:51
gekira schrieb:
gentle use of isopropanol (rubbing alcohol), do not rub, but dab

Thank you for the detailed explanation, that sounds quite reasonable. I will carefully try it with denatured alcohol and pay attention to your tips.

I also think testing on an inconspicuous spot is very important – it helps to avoid unpleasant surprises.

I’ll keep you updated on what worked for me!