ᐅ Cleaning IKEA MALM Furniture Without Scratches – Which Products to Use?

Created on: 17 Oct 2024 08:37
T
toanna
T
toanna
17 Oct 2024 08:37
Hello everyone,

I have a problem with cleaning my IKEA Malm furniture and hope to get some helpful tips from the community. The surfaces of my Malm dressers and wardrobes usually have a matte or slightly glossy melamine coating. When cleaning them normally, I want to avoid scratching or dulling the surfaces or causing any damage. So my question is: Which cleaning products or home remedies work best to clean IKEA Malm furniture effectively without causing fine scratches or other visible damage?

I have already tried solvents like denatured alcohol and strong cleaning agents, but sometimes this leaves light water spots or dull patches.

Are there any special products you would recommend? And perhaps tips on the right cleaning technique (type of cloth, how hard to wipe, etc.)?

I look forward to your experiences and advice!
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Elijah42
17 Oct 2024 09:16
For IKEA MALM, I recommend using warm water with a mild dish soap and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid harsh cleaners and abrasive sponges, as they cause scratches. After cleaning, use a dry cloth to prevent water spots.
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juMira46
17 Oct 2024 10:29
Elijah42 schrieb:
Avoid aggressive cleaners and abrasive sponges, as they cause scratches.

Exactly! Imagine your MALM furniture like a fine shirt – you wouldn’t want to chop onions on it that might ruin it :-)

I always use a mixture of warm water and a few drops of mild dish soap. Then, a soft microfiber cloth – it’s like a spa day for the surfaces! If something is stuck, don’t scrub; rather, let it soak.

To keep the furniture looking great for a long time, I do this regularly but gently. That way, they stay in excellent condition and no scratches at all! 🙂
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RENMA
17 Oct 2024 13:45
Several points are important when cleaning IKEA MALM furniture:

1. Surface material: MALM furniture is usually coated with melamine resin. These surfaces are durable but sensitive to harsh chemicals and mechanical stress.

2. Cleaning agents: The best choice is neutral, pH-neutral cleaners. Strongly alkaline or acidic cleaners can damage the surface and cause micro-scratches or discoloration.

3. Wiping technique: Use a soft, damp microfiber cloth without applying too much pressure. Excessive mechanical force can damage the surface.

4. Stain removal: For stubborn stains, first use a damp cloth with a little dish soap and allow the stain to soak. Avoid aggressive agents such as alcohol, abrasive cleaners, or ammonia.

5. Drying: Always wipe again with a dry, soft cloth after cleaning to prevent watermarks.

In short: warm water with a few drops of mild detergent and a soft cloth are the best options to prevent scratches and damage.
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Davidleo
18 Oct 2024 07:52
I’m really impressed with cleaning my MALM furniture using a mixture of warm water and a just slightly damp microfiber cloth! It’s absolutely brilliant if you want to avoid those annoying scratches – a real insider tip.
RENMA schrieb:
Avoid aggressive cleaners like alcohol-based solutions, abrasive cleaners, or ammonia.

I completely agree! I once tried using alcohol-based cleaner at the very beginning and unfortunately rubbed in some slight dull spots :/ Since then, I swear by gentle methods.

A small addition: For the final touch, I often use a dry cotton cloth, which polishes the surface nicely without any risk. So: first damp, then dry – that’s how you keep your MALM furniture looking fresh and scratch-free! It doesn’t get any smarter than that.