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

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!

Hello Kaupe, I recommend cleaning furniture with a damp microfiber cloth. Use only mild soap, no abrasive cleaners or alcohol. Afterwards, wipe dry immediately.

Hello Kaupe, your question is very well formulated, thank you for that. MALM furniture is usually made of MDF with a foil or lacquer coating. It is especially important that you do not use strong chemical cleaners that could damage the surface. I always use lukewarm water with a drop of dish soap and a soft cloth. After cleaning, I dry the surface thoroughly because standing water can cause damage, especially on wood-based materials. For tougher stains, you can also use glass or surface cleaners, but please use them sparingly and test on inconspicuous areas first.

Hello Kaupe, to answer your question in detail: The MALM series is mostly finished with melamine resin or foil coatings, which means the surface is quite resistant to everyday dirt but sensitive to solvents and abrasive cleaners. I recommend the following cleaning procedure:

1. Preparation: First, remove any loose dirt with a dry, soft cloth.
2. Cleaning solution: Mix a mild, neutral detergent (such as a dish soap without harsh chemicals) with lukewarm water. The solution should not be too concentrated to avoid damaging the surface seal.
3. Cleaning: Lightly moisten a soft microfiber cloth and wipe the surface—do not use wet cloths! This prevents water spots or moisture penetration.
4. Aftercare: Immediately wipe the surfaces with a dry, clean cloth to remove any residual moisture.

Make sure to never use rough sponges, steel wool, or aggressive chemicals, as they can damage the melamine or foil coating. For stubborn stains, you can carefully use isopropanol (rubbing alcohol), but only locally and sparingly to avoid discoloration.

One more tip: Avoid direct sunlight during cleaning, as moist surfaces can fade faster under UV exposure.

Could you please let me know if your MALM furniture is dark or light, and what types of stains you are having trouble with? That way I can provide more specific advice.

PLOMA schrieb:
Could you maybe tell me whether your MALM furniture is dark or light, and which types of stains cause you the most trouble?

Thank you for the detailed reply! My furniture is mostly painted white, so rather light. However, there are some small dark spots in places, probably from dried beverages or dirt, and fingerprints and grease marks are often visible on the handles as well. I want to avoid dulling or discoloring the light surface during cleaning.

Thanks for the details, Kaupe. For white painted surfaces, fingerprints and grease are common issues. A simple trick is to lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with some vinegar water (1 part vinegar to 4 parts water); this helps dissolve grease without damaging the paint layer. Afterwards, wipe dry again. Just note: vinegar has a strong smell initially, so make sure to ventilate well 🙂 . However, do not use vinegar undiluted and always test it first on an inconspicuous area.