Hello everyone, I have a specific question regarding the sustainable care of my Malm furniture from Ikea. I notice that these pieces are very common in many households and are often chosen because of their simple design. However, I am wondering how to treat this type of furniture, which mainly consists of particleboard with a veneer or laminate finish, in a gentler and especially more sustainable way to extend its lifespan and avoid harmful cleaning agents. Does anyone have concrete recommendations for sustainable approaches, whether for cleaning, scratch protection, or general maintenance? I am particularly interested in natural or eco-friendly products and mechanical care methods. Thank you in advance!
P
praWarre694 Sep 2022 15:02letar schrieb:
Oils or waxes are not recommended for Malm That’s true, but sometimes small microcracks at the edges caused by mechanical stress don’t disappear easily. I like to use a clear or color-matched furniture touch-up pen to make the furniture look like new again.
What I also recommend: adding a special edge protector made of fabric or rubber – it not only looks stylish but also extends durability. And don’t worry: sustainable can be stylish too 😉
For cleaning, water plus a baking soda paste still works great for stubborn dirt and keeps the furniture in good condition for a long time.
J
JEREMIAH385 Sep 2022 09:47praWarre69 schrieb:
Edges protected with a special furniture edge guard made of fabric or rubber I think that’s a great tip! Especially if you have children or if the furniture is being moved, it really helps a lot.
I also want to mention that I maintain my Malm dressers more sustainably through careful use. For example: never place wet items without a coaster underneath and avoid throwing heavy objects onto the surface. Sometimes patience is key – if there’s a stain, it’s better to gently try to clean it rather than scrape.
Sustainability is not just about the material but also about care and patience.
I believe it is important to also consider the manufacturing side when discussing sustainability. Malm furniture is affordable, which often indicates faster production cycles and less durable materials. This means that maintaining the furniture includes making sure they have a permanent place in our homes for as long as possible.
My approach is to clean them regularly with a damp cloth, occasionally cover small scratches with touch-up paint, and avoid replacing them too quickly. Additionally, I am thinking about extending the furniture’s life at the end by upcycling or modifying it, for example by making new covers or replacing handles myself. Sustainability doesn’t stop at maintenance.
My approach is to clean them regularly with a damp cloth, occasionally cover small scratches with touch-up paint, and avoid replacing them too quickly. Additionally, I am thinking about extending the furniture’s life at the end by upcycling or modifying it, for example by making new covers or replacing handles myself. Sustainability doesn’t stop at maintenance.
Interesting discussion!
But honestly: Malm furniture is basically disposable design with a nice finish. Sustainable care sounds almost contradictory when you consider that the core is particleboard with a laminate, which is very difficult to recycle.
Why not go for more solid, durable furniture instead? It might be a bit more expensive, but truly more sustainable.
I think this approach treats the symptom rather than the cause by experimenting with some wax and a soft cloth. The idea of upgrading IKEA furniture for sustainability is, in a way, an anachronism.
But honestly: Malm furniture is basically disposable design with a nice finish. Sustainable care sounds almost contradictory when you consider that the core is particleboard with a laminate, which is very difficult to recycle.
Why not go for more solid, durable furniture instead? It might be a bit more expensive, but truly more sustainable.
I think this approach treats the symptom rather than the cause by experimenting with some wax and a soft cloth. The idea of upgrading IKEA furniture for sustainability is, in a way, an anachronism.
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