ᐅ How can I protect MALM furniture from scratches?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Malm bed from the Swedish furniture store and would like to protect it from scratches as effectively as possible. The surface seems quite matte and delicate, from my impression. Now I’m wondering: how can I protect MALM furniture from scratches without negatively affecting its appearance? I’m especially interested in practical everyday tips—protection methods that are easy to apply but provide long-lasting results.

Do you have any experience with specific care products, protective films, or modifications? Alternatives like certain covers or pads for contact points would also be helpful.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

In general, MALM furniture surfaces are very sensitive to mechanical impacts, especially with the matte finish. To effectively protect the furniture from scratches, I recommend the following measures:

1. Use felt pads on all contact points where furniture is moved or subjected to weight, particularly under chair or table legs.
2. Apply special transparent plastic protective films that can be placed almost invisibly on the surface. These should not be too adhesive to avoid leaving residue when removed.
3. Clean regularly with a microfiber cloth to remove dust, which acts like an abrasive. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or sponges.
4. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can gradually damage the surface over time.

Amankla schrieb:
Wie kann ich MALM Möbel effektiv vor Kratzern schützen, ohne die Optik negativ zu beeinflussen?

The measures mentioned are preventive and preserve the appearance, as they are hardly noticeable.

A more detailed approach to protecting MALM furniture:

The surface of the MALM series is usually made of laminated or painted particleboard with a smooth, matte finish, which looks nice but is prone to scratches, as mentioned earlier. Effective protection can be achieved by combining several layers and methods:

1. Physical protection:
- Place felt or rubber pads under objects that are frequently moved (e.g., laptop, decorations).
- For often-used surfaces like bedside tables, washable transparent plastic mats are suitable. These prevent direct scratching and are easy to clean.

2. Care and cleaning:
- Use only soft, lint-free cloths (e.g., microfiber cloths) for cleaning.
- Avoid alcohol or aggressive cleaning agents, as these can damage the surface.
- A mild, pH-neutral cleaner is ideal.

3. Application of protective coatings:
- Some recommend applying a thin layer of special furniture waxes or anti-scratch lacquers. However, caution is advised here, as the parent company’s warranty and appearance might be affected.

One point that is often overlooked is the stress caused by sharp or hard objects placed directly on the furniture. It’s important to take precautions here.

I’m also curious whether the piece of furniture is placed in a high-traffic everyday setting or a quieter bedroom environment? Depending on the location, protection measures may vary.

RonJarrett schrieb:
Use felt pads on all contact points where furniture is moved or loaded

Felt pads are always well-intentioned, but are they really that effective under a bed? Sure, if you move furniture often, it makes sense, but a bed usually stays in one place.

I believe MALM furniture can handle a bit more wear and tear – they are sturdy if you follow the instructions. I’m rather skeptical about covering everything with films or plastic parts just to avoid scratches. Isn’t that a bit overcautious? Scratches can also add character. I’m not bothered by them on MALM, even though I get the aesthetic concern.

pauPierce schrieb:
A mild, pH-neutral cleaner is ideal.

I agree. Harsh cleaners only make the surface brittle.

In short: of course, you should try to avoid scratches, but sometimes protection is taken too far. Maybe Amankla could also consider natural wear and tear? Sometimes an honest assessment of use is more helpful than permanent protective layers :-)