ᐅ How can I maintain Malm furniture in a sustainable way?

Hello everyone, I have been exploring sustainable furniture care for some time now, especially for the Malm series from Ikea. This collection is quite popular, but many people surely wonder how to maintain it long-term and in an environmentally friendly way, without using harsh chemicals or single-use products.

I am particularly interested in which cleaning and surface maintenance methods are truly gentle, how to avoid microdamages or discoloration, and whether there are natural alternatives to common commercial care products.

Additionally, I would appreciate tips on how to extend the lifespan of the furniture through regular maintenance, especially considering the type of finish and the materials used.

I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!

Hello fatihsar,

your question is very well formulated and addresses an interesting point. Malm furniture is usually made of coated particleboard or MDF with a smooth lacquered or foil surface. For sustainable care, I always recommend starting with gentle cleaning using a damp, soft cloth—ideally microfiber—and lukewarm water.

This helps prevent damage to the lacquer from aggressive cleaning agents or excessive moisture. More stubborn dirt can be removed with a mild soapy solution—e.g., with organic dish soap—and then wiped dry to maintain the protective layer.

I would be cautious with natural alternatives like vinegar or lemon water, as acids can damage the lacquer. For further care, waxes or special furniture oils made from natural ingredients can be used, but it is important to check carefully whether they are suitable for lacquered surfaces.

Regular maintenance every few months, especially for frequently used furniture, definitely extends its lifespan and preserves its appearance.

Interesting input, PeoDaniel, but I think people often speak too cautiously here. Malm is not an antique wooden dresser, but a modern piece of furniture made from laminated boards. So why hesitate to use a regular, commercially available multi-purpose cleaner every now and then?

I would even argue that for people who care about sustainability, the biggest factor is not the supposed risk of “finish damage,” but avoiding excessive waste production and refraining from single-use cleaning products.

If you want to be sustainable, simply use washable cloths, reduce plastic waste, and of course still choose a cleaner that effectively removes dirt.

One more thought: The idea that you have to buy expensive furniture care products to protect the environment is often just sales psychology.

I believe a balanced approach makes sense here.

likuken schrieb:
So why hesitate to use a regular, commercially available multi-purpose cleaner sometimes?

That's true, but you should pay attention to the ingredient list to avoid harsh solvents or ammonia, which can damage the surface.

With products containing natural ingredients, you can often find a compromise between effectiveness and material care.

In addition, I recommend not placing furniture directly in sunlight whenever possible and avoiding temperature and humidity fluctuations, as these stress the material more than infrequent cleaning.

Use water with a small amount of dish soap and a soft cloth; do not use anything abrasive.

After cleaning, wipe dry, and you are done.

Thanks for the information so far, that’s already helpful.

I’m also curious if anyone has experience with treating small scratches or color variations?

Can these spots be repaired afterward without having to buy new surface care products? Or are there household tricks that are sustainable and chemical-free?

I’ve heard that some people try to refresh surfaces with olive oil or walnut oil, but I’m not sure if that makes sense for Malm furniture.