ᐅ How can Malm furniture be refurbished?

Created on: 5 Oct 2018 08:13
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Lufule
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Lufule
5 Oct 2018 08:13
Hello everyone,

I have some Malm furniture from IKEA that has become quite worn from daily use, especially the white surfaces, which have developed some scratches and minor discoloration. I would like to polish them without damaging the paint or surface so they look fresh and well-maintained again. Does anyone have experience with this or can recommend which polishing products or methods work best? Instructions on the procedure would also be appreciated, for example whether sanding is necessary or if it’s better to use special furniture care products only. Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
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Pome60
5 Oct 2018 09:47
Oh yes, this topic is really interesting! :-)

I personally restored a Malm chest of drawers and can tell you from experience: it’s best to start carefully with a mild furniture polish oil! For me, a high-quality furniture wax worked wonders, refreshing the surface nicely.
Lufule schrieb:
I want to polish it without damaging the paint or the surface

It’s very important not to rub too hard, or you might quickly damage the paint.

Good luck – you can do it!
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blapau
5 Oct 2018 11:22
Hello,

Malm furniture is usually made from coated particleboard with a melamine resin or acrylic surface. These surfaces are quite durable but can be sensitive to overly aggressive cleaning. The best option is to use mild polishing or cleaning products specifically designed for plastic or coated surfaces.

An important point: I would avoid sanding, as the surface is naturally very thin and can be damaged easily. Instead, clean with a microfiber cloth and a mild soap solution, then treat with furniture polish made specifically for glossy plastic surfaces.
Pome60 schrieb:
start with a mild furniture polish oil

Oil can be problematic for most Malm surfaces because it may damage the plastic coating. Wax polishes or specialized plastic care products are more suitable.
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Foster63
5 Oct 2018 14:36
I would like to add some additional notes:

If there are scratches or dull spots, these can often be treated with a polishing paste for plastics. These products are mildly abrasive and remove light scratches without damaging the surface.

It is important to test first whether the furniture piece reacts negatively to the paste. After treatment, be sure to buff with a soft cloth and some special polish.
blapau schrieb:
I would avoid sanding

I agree. The surface is usually too thin for sanding work.
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parbau
5 Oct 2018 17:02
Hey Lufule,

I know the problem with Malm furniture—it really looks worn out after a few years...😅 I tried a little trick: after cleaning it with mild dish soap, I treated the surface with some car polish.

It works great on white furniture because it doesn’t damage the surface and removes light scratches.
Foster63 schrieb:
Polishing paste for plastics

That’s exactly what I meant. Just something you have at home, like car polish. This creates a gentle abrasive effect, then wipe it off with a damp cloth.

Of course, don’t overdo it all at once, but it’s worth a try 😉 Good luck!
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Sinzar
6 Oct 2018 08:15
I simply used furniture polish and a clean cloth. No sanding.

Scratches remain, but the furniture looks fresher.