ᐅ What is the best way to clean Malm furniture when it is dusty or dirty?

Created on: 4 Apr 2020 08:37
L
lomireo
L
lomireo
4 Apr 2020 08:37
Hello everyone,

I have several Malm furniture pieces from IKEA in my living room, which I regularly want to clean from dust and dirt. Since the surfaces are usually lacquered or melamine-coated, I’m wondering what the best way is to clean them without leaving unsightly marks or causing damage.

In particular, I’m interested in: Which cleaning product is best suited for everyday dust and tougher stains? Should I use microfiber cloths or regular rags? And what about moisture — is it better to wipe the furniture with a damp cloth or just dust it dry?

If anyone has experience with Malm furniture and can share practical advice, I would really appreciate it. The cleaning should be effective but also gentle, so the surface remains in good condition for a long time.

Best regards!
M
mesila
4 Apr 2020 09:44
Hello lomireo,

good that you ask so precisely – Malm furniture is indeed somewhat sensitive to incorrect maintenance. Here is a small guide on how to clean your Malm furniture optimally:

1. Dry cleaning: For regular dust, I recommend microfiber cloths because they capture dust very well without scratching. Avoid paper towels, as they can leave small fibers behind.

2. Damp cleaning: For light dirt, a slightly damp microfiber cloth works well. Use lukewarm water without additives. Lightly spray the cloth, never directly onto the furniture.

3. Cleaning agents: Avoid harsh household cleaners, especially those with solvents or alcohol. Mild dish soap can be used, but sparingly to prevent residue.

4. Stubborn dirt: For this, you can use a mixture of lukewarm water and a few drops of dish soap. Apply it with a soft sponge and then wipe off with a damp cloth to remove soap residues.

5. Drying: It is important to dry the surface after cleaning to avoid water spots.

Common mistakes: Applying cleaners directly, using too much water, or abrasive cleaners.

If you want, I can also give you tips on how to avoid scratches and fix minor blemishes.

Good luck!
B
besau
4 Apr 2020 10:18
mesila schrieb:
For regular dust, I recommend microfiber cloths because they capture dust very effectively without scratching.

Exactly, microfiber cloths are essential.

For damp wiping: use a cloth slightly moistened with water only, do not spray cleaning product directly onto the furniture.

I usually use warm water and rinse the cloths thoroughly after use.
R
refinar
5 Apr 2020 07:56
Hello everyone,

I would like to add some tips, as I own Malm furniture myself and proper care of melamine-coated surfaces is essential.

First, always remove dust with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent scratches.
lomireo schrieb:
Which cleaning agent is best for everyday dust and tougher stains?

For stubborn stains, I use a mild dish soap diluted in water (about 1 drop per 500 ml (17 fl oz)) and then wipe with a well-wrung cloth. Never leave it wet! Prolonged moisture can cause the surface to fade or warp.
mesila schrieb:
Lightly spray the cloth, never spray directly on the furniture.

This is very good advice since spraying directly on the furniture can be absorbed and leave stains.

Finally, I recommend avoiding cleaning the furniture in direct sunlight or near radiators, as this helps maintain the surface durability.

One more tip for dust prevention: change your microfiber cloths regularly and wash them without fabric softener, as softeners build up in the fibers and reduce their absorbency.

Best regards!
J
JORDON
5 Apr 2020 14:26
Hey everyone 🙂

In my opinion, when it comes to Malm furniture, it’s better to clean briefly and often rather than doing an intense, overly wet cleaning session infrequently.

Dust is best removed with a soft microfiber cloth, gently—almost like softly brushing with cotton wool—to avoid scratches.

If the dirt is a bit stubborn, the cloth can be slightly damp, but never soaking wet. This way, the finish stays happy and keeps its shine for a long time.

Here’s another tip: don’t set your radiators too high—no one likes dry air with dust settling on their furniture 😉

By the way, I don’t use any chemical cleaners, just water; nature usually does the job.

Give it a try—cleaning can be that simple 🙂
N
nubar
6 Apr 2020 12:07
In addition to the very good tips provided so far, here are some precise recommendations:

Malm furniture has a melamine coating, which makes the surface resistant to water but not completely waterproof. Therefore, any moisture should be wiped away as quickly as possible.

For tougher stains, I recommend using warm water with a few drops of a neutral dishwashing detergent. Afterwards, wipe the furniture with a damp cloth—meaning not dripping wet—and immediately dry and polish it with a dry microfiber cloth.

You should avoid abrasive cleaning agents, alcohol-based cleaners, acetone, or other solvents, as these can damage the surface.

A note on storage and ventilation: rooms with high humidity or direct sunlight can cause the surface to age more quickly.

If you clean regularly and carefully, you will enjoy the quality of your furniture for a long time.