ᐅ How do I clean and maintain MALM furniture with a matte finish?

Hello everyone,

I have several Malm furniture pieces from IKEA with a matte lacquered finish, and I’m wondering how to clean and maintain them properly. I want to avoid damaging or dulling the matte finish, as matte surfaces are often more sensitive than gloss or veneer.

I’m particularly interested in:
- Which cleaning products are recommended and, above all, safe for the matte lacquer?
- Are there any household remedies I should avoid?
- How should I treat stains and minor scratches without harming the finish?
- And which care products can help keep the matte lacquer looking fresh and even?

If anyone has experience caring for similar furniture or can offer professional advice, I would be very grateful!

Best regards!

Hello Nelomu,

First of all, great praise for your very precise and well-structured question – it makes it much easier to provide a targeted answer.

For cleaning MALM furniture with a matte finish, it is recommended to start by using a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth. With matte finishes, you should definitely avoid aggressive cleaning agents. They can damage the lacquer film or cause certain areas to become glossier, which is especially noticeable on matte surfaces. Alcohol-based cleaners or solvents, as well as harsh abrasives, are not allowed.

I usually use clear, lukewarm water with a drop of a mild, pH-neutral dish soap. Important: Never make the cloth too wet to prevent moisture from seeping into joints or edges. After wiping, a dry, soft cloth can restore the matte appearance and prevent water spots.

For stain removal: For stubborn stains, I have had good experience with diluted vinegar essence (about one part vinegar essence to ten parts water), but always test first in an inconspicuous spot to check if the matte finish changes or dissolves. Minor scratches can be carefully treated depending on their depth with a fine abrasive pad (e.g., 2000 grit), but caution is needed to avoid sanding too deeply into the finish.

I do not often use care products, but if I do, I choose those specifically designed for matte surfaces from furniture manufacturers or furniture care products with matte finish specifications. Applying furniture wax or oil is usually unsuitable for MALM furniture, as it can alter the matte appearance.

I wonder if you use the furniture heavily or if it mainly serves a decorative purpose? This can influence the care approach.

Best regards,
Johnathon

Hello Nelomu,

I think your question is very important because you often only realize how sensitive matte lacquered surfaces are once unpleasant stains or shiny spots have appeared.

I have MALM dressers myself and was also initially concerned about cleaning them. That’s why I understand that you don’t want to just apply any cleaning product.

I would recommend starting with simple methods and gradually seeing how the surface reacts. Gently wiping with a special furniture dust cloth or microfiber cloth has also helped protect the surface in my experience.

Maybe you have children or pets – that can sometimes make cleaning more challenging. How important is maintaining a perfect appearance to you compared to practical use?

I hope you find some good tips here and feel encouraged to approach it carefully. 🙂

Simply use a damp cloth with a mild detergent; avoid abrasive cleaners.

For stains, carefully test with diluted vinegar essence.

Do not use waxes or oils, as they will make the matte surface shiny.

Hello Nelomu,

Based on my experience with lacquered surfaces, I would like to provide some detailed advice on caring for matt-finished furniture. The matt lacquer is a clear protective layer that is durable but more sensitive than high gloss or laminate.

My approach is as follows:

1. Dry cleaning:
Use a residue-free microfiber cloth to remove dust and fine particles without causing scratches.

2. Wet cleaning:
For regular cleaning, lukewarm water with a small amount of a neutral, grease-dissolving cleaner, such as a mild dishwashing detergent, works well. Moisten the cloth only slightly, as too much water can seep into joints and damage the furniture structure.

3. Stains:
If stains occur, first try dabbing with spirits or high-proof alcohol on the back or an inconspicuous area. The alcohol evaporates quickly and leaves no residue. It is important not to use aggressive solvents that could dissolve the lacquer.

4. Scratches:
Minor scratches can sometimes be gently treated with special polishing pastes designed for matt lacquer without removing the finish. For deeper scratches, professional advice may be necessary.

Finally, wipe the surface with a dry, soft cloth to avoid any streaks.

I would also be interested to know how often the furniture is used, for example, whether it is in a heavily used children’s room or in a living area where it mainly serves as decoration.

Best regards!

Johnathon schrieb:
Alcohol-based cleaners or solvents, as well as harsh abrasive cleaners, are off-limits.

I view this statement somewhat critically, as not all alcohol-based cleaners are equally aggressive. Isopropanol in small amounts, for example, is often included in matt varnish care products and can have a cleaning effect without damaging the finish.

I think it is important to check the exact composition of the cleaner and not to categorically exclude everything containing alcohol.

valerie-tr schrieb:
I first test denatured alcohol or high-proof alcohol on an inconspicuous area.

Denatured alcohol often contains other ingredients such as methanol or perfumes, which can be problematic. Pure (isopropyl) alcohol would be clearer here.

Furthermore, I would also recommend taking a close look at the type of finish on the furniture. Malm furniture can have different types of finishes depending on the production year.

Regarding scratches: I am skeptical about polishing pastes, especially on matt finishes, as this can quickly result in uneven effects and visible gloss spots.

It should not be overlooked that this is a material-sensitive area, and proper care is usually the best protection against damage.