ᐅ How do I clean and maintain Malm matte lacquer?

Created on: 3 Jul 2021 08:23
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Rooseveltp
Hello everyone,

I have several pieces of furniture from Malm with a matte lacquer finish and am now facing the challenge of cleaning and maintaining them properly without damaging the finish. The surface is very sensitive to scratches and stains, so I would like to know which cleaning products and care methods are especially suitable to preserve the matte appearance while also ensuring the durability of the lacquer.

I am particularly interested in whether aggressive cleaners should be avoided completely and if there are specific care products designed for matte lacquer. Tips on dealing with everyday dirt, such as grease marks or water stains, would also be very helpful.

How do you approach cleaning and maintaining Malm matte lacquer? Are there things you would definitely avoid? What experiences do you have with commercial products or home remedies?

Thank you in advance for your detailed answers!
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Rooseveltp
4 Jul 2021 07:42
kaju67 schrieb:
For grease stains: Don’t scrub too hard, pat dry after rinsing

Thanks for the tip, that really helps! I have a few grease stains that I want to remove gently without turning a matte surface glossy.

I have another question about storage and preventive care: Is it recommended to place Malm matte varnished furniture in a specific location to avoid discoloration or other damage from UV light or temperature? Are there any smart practices to keep the finish in top condition for as long as possible?
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Danabla
4 Jul 2021 09:15
Rooseveltp schrieb:
Are there any smart approaches to keep the finish in top condition for as long as possible?

Yes, there are several recommendations for the optimal placement of furniture with matte finish:

1. Avoid UV light: Direct sunlight causes fading and can gradually damage or make the finish brittle.

2. Maintain a stable room temperature: Extreme temperature fluctuations or spikes in humidity should be avoided, as they can also harm the finish.

3. Keep distance from radiators or air conditioners: Heat or dry air can dry out the finish.

4. Protect against mechanical stress: Do not place furniture in high-traffic areas where it might be easily scratched.

5. Regular maintenance according to the cleaning recommendations in this thread, of course.

Following these tips will help preserve the matte surface in good condition for a long time.
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Ethan
4 Jul 2021 10:28
Danabla schrieb:
1. Avoid UV light exposure\

I can only agree with this point.

From my own experience, direct sunlight over several months can at least cause a slight yellowing. This affects not only the paint but also the wood underneath.

It’s also worthwhile to regularly check the furniture for dust, as dust particles are more noticeable on matte surfaces than on glossy ones. Has that been the case for you as well?

I occasionally use a special dust cloth designed for delicate surfaces, which gently picks up the particles.
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tarju41
4 Jul 2021 11:09
Hello,

a brief addition regarding cleaning: Never use hot water. It can soften the paint or even cause minor heat damage.

A microfiber cloth and lukewarm water are ideal, as mentioned above. Always dry thoroughly, as standing moisture can have a negative effect.
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Rooseveltp
5 Jul 2021 08:51
tarju41 schrieb:
Always dry thoroughly, as standing moisture can have a negative effect

Perfect, that’s exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Thanks!

To summarize: For Malm matte varnish, it is recommended to clean with mild dish soap and lukewarm water, gently wipe with a microfiber cloth, avoid alcohol- or solvent-based cleaners, do not use abrasive tools, dry immediately, and use specialized matte varnish care products sparingly.

Additionally, maintain conditions with low UV exposure, no heat sources, stable room temperature, and protection against mechanical stress.

I believe this will effectively protect and preserve the matte varnish for a long time. Many thanks to everyone for the helpful and diverse advice! 🙂