ᐅ How do I clean MALM furniture to remove dirt and dust?

Hello everyone,

I have several Malm furniture pieces from IKEA that I use regularly. Now I’m wondering how to clean them effectively from dirt and dust without damaging the surface or affecting the finish. I’m particularly interested in which cleaning products are recommended and whether there are specific techniques to clean the smooth surfaces and edges without leaving residue or watermarks. Additionally, I would like to know if there are any long-term care tips to keep the furniture looking good for as long as possible.

I look forward to your advice and experiences!

Best dusting is done with a dry microfiber cloth. For stubborn dirt, use a damp cloth without aggressive cleaners, then dry thoroughly.

The MALM series is mostly made from coated particleboard material. I recommend removing dust with a soft, dry cloth to avoid scratches caused by dirt particles.

For removing grease stains or fingerprints, a damp cloth with a small amount of mild dish soap is suitable. It is important not to use abrasive cleaners or solvents, as they can damage the laminate coating.

After damp cleaning, the surface should be wiped dry with a cloth to prevent water stains. Regular cleaning helps maintain the value and a well-kept appearance.

I clean my MALM dressers with a damp cloth and a little dish soap. Afterwards, I always dry them off. I avoid any chemicals that could damage the surface.

Great that this is being discussed here! I love my MALM furniture and always clean it like this: first dust off with a microfiber cloth, then wipe with warm water and just a small amount of detergent. Important: don’t let it get too wet, as the edges can sometimes swell up! Wipe dry immediately to avoid ugly water stains. This way, the furniture stays in great shape for a long time and looks fantastic! 🙂

Elijah42 schrieb:
dust with a dry microfiber cloth

That is correct; additionally, it is important to ensure that the cloth is truly clean to avoid scratches caused by trapped dirt particles.

Peose schrieb:
Do not let it get wet, as sometimes the edges may swell

The edges of MALM furniture are made of thin melamine foil. Moisture can indeed cause the chipboard underneath to swell. Therefore, it is important not to leave standing moisture on the surfaces.

In summary: Dry dusting, occasional gentle damp cleaning with a mild detergent, and immediate drying are the best practices.