ᐅ How do I clean Malm furniture when dealing with stubborn stains?

Hello everyone, I have an issue with my Malm furniture from IKEA, especially with very stubborn stains like red wine or greasy marks. I usually clean the surfaces regularly with mild dish soap and a soft cloth, but this doesn’t really help with these tough spots anymore. Now I’m wondering what the best way is to treat Malm furniture to remove stains effectively without damaging the material or affecting the surface finish. Are there any special cleaning methods, tips, or home remedies that have proven to work? I want to avoid damaging the edges or the veneer underneath. I would appreciate any advice!

For stains on Malm furniture, it is best to use a damp cloth with a little dish soap, making sure it is not too wet. For stubborn stains, an eraser or a special polish from IKEA can often help.

JAMESONB41 schrieb:
For stubborn stains, an eraser often helps

Interesting tip, but isn’t that a bit harsh for the surface? Especially on painted or veneered surfaces, such "home remedies" can quickly dull the finish or cause small scratches. In my experience, it’s better to be more gentle and use products specifically designed for furniture coatings.

So, I once had a really nasty coffee stain on my Malm table, and let me tell you, be careful with acidic cleaners. I first tried using very diluted vinegar, but that only made the spot worse. It’s best to test any cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. And always wipe gently – we don’t want to scratch the surface, right? 🙂

To remove stubborn stains on Malm furniture, I recommend the following: First, clean the surface with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth and a neutral cleaning agent. Second, if necessary, use a mixture of water and isopropanol (at a low concentration, e.g., 70%) to dissolve grease stains. Third, avoid using abrasive or corrosive substances to prevent damage to the veneer. After cleaning, wipe the area with a dry cloth to remove any remaining moisture.

matthewon schrieb:
Isn't that a bit too rough for the surface?

That’s exactly my concern as well. It’s also important to me that the paint or finish doesn’t get damaged. Thanks for bringing this up.

chenlen schrieb:
Use a mixture of water and isopropanol

How strong should the solution be, and what is the best way to apply it? With a cloth or a spray? I mainly know isopropanol from technical cleaning and I’m unsure if it’s really safe for the furniture.