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

Created on: 5 Oct 2015 09:17
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Rakobo
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!
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LENNAU
5 Oct 2015 11:12
Good morning!

Isopropanol is suitable for small stains on laminated furniture such as the Malm, but the concentration should not exceed 70%, as higher concentrations can damage the laminate. It is also important to apply the liquid only locally, not over large areas, and to wipe it dry immediately with a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid moisture. Testing on an inconspicuous area is always recommended. Alternatively, you can use special furniture cleaners designed for laminated surfaces, which are usually gentler.
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George
5 Oct 2015 11:44
If isopropanol is not available, cleaning sprays suitable for laminate often work as well. These are specially designed for coated surfaces and do not damage the finish.
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sonrickey
5 Oct 2015 12:02
LENNAU schrieb:
Testing in an inconspicuous spot is always advisable

Good advice! Nothing is more frustrating than trying to remove a stain and ending up with a ruined surface afterward ;-)

I’d like to add a tip: sometimes a mixture of warm water and a few drops of olive oil can help with dry stains. It even gives the furniture a slight shine 🙂
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elgla
6 Oct 2015 09:25
I understand how frustrating stubborn stains can be, especially when the piece of furniture is valuable and cherished. If you have already tried all cleaning products without success, the type of stain might be the issue. For example, organic stains (such as wine) often penetrate deeply into the material. In such cases, I would recommend applying a mild cleaning agent and allowing it to sit for a longer period instead of scrubbing aggressively. This way, the surface is better protected, and you have a higher chance of removing the stain gently.
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meson
6 Oct 2015 10:17
If you don't have isopropanol at home: a neutral soap solution and a soft sponge often work almost just as well. Use only a small amount of liquid to avoid softening the delicate coating.
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Rakobo
6 Oct 2015 11:05
elgla schrieb:
longer exposure time with a mild cleaning additive

Thanks, I will give that a try. I don’t want to rush things and risk causing more harm than good.

For those interested: I have now decided to start with a 70% isopropanol-water mixture and test it on an inconspicuous area to see how the surface reacts. After that, I will gently apply the solution to the stains and wipe carefully. If that doesn’t work in the worst case, I will use a special furniture polish that the manufacturer says is suitable for coated furniture.