ᐅ How can I clean Malm furniture without losing its finish?

Hello everyone, some time ago I purchased several Malm furniture pieces from Ikea, mainly dressers and nightstands in matte white. I have noticed that after regular cleaning with a damp cloth, they sometimes appear a bit dull and lose their original, slightly velvety look.

My main question is: How can I properly clean Malm furniture without losing the matte, subtle effect and the surface’s original finish or “sheen”? Are there specific cleaning products that should be avoided? What is the best approach when dealing with grease stains or more stubborn dirt without damaging the surface?

It would be great if anyone with experience or background knowledge could share useful tips on how to clean Malm furniture gently and effectively, especially for the matte versions. Thanks in advance for your help!

For the care of Malm furniture, especially the matte versions, I recommend the following procedure: Use only a slightly damp, lint-free cloth, ideally microfiber. Make sure the cloth is not wet, but just minimally moistened, as too much moisture can damage the veneer or surface.

Avoid any harsh cleaning agents, especially those containing alcohol, ammonia, or solvents, as these can dissolve or soften the matte coating, which explains the loss of finish. For stains, a mild dish soap diluted in water is suitable, applied only locally with a soft cloth.

After cleaning, wipe the surface with a dry cloth to remove any moisture residue. If the surface already appears dull, it is usually too late for cosmetic repairs—professional refinishing or replacement is then the only solution.

In short: less is more. Avoid aggressive cleaners and excessive water.

I would like to add a simple step-by-step guide that often produces good results:

1. Wipe off dry dust with a soft, dry cloth.
2. For normal dirt, slightly dampen a microfiber cloth with lukewarm water, optionally adding a few drops of mild, pH-neutral detergent.
3. Gently but thoroughly wipe the surface without rubbing or scrubbing.
4. Treat stains immediately with a mild cleaner; do not let it sit too long.
5. Always wipe again with a dry, clean cloth to fully dry the surface.

Common mistakes that cause loss of shine include: strongly alkaline cleaners, waxes or polishes, and excessive wiping with too much water. Micro-scratches from rough cloths or coarse dirt can also make the matte surface appear dull.

If you want to try, you can apply a care product specifically recommended for matte surfaces at the very end to preserve the “velvety feel.” But please test it first on an inconspicuous area!

KUDAISY schrieb:
There are common mistakes that cause loss of gloss, especially when using strongly alkaline cleaners and waxes.

This is an important point! To elaborate further:

Malm furniture consists of a wood-based panel with a plastic coating (usually a melamine resin foil) that has a matte finish. This matte layer is more sensitive to chemical effects than glossy lacquer surfaces. The loss of gloss typically occurs due to micro-residues of cleaning agents bonding to the surface or chemical reactions that roughen it.

If there are greasy stains, I recommend first treating them locally with a mild dishwashing detergent that is only slightly alkaline. Always rinse off the cleaner immediately with clear water to prevent any absorption.

Aggressive all-purpose cleaners or polishes are not advisable because they often contain soluble oils or waxes that tend to stick to matte surfaces. This results in a thin, uneven film that appears dull or patchy.

Technically, the surface can also be mechanically damaged if too abrasive cleansers, scratchy cloths, or rough sponges are used.

A question for you, Debbie: How often do you clean your furniture, and how heavy is the dirt buildup?

PLOMA schrieb:
Question for you, Debbie: How often do you clean your furniture and how severe are the stains?

Thanks for asking! I usually vacuum the dressers once a week, then dust them off with a soft cloth or wipe them lightly with a damp cloth. The more noticeable stains are mostly fingerprints or small spots of skin oils; occasionally, a drop of cosmetics ends up on the bedside table.

I have rarely done intensive cleaning with special products so far, mostly just water with a few drops of dish soap, followed by drying. So I think I’m quite cautious in terms of cleaning frequency.

I find the notes about residue and improper cleaners interesting—apparently, I haven’t always cleaned correctly. How exactly can you check for or remove any residue if the surface becomes dull because of care mistakes? That’s what concerns me the most.

Residues are often visible as blotchy, uneven dullness. To remove them, use a slightly damp cloth with clear water, wipe frequently, and dry immediately. Do not use cleaning agents all at once.