ᐅ How can I clean a Malm surface without causing damage?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought a Malm chest of drawers from IKEA and am now looking for a gentle and effective way to clean the surface without damaging it. The surface is lacquered and seems quite sensitive – I’ve heard about white water spots and light scratches that can appear if the wrong cleaning products or methods are used.

Does anyone have experience with how to keep the Malm surface clean long-term without dulling or damaging the lacquer? Which cleaning products do you recommend, and what is your exact cleaning routine? I am especially interested in advice about natural remedies versus specialized cleaning products and whether microfiber cloths or similar should be used. Thanks for your tips!

To be honest, I usually find all that fuss about "sensitive surfaces" to be exaggerated. I mean, a Malm dresser isn’t an antique treasure. I always clean my Malm with a damp cloth and regular dish soap, and that’s it. If the finish turns dull afterward, it probably wasn’t high quality to begin with. So why not just be practical?

But sure, if someone is really worried about micro-scratches, it’s best to avoid abrasive cleaners. Still, nothing will happen unless you’re sanding it down with sandpaper.

Under no circumstances use abrasive cleaners or harsh chemicals. Simply use a soft, damp microfiber cloth with a small amount of mild dish soap. Afterwards, wipe again with clear water and dry. This preserves the paint and surface finish.

likuken schrieb:
I always clean my Malm with a damp cloth and regular dish soap

That is generally a good approach, but the "regular" cleaning products can sometimes contain aggressive surfactants depending on the dish soap, which may gradually damage the clear coat.

I would divide the cleaning process into three steps:

1. Heavy dirt: Wipe with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth and lukewarm water.

2. Specific cleaning: Use a minimal amount of a mild, alkaline-free cleaner (e.g., a pH-neutral all-purpose cleaner) to avoid leaving residues on the surface that could dull the finish.

3. Aftercare: Thoroughly wipe the surface with a dry soft cloth to prevent water spots.

It is also important not to use products containing solvents, alcohol, or ammonia, as these can permanently damage the finish.

Can you specify if you already have stains, or do you want to mainly discuss everyday maintenance? Then I can give you additional tips on how to properly deal with water spots.

Filippo has already made a good point.

I would like to add that you should always test a new cleaning product first on an inconspicuous area.

Another tip: Avoid constantly wetting the dresser or leaving water standing on the surface for extended periods.

Regarding cloths, microfiber cloths work best because they are soft and pick up dirt without scratching.

If you are looking for a home remedy alternative, a slightly damp cloth with a bit of dish soap is often sufficient – followed by thorough drying. But be careful not to leave any soap residue behind.

Filippo schrieb:
Can you be more specific about whether you already have stains, or if you mainly want to discuss everyday maintenance?

Thank you for asking – it is more about everyday maintenance. I don’t have any stubborn stains yet, but I want to prevent the protective coating from being damaged over time. In particular, water marks tend to appear quickly when placing a wet glass down.

Are there any recommended home remedies that can gently remove light water marks, or is it better to avoid experimenting?