ᐅ What is the best way to clean MALM furniture currently?

Created on: 18 Nov 2022 09:17
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Leandrous
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Leandrous
18 Nov 2022 09:17
Hello everyone, a few months ago I purchased Malm furniture from IKEA and now I want to clean it properly without damaging the surfaces or causing premature wear. I am especially interested in which cleaning products are currently best suited, how often cleaning should be done, and if there are any specific care tips to keep in mind for the melamine surfaces. Who has experience with cleaning MALM and can provide a thorough and detailed guide?
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LOGEMIN
18 Nov 2022 10:34
Hello Leandrous,

I’m happy to give you an overview of the best way to clean and maintain MALM furniture. The surfaces are generally melamine-coated, which means they are quite durable, but you should avoid using aggressive agents.

1. Basic cleaning: A soft, damp microfiber cloth is usually enough to remove everyday dust and dirt.
2. For heavier dirt, you can use mild dish soap in warm water.
3. Important: Do not use abrasive cleaners, solvent-based products, or ammonia cleaners as these can damage the surface.
4. For stubborn stains, a mixture of water and a little vinegar is recommended, but only spot-treat and use a well-wrung cloth.
5. Always wipe again with a dry cloth after cleaning to prevent water spots.

Repeat cleaning about once a week depending on use to prevent dust buildup.

In summary: gentle cleaning agents, no harsh chemicals, and regular wiping are fully sufficient to keep MALM furniture looking nice for a long time.
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Leland
18 Nov 2022 11:46
Use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild dish soap. Then wipe with a dry cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners or alcohol.
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Nakar33
18 Nov 2022 14:12
I would like to provide a more detailed explanation to thoroughly cover the cleaning topic for MALM furniture with melamine coating.

First: The plastic coating is durable but porous enough to absorb aggressive substances, which can cause the surface to become dull or stained.

When cleaning, always consider the type of dirt – dust is unproblematic, while stains from oil or paint are more challenging. I recommend the following procedure:

- Remove dust first with a dry, soft microfiber cloth.
- For greasy or sticky stains, use a cloth dampened with a warm water and dishwashing detergent mixture.
- For dried, stubborn dirt, gently dab with a drop of isopropanol (rubbing alcohol, well diluted). Test first on an inconspicuous area.
- Never use abrasive sponges or brushes, as they will irreversibly damage the surface.

Important: Do not apply moisture excessively; water must not get into edges or drawers to prevent swelling.

If you live in a high-humidity environment, I also recommend occasionally airing out the furniture interiors to avoid moisture buildup.

Finally, a tip: Avoid waxes or furniture polishes, as these can create unsightly layers on melamine.

I’m curious how you use your furniture and what types of stains occur – this could help provide even more targeted advice.
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Leandrous
19 Nov 2022 08:03
Nakar33 schrieb:
I recommend the following procedure

Thank you for this detailed explanation! I usually only clean dust and occasionally greasy spots (e.g., from fingerprints).

Would you really recommend regularly caring for the furniture by wiping lightly with a damp cloth even if it’s just dust from normal use? And is the isopropanol treatment more of an emergency solution for stubborn stains?

Also, in your opinion, are there differences in cleaning between the cabinet bodies and the drawer fronts, or are the surfaces generally treated the same? I’m concerned that edges or corners might be more sensitive.
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tarju41
19 Nov 2022 09:22
I would generally use a soft, slightly damp cloth for everything. Edges on melamine are no different from the large surfaces since the coating is applied continuously. Avoid anything abrasive or harsh.