ᐅ How do I properly care for Malm furniture made of particle board?

Created on: 29 Oct 2017 09:31
S
serko0
Hello everyone, I have several Malm furniture pieces from Ikea made of particleboard and I want to maintain them properly to keep them looking good for as long as possible and to prevent damage from moisture or everyday wear. My question is: Which care methods are specifically recommended for Malm furniture fronts made of particleboard? Are there any cleaning agents or maintenance products I should avoid or preferably use? I am also interested in how to best repair small scratches or signs of wear without damaging the surface. I look forward to your experiences and tips!
B
barsar
29 Oct 2017 12:51
Malm furniture is best cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Retouching markers are suitable for scratches. Always dry afterward to prevent water damage.
K
kyledeo
29 Oct 2017 13:15
I would also avoid using cleaners that contain perfume or alcohol, as they can damage the surface more quickly. Simply use warm water, a little dish soap, and then wipe dry. Scratches: Repair kits work well.
V
vinli
30 Oct 2017 08:17
In addition to the previous posts: The chipboard underlayment is well protected against moisture by the melamine coating, but the edges remain a weak point. Therefore, it is important to avoid letting any liquids seep in. When cleaning, the pH value of the cleaner is crucial: it should be neutral to slightly alkaline to avoid damaging the paint and coating.

The surface cannot be sanded like solid wood, so preventive maintenance is more important than repair. For scratches, only spot touch-ups with repair pens or paint from a specialty store are effective.
S
serko0
30 Oct 2017 09:43
vinli schrieb:
When cleaning, the pH level of the cleaner is crucial: it should be neutral to slightly alkaline.

Thank you, that helps me a lot. I will make sure to use mild cleaners and avoid harsh products. Regarding the edges: is it advisable to treat them with a sealant after some use to permanently prevent swelling? Or would that negatively affect the appearance?
C
Connor
30 Oct 2017 10:15
serko0 schrieb:
Is it advisable to treat them with a sealant after some use to permanently prevent swelling?

In my opinion, applying sealants on the edges has little benefit. Most of the time, it doesn’t look good or alters the surface. The idea sounds reasonable, but in practice, the effort is significant and the effect is minimal. It’s better to be cautious in daily use and avoid letting large amounts of liquid come into contact with the edges.
B
BLAKEO
31 Oct 2017 07:42
Connor schrieb:
Better to be cautious in everyday life and avoid spilling large amounts of liquid on the edges.

I agree, but if sealing is possible, it would be interesting to compare products. Some edge sealants might effectively prevent problems when applied carefully, especially in wet rooms. Perhaps there are experience reports on the long-term effects of this maintenance measure?