ᐅ How do I properly clean and maintain Malm furniture?

Hello everyone, I recently bought some Malm furniture from Ikea and want to clean and maintain it properly to keep it looking good for as long as possible and avoid any damage. I am especially interested in how to best care for the surfaces, since they are not painted but rather laminated. Can anyone give me tips on which cleaning products are most suitable and how to proceed to avoid scratches or other damage? Are there any specific recommendations for regular maintenance or dealing with stains? Thanks in advance for your advice!

Adenismo3 schrieb:
I am particularly interested in how to best care for the surfaces, since they are not painted but rather laminated.

This is a very important point! I personally have Malm furniture and was initially unsure about which cleaning products are safe to use. Mild cleaning agents without harsh chemicals work best – I usually just use warm water with a little dish soap. It is important not to use abrasive cleaners or scrubbing pads, as these can quickly damage the laminate.

Adenismo3 schrieb:
Are there any specific recommendations for regular maintenance or how to deal with stains?

Regarding stains: I have found it effective to wipe them off immediately with a soft cloth. For tougher stains, you can carefully use a drop of rubbing alcohol or isopropanol, but only locally and sparingly. Always follow up cleaning by wiping with a dry cloth to avoid leaving moisture behind. I know this sounds simple, but when dealing with these laminated surfaces, it’s definitely better to be cautious than to regret it later. 🙂

For optimal care of Malm furniture, a few important points should be observed:

The surface of Malm furniture is made of melamine foil, which is easy to maintain but sensitive to mechanical stress and chemical agents. Therefore, all abrasive cleaners, aggressive solvents, and harsh cleaning products should be avoided.

For daily cleaning, a soft cloth slightly dampened with water and, if needed, a mild, pH-neutral cleaning solution is suitable. Gentle cleaning prevents micro-damage.

For light stains, using a damp microfiber cloth is recommended. For stubborn dirt, a few drops of alcohol (isopropyl or denatured ethanol) can be applied locally, but never over a large area to avoid damaging the foil.

It is important to always wipe the surfaces dry after cleaning to prevent moisture residue and water spots.

Additionally, approximately once a quarter, you may consider using special furniture care products approved for coated surfaces. These products create a protective layer and help maintain the matte or glossy finish.

In summary: gentle cleaning, no abrasive cleaners, targeted stain treatment, and occasional care for long-lasting appearance.

Use only water and a very mild dish soap.
Do not use microfiber cloths with a coarse texture.
Never use aggressive cleaners or abrasives.
For stains, treat locally with a small amount of isopropanol.
Then wipe dry – done.

Adenismo3 schrieb:
Are there any special recommendations for regular maintenance or dealing with stains?

Malm furniture is very popular, but yes, you need to treat the laminate surface with care! I usually use a slightly damp cloth with a few drops of dish soap to gently clean the surface. For stubborn stains, I first try very gently dabbing a small amount of alcohol.

Important: Don’t use too much water and avoid abrasive sponges, or you’ll quickly get scratches. And do not use steam cleaners—this applies to almost all laminate surfaces!

Every few months, I give the furniture a light polish using oil-based furniture care products designed for coated surfaces. This helps keep the color looking fresh and provides some protection against scratches—it works really well and keeps the furniture looking great. 🙂