ᐅ How do I remove old adhesive residue from MALM furniture?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my IKEA Malm furniture. When removing some drawers and taking off old self-adhesive labels, adhesive residue was left behind that cannot be easily wiped away. Since I don’t want to damage the surface, I’m looking for a gentle yet effective way to reliably remove these old adhesive residues.

Does anyone have experience with Malm furniture or similar coated surfaces? Which household remedies, cleaning agents, or technical solutions would you recommend that are both effective and safe for the material?

Looking forward to your tips and suggestions!

The surface of the MALM furniture is usually made of laminated particleboard or MDF with a melamine or similar plastic coating. This means that aggressive solvents or strong scraping could damage the surface. I recommend the following approach:

1. Apply lightly warmed white spirit or turpentine substitute with a soft cloth, rubbing gently.
2. If the adhesive is more stubborn, you can carefully use a plastic scraper or a credit card to loosen it.
3. Afterwards, wipe with a damp microfiber cloth and allow it to dry thoroughly.

I would avoid acetone or nail polish remover, as these usually damage the surface.

Additionally, I would like to point out that using gasoline or similar solvent-based products indoors should be done with caution, as the fumes can be harmful to health. Furthermore, with MALM furniture, there is a risk that strong chemical agents can roughen or discolor the plastic coating.

A good alternative is to use special adhesive removers designed for furniture surfaces. These products are usually formulated to be mild and can be gently applied with a cloth or sponge. Follow the manufacturer's instructions and test on an inconspicuous area first.

For mechanical removal, fine melamine sponges (e.g., Magic Eraser or similar) are recommended, as they can lightly abrade surfaces while effectively removing adhesive. However, caution is advised with prolonged use.

First, try using olive oil or cooking oil. Apply it with a soft cloth and let it sit for a while. This often makes it easier to rub off the adhesive residue, protecting the surface.

Removing adhesive residues from MALM furniture? It might sound boring at first, but with a little oil and patience, it becomes really easy 🙂.

I’ve tried it myself using baby oil. Simply apply it to a cloth, gently rub, let it sit for a while, and the residue almost magically comes off. Then wipe it down with a damp cloth, and you’re done. No harsh chemicals involved, which is better for both the furniture and your nose.

If that doesn’t work, I’ve also had good results with acetone-free nail polish remover, but be sure to test it on a small, inconspicuous area first to avoid any unwanted stains!

You can often remove adhesive residue with WD-40. Simply spray it on, wait a moment, then wipe it off. The material will not be damaged by this.