ᐅ How can I remove stains from Malm furniture?

Hello everyone, I have a serious problem with some stains on my Malm furniture from IKEA. The issue mainly concerns white, painted surfaces where ugly marks have formed from water rings and light paint splatters, which cannot be removed by normal wiping. My question is: How can I effectively remove these stains from Malm furniture with minimal damage? Are there any special home remedies or recommended cleaning products that are suitable? What precautions should I take to avoid scratching or discoloring the surface? I have already tried several things, from soapy water to vinegar, but so far without lasting success. I would be very grateful for any tips and experiences!

Hey pukin55, that sounds really frustrating, but I know the issue all too well! 🙂 I’ve had great experience with Malm furniture when cleaning it using a bit of olive oil followed by polishing. This works really well to remove many stains! It’s especially helpful with watermarks because it nourishes the surface slightly and helps lift the stains. Important: use a really soft cloth! And patience—sometimes you only see the results after a few attempts. It’s amazing how a simple remedy can do so much! Good luck, you’ve got this!!!

I understand the problem, pukin55, those stains can be really annoying. 🙂 A good trick is to use a mixture of lukewarm milk and a little lemon juice – it’s gentle and often helps with stubborn stains. Be careful not to rub too hard, though, as that can damage the paint finish. It’s a bit like a gentle spring cleaning for your furniture. See if that helps!

Hello pukin55, when dealing with such specific stains on painted Malm furniture, a step-by-step approach is recommended. First, try wiping the stain with a microfiber cloth and clear, lukewarm water. If that doesn’t work, test a solution of neutral dish soap diluted with water at a ratio of 1:10. It is important that the cloth is damp rather than wet to avoid soaking the surface. Especially on painted surfaces, moisture can penetrate into the wood and attract dirt. If water stains are present, using a polymer-based polish is often effective – it fills tiny scratches and restores a uniform surface. Please make sure to test any new products in an inconspicuous area first. Damage to the protective coating is the main concern. So, one more question for you: Are the stains mostly superficial, or do you think they have penetrated into the material?

GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
Please make sure to test new products first in an inconspicuous area.

Thank you for the advice; that is really important and something I have only done half-heartedly so far.

Regarding the degree of staining: I would say they are mostly superficial, but some spots have definitely discolored and look dull. It feels as if the protective layer has slightly deteriorated. Do you have a specific recommendation for a polish? I would like to buy something that is especially suitable for IKEA furniture or at least for lacquered particleboard.

And how can I best avoid scratches when cleaning?

I find the discussion interesting, but I wonder if we rely too much on home remedies. The white lacquered surface of the Malm is actually a plastic coating, not a traditional paint finish—it’s melamine-coated. This makes it durable but also sensitive to aggressive substances. My recommendation would be to use a mild, pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for plastics instead of olive oil or lemon juice. It is also essential to avoid vinegar or other acids, as they can damage the surface.

Has anyone here had experience with special products for melamine-coated furniture and stain removal? There are, for example, specific furniture or plastic care products that supposedly also reduce minor wear marks.