ᐅ How do I remove stickers from Malm furniture?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought some Malm furniture from IKEA that still has various stickers on it, which I would like to remove completely. I want to do this as gently as possible to avoid damaging the light wood finish or the white surface. I’m interested in proven methods and tools from your experience that help remove the stickers—whether mechanically, with solvents, or other household tricks.

It would also be great if anyone has experience with residue or adhesive left behind and knows how to remove it without discoloring or damaging the furniture.

For those who have dealt with this: What approach worked best for you, and which mistakes should definitely be avoided?

Thanks in advance for your tips!

elias_mi schrieb:
What approach has worked best for you, and which mistakes should definitely be avoided?

An interesting starting question, as the surface of Malm furniture is usually lacquered or laminated and therefore sensitive to solvents.

I would first critically consider which products are actually suitable. Mechanical scraping is often the initial instinct but carries significant risks of damaging the surface. On the other hand, using aggressive solvents (such as acetone) can attack the material.

So, a balanced approach is needed: heat can help reduce adhesive strength. A hairdryer set to a moderate temperature is often a good first step.

I would expect that ethanol-based formulations or mild soap-based cleaners are generally more gentle, but evidence to support this would be helpful. Does anyone have scientific or practical proof on this?

BAUEVA schrieb:
Heat can help reduce adhesive strength.

That is correct. In fact, using heat is a well-established method to easily remove stickers from painted or laminated surfaces. I recommend the following procedure:

1. Gently warm the stickers with a hairdryer until the adhesive softens.
2. Then slowly peel off the sticker using a soft plastic card or a fingernail.
3. To remove any adhesive residue, use either warm dishwater or low-concentration isopropyl alcohol to avoid damaging the material.

I would strongly advise against using acetone, as it can damage the paint. It is important to always test a small, inconspicuous area first before working on larger sections.

This method has been proven in practice and helps prevent damage.

Emery schrieb:
I recommend the following approach:
1. Gently warm the stickers with a hairdryer until the adhesive softens.
2. Then slowly peel off the sticker using a soft plastic card or a fingernail.

That’s brilliant! 🙂 I removed the stickers from Malm tables exactly like this and had no problems at all. My advice: patience is key here! It’s better to go slowly and carefully so you won’t have to repair the furniture afterward.

Additionally, I recommend applying some furniture polish afterward to restore the surface’s shine. The result really impressed me – it looked like new!

So, no need to panic about stickers; you can handle it easily, and with the right technique, it can even be fun! 🙂