ᐅ How do I remove stubborn stains from MALM furniture?

Hello everyone,

I recently noticed some stubborn stains on my Malm furniture that cannot be removed by simple wiping or common cleaning agents. These are white coffee stains and, in some areas, light watermarks on the surface. Since I want to avoid damaging the surface or affecting the finish, I am looking for proven methods or home remedies that are both effective and gentle on Malm furniture.

Does anyone have experience with such stains on Malm furniture made of wood or laminate? How did you approach removing them, which products did you use, and are there any special considerations to keep in mind? I would appreciate detailed tips, especially regarding compatibility with the surface, as Malm can be sensitive.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Simply clean with a damp cloth and a mild dish detergent. For stubborn stains, I recommend using a cleaning eraser, which often works wonders. Afterwards, wipe the area with clean water and allow it to dry thoroughly.

TELAHAU schrieb:
Simply clean with a damp cloth and a mild dish soap.

That is basically a good starting point, especially since MALM furniture is mostly coated with a clear lacquer layer that is quite resistant to light cleaning. It is important not to use harsh or abrasive cleaners to avoid scratching the surface.

For stubborn white spots, which often appear due to water or heat, the following method has proven effective:

First, dry the affected area, then take a cotton cloth with a little olive oil and gently rub it in. The oil can help dissolve light marks while also caring for the wood or laminate.

If that is not enough, try a mixture of equal parts toothpaste (without gel) and baking soda. Apply this paste carefully with a soft cloth, do not rub too hard, and then wipe off with water.

If you notice no improvement at all, it would be advisable to treat the spots with a special furniture polish for lacquered surfaces. Always follow the product instructions carefully.

If you want, I can also prepare a detailed step-by-step guide for you.

SARBLA1 schrieb:
Olive oil can help dissolve light stains while also conditioning wood or laminate.

I find it interesting how often home remedies are recommended that mostly have a placebo effect. Sure, olive oil looks nice and smells good, but I would actually advise against applying it to lacquered furniture. It can cause greasy stains that are difficult to remove without professional treatment.

To be honest, I think the whole discussion about home remedies for MALM furniture is overrated. Of course, many people don’t want to spend money, but high-quality furniture should be maintained with suitable products. Special furniture cleaners or a balm explicitly designed for lacquered surfaces are the best route.

bardi schrieb:
... since I want to avoid damaging the surfaces ...

That’s exactly why I would really avoid home remedies and instead use reliable branded products. You may not be able to bring out professional-grade equipment at home, but a proper furniture cleaner will definitely do the job.

What do you think? Is using olive oil and similar remedies really such a big risk, or are we just playing it too safe here?