Hello everyone, I have a problem with water stains on my IKEA Malm furniture, specifically on the white lacquered surface. These stains are quite stubborn and appear despite using coasters. I’m interested in knowing: How can I effectively remove these water stains from my Malm furniture without damaging the surface? Are there any special home remedies or professional products that have proven effective? I would like to know which methods work best, what to avoid, and perhaps also how to prevent these stains. Thanks in advance for your help!
A supplementary note: Many recommend applying mayonnaise or petroleum jelly overnight for white water stains. Oily substances penetrate the wood or finish and can dissolve or lighten the stains. Wipe off in the morning and gently polish afterwards with a mild care product.
This method is especially suitable for stains that have set in somewhat, but be cautious with varnished furniture, as oils can alter the surface.
This method is especially suitable for stains that have set in somewhat, but be cautious with varnished furniture, as oils can alter the surface.
nubar schrieb:
Many recommend applying mayonnaise or petroleum jelly overnight for white water stains.I would be cautious here. While oil-based products can often help, the chemical composition of finishes on Malm furniture can vary significantly. Without exact manufacturer information, there is a risk that the surface may discolor or the protective layer might be damaged.
Have you checked whether the furniture has a melamine, lacquer, or acrylic coating?
Also, I would ask: How large are the stains? Small, isolated spots are often easier to treat than widespread discolorations.
Good morning, thank you for the detailed advice! Regarding the material: it is generally a painted surface, not a melamine foil.
The stains are usually small, more like white edges or circles where a glass was placed.
About the different methods: the iron technique sounds interesting, but I am concerned about the heat damaging the paint.
Does anyone have experience with toothpaste or baking soda as alternatives? Which one is gentler on painted surfaces?
Also: after treatment, is it necessary to polish or seal the surface to maintain protection?
The stains are usually small, more like white edges or circles where a glass was placed.
About the different methods: the iron technique sounds interesting, but I am concerned about the heat damaging the paint.
Does anyone have experience with toothpaste or baking soda as alternatives? Which one is gentler on painted surfaces?
Also: after treatment, is it necessary to polish or seal the surface to maintain protection?
Hey Benfi, I had exactly the same problem with my Malm table!
I tried the toothpaste method: just put a small amount of regular white toothpaste on a damp, soft cloth and gently rub the water stain in circular motions. Then wipe it off with a clean, slightly damp cloth and dry it well.
The result was really great – the stains almost completely disappeared! After that, I applied a little furniture polish with a furniture care cloth to protect the surface.
Give it a try 🙂 I was skeptical because it sounded so simple, but it worked really well for me!
I tried the toothpaste method: just put a small amount of regular white toothpaste on a damp, soft cloth and gently rub the water stain in circular motions. Then wipe it off with a clean, slightly damp cloth and dry it well.
The result was really great – the stains almost completely disappeared! After that, I applied a little furniture polish with a furniture care cloth to protect the surface.
Give it a try 🙂 I was skeptical because it sounded so simple, but it worked really well for me!
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