ᐅ How do you care for Malm furniture made of real wood?

Created on: 16 Oct 2016 19:47
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Repin
Hello everyone,

I have several Malm pieces of furniture from IKEA, made of solid wood or real wood veneer. I understand that proper care is especially important to prevent the surfaces from drying out or getting damaged. My question is: What is the best way to care for Malm furniture made of real wood? I would like to know which cleaning products are recommended, how often the furniture should be maintained, and if there are any special tips to help preserve the wood grain and avoid scratches or stains. I also want to avoid using products that could damage the wood from underneath or harm the finish. Thanks in advance for your advice!
R
Repin
17 Oct 2016 08:10
Thanks again!

The surface of my Malm furniture is mostly lacquered. IKEA actually states "real wood veneer with lacquer finish" – that should provide a certain level of protection, right?

How should care be approached in this case? Is a damp cloth and the occasional use of a special furniture cleaner sufficient? Or should oils be completely avoided and only gentle polishing be done?

I just want to avoid unsightly residues or stains, but I also don’t want to spend too much time on frequent maintenance.
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Espen
17 Oct 2016 09:04
For painted surfaces, regular wiping with a soft, slightly damp cloth is completely sufficient. Please avoid using oily or wax-based products, as they can damage or dull the paint.

For stains, a special furniture cleaner designed for painted surfaces is suitable, preferably one without harsh chemicals. Always wipe dry afterward. That’s it.
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silako
17 Oct 2016 10:53
Espen schrieb:
For painted surfaces, regular wiping with a soft, slightly damp cloth is completely sufficient.

I agree with that, but I would like to add that maintenance really depends on how much the furniture is used. If you use the piece frequently, small micro-scratches will develop in the paint over time.

In that case, a paint care product designed for the furniture can be helpful. However, please carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions, as some products reflect light and visually "refresh" the paint, while others leave a residue on the surface that makes it look dull.

Another idea is to clean using an antistatic special cloth to better remove dust without rubbing.
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jordanvin
17 Oct 2016 11:36
This is fantastic, so many tips gathered here! 🙂

I have Malm dressers myself and almost always clean them with just a dry microfiber cloth, which works great and causes no scratches.

It’s also important not to place heavy objects on the surface to avoid damaging the finish. If anything spills on it, wipe it off quickly!

Oh, and avoid direct sunlight since the finishes can fade. Good luck with caring for your furniture!
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silako
17 Oct 2016 12:28
jordanvin schrieb:
It is also important not to place objects that are too heavy on the surface

I would like to add that weight loads can affect the wood structure, especially on veneered surfaces. Even if this is not immediately visible, over time it can cause stress and cracking.

How large are your furniture pieces and what functions do they serve? Do you mainly use them for storage or also as a workspace? This can be relevant for maintenance and protection.