ᐅ How do you clean Malm furniture when dealing with stubborn dirt?

Hello everyone, I have some Malm furniture from Ikea that I mainly use in the living room. Unfortunately, there is stubborn dirt that is not easy to remove with regular cleaning, such as set-in stains, dust in the corners, and slight wear on the surface. Therefore, I’m wondering what the best way to clean Malm furniture with stubborn dirt is, without damaging the surface. What cleaning agents and tools are suitable, and are there any special tips for protecting the material and avoiding scratches? I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!

Hello Dirktar61, I can help you with that! Malm furniture is usually made from lacquered, foil-covered, or coated wood panels. For cleaning stubborn dirt, I recommend starting with a microfiber cloth and warm water plus a little mild dish soap. It’s important to dry the furniture thoroughly afterward to prevent moisture from soaking in.

If stains persist, you can use a special furniture care product or wood oil that is not too harsh. Make sure not to use abrasive cleaners or strong solvents like alcohol or acetone, as these can damage the surface.

A soft toothbrush is useful for removing dust and dirt from grooves or corners. If there are scratches, wax repair sticks, chosen in a matching color, often help.

I would recommend starting by wiping the surface with warm water mixed with a few drops of dish soap. For stubborn spots, use a soft sponge or an old toothbrush. Important: avoid using too much water and do not use harsh cleaning agents, as they can quickly damage the surface.

Hello Dirktar61, I would like to go into more detail on this topic and give you a step-by-step guide on how to clean your Malm furniture effectively and gently:

1. Remove dust: Start by using a dry microfiber cloth or a soft dust cloth to remove loose dust. This reduces the risk of scratches during cleaning.

2. Prepare cleaning solution: Pour lukewarm water into a bowl and add one to two drops of mild dish soap.

3. Cleaning: Dip a soft cloth or sponge into the solution, wring it out well so it is damp but not wet, and wipe the furniture surfaces.

4. Stubborn stains: For tougher dirt, you can carefully use a sponge with a mixture of water and a little citric acid, but please test it first in an inconspicuous area. Toothpaste (without gel) can also help on small spots—apply it with a soft cloth and gently rub.

5. Corners and joints: Use a soft toothbrush to remove dirt from edges and corners.

6. Wipe and dry: Always wipe again with a clean, dry cloth to ensure no moisture remains on the surface.

For protection, I recommend using furniture care products or special furniture wax for coated surfaces. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish.

Also, avoid using harsh sponges or brushes that could scratch the varnish. This way you can keep your Malm furniture looking good for a long time.

Jukin schrieb:
For cleaning stubborn dirt, I recommend starting with a microfiber cloth and warm water plus a little mild dish detergent.

Thank you, that sounds helpful. Could you also tell me if I can use glass cleaner or all-purpose cleaner for the furniture? Someone at the hardware store said that glass cleaners are often alcohol-free and therefore gentle, but I’m not sure if that’s true or if the solvents might damage the wood finish.

Hello Dirktar61, glass cleaner is usually not a good choice for coated furniture like Malm, as it often contains ammonia or other solvents that can damage the surface. It is better to use a mild all-purpose cleaner that is pH-neutral, or simply water with a small amount of dish soap. This way, you are on the safe side and protect the material.