ᐅ How can MALM furniture be cleaned without damaging the finish?

Hello everyone,

I have several MALM furniture pieces from IKEA at home that I would like to clean gently. The main issue is that the surface is usually coated with some kind of lacquer, which can be easily damaged if the wrong cleaning product or a rough sponge is used. My question is: How can you clean MALM furniture without damaging the lacquer? I am especially looking for advice on suitable cleaning methods, recommended cleaning products, and materials to avoid scratches, dull spots, or discoloration. Are there any special procedures or products that have proven effective? I would be very grateful for any tips!

Simply wipe with a soft, damp microfiber cloth and use mild soap. Do not use harsh cleaners or abrasive sponges.

Basically, with MALM furniture from IKEA, it should be noted that the surfaces are usually coated with polypropylene lacquer or melamine resin, which makes them sensitive to aggressive chemicals and excessive mechanical pressure. To avoid damaging the finish, I recommend the following approach:

1. Regularly remove dust with a dry, soft microfiber cloth.
2. Treat stains with a slightly damp cloth and a neutral, pH-balanced dishwashing detergent solution.
3. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scratching sponges – including harsh household sponges.
4. Stubborn discolorations can sometimes be removed with a little isopropanol on a cloth, but please test it first in an inconspicuous area.
5. Avoid strong direct sunlight, as UV exposure can fade and make the finish brittle.

I’d be interested to know if you prefer frequent light cleaning, or if regular use leads to frequent stains or other signs of wear?

For clarification: The finish on MALM furniture is usually a UV-cured melamine foil or a paint layer on particleboard. Therefore, it is important not to use solvents such as acetone, turpentine, or aggressive cleaners containing chlorine or ammonia, as these can damage or dissolve the finish.

Some tips:

- Do not use abrasive cleaners or paper towels, as they can cause fine scratches.
- A damp microfiber cloth is often sufficient to remove dust and light dirt.
- For sticky or greasy stains, mild dish soap with water is recommended.
- After cleaning, dry the surface as soon as possible to prevent water spots.

In summary: Caution with aggressive products and use of soft materials is essential.

Hey, I think this topic is really important! I have always cleaned my MALM dressers with a properly damp, clean cloth and rarely had issues with scratches. 🙂 The key is really not to scrub too hard and to avoid strong cleaning agents.

For me, a simple homemade remedy has always worked well: a diluted vinegar-water mix (1 part vinegar, 3 parts water) is great for light dirt and does not damage the finish. Give it a try! 😉

retau schrieb:
Diluted vinegar-water mix [...] works great for light dirt and does not damage the paint.

Be careful with vinegar! Vinegar can damage the clear coat on some types of furniture finishes and cause dulling. In such cases, a mild dishwashing foam is often the safer option.