ᐅ IKEA Malm Nightstand Water Stains – How to Remove Them?

Created on: 19 Nov 2021 08:17
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Lomarika65
Hello everyone, I have noticed water stains on my IKEA Malm nightstand that don’t come off even after regular wiping. The surface is lacquered, and I suspect these are white marks caused by moisture. Does anyone have experience or tips on how to effectively remove such water stains without damaging the surface? Maybe specific cleaning products or home remedies you can recommend? I’m reluctant to damage the lacquer, so I appreciate any well-founded advice.
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Taubi
19 Nov 2021 12:07
Apply rubs with baby oil, let it sit, then wipe off. This has removed water stains on laminate flooring and painted furniture for me. Just test on a small area first.
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CARLA
19 Nov 2021 13:29
karlau schrieb:
Sometimes you just have to accept that furniture isn’t infinitely durable.

That is true; however, some surfaces can be preserved through proper maintenance, which is more sustainable than replacing them immediately. Therefore, the choice of method always depends on the type of finish, the kind of stain, and the age of the furniture.

In addition to the heat method, a fine abrasive polishing compound is especially recommended for white water stains on clear lacquer to slightly roughen and restore the matte layer.
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NoValentin
19 Nov 2021 14:50
I have also found a mixture of equal parts toothpaste and baking soda to be effective. This should be gently rubbed in with a damp cloth, then wiped off with clean water. Avoid applying pressure or rubbing vigorously, as this can damage the surface.
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Joe52
19 Nov 2021 15:15
karlau schrieb:
Why always sugarcoat everything?

I see your point. But I believe there’s nothing worse than angrily pushing broken furniture into a corner when, with a bit of patience, you can still fix it. Especially with affordable furniture like the Malm, I think any repair effort is worthwhile.
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lorena
20 Nov 2021 08:22
One more note on heat treatment for water stains: It is important that the heat is never applied directly or for too long on the surface, as this can further damage the finish. Place ironing paper or a linen cloth over the area and iron gently on a low setting, preferably in intervals, allowing it to cool in between. Additionally, you should check whether the bedside table is actually lacquered or melamine-coated, as this method does not work on melamine.
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sarla
20 Nov 2021 10:10
For IKEA Malm nightstands with light water stains, I recommend using a furniture polish based on carnauba wax. This penetrates the lacquer layer and can reduce fine white residues. Important: The surface must be clean and dry before application. For deeper stains, it is difficult to completely remove them without damaging the finish.