ᐅ IKEA Malm dresser lacquered finish – how to properly care for it?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Malm chest of drawers with a lacquered finish and am now wondering about the best way to care for it so the surface stays looking good for a long time.

The chest has a matte lacquered surface, and I’m concerned that residue from cleaning products or improper care could damage the finish. What are the best cleaning methods, and which products should I definitely avoid?

Are there any special care instructions for the lacquer besides regular cleaning, such as for polishing or protecting against scratches?

I would appreciate it if anyone could share practical tips or experiences on how to properly maintain the lacquered IKEA Malm chest of drawers and what to watch out for to keep its appearance as long as possible.

It is best to clean with a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth and then wipe dry. Do not use harsh cleaning agents or abrasive sponges, as these can damage the finish. Regular wiping is usually sufficient for protection; additional care products are generally not necessary.

Hello,

I can add that with painted IKEA furniture, you should generally avoid using aggressive cleaning agents or all-purpose cleaners containing alcohol. These can make the paint look dull or even wear it off.

A mild dish soap diluted in water is completely sufficient. It is important not to leave the surface wet and to dry it immediately after cleaning.

To avoid scratches, avoid using rough cloths or sponges.

Sometimes, you can polish the surface with a special furniture or paint care oil for extra protection, but this is usually not necessary for IKEA Malm furniture if you clean it regularly.

Interesting point. However, I would like to know on what basis these care instructions are provided. Does IKEA itself have specific recommendations for the Malm dresser with lacquer?

Often, furniture is simply described as "painted," but the type of lacquer is crucial for proper care.

I doubt that cleaning with dish soap everywhere is advisable without knowing the exact type of lacquer. Are there official documents from IKEA on this, or have users tested the product with other cleaning agents and observed any effects?

Hector schrieb:
I doubt that you should clean everywhere with dish soap without knowing the exact type of finish.

That is a very valid question. According to the product description from IKEA, the Malm dresser (painted) has a surface with a plastic coating on MDF. This means the finish is durable but not as strong as, for example, acrylic paint or industrial coatings.

I therefore suspect that aggressive or alcohol-based cleaners might damage the surface. How exactly does this surface react to moisture or mechanical impacts?

Perhaps someone with experience can recommend which care products are compatible with plastic-coated finishes.

For reference: According to my research, the finish on the IKEA Malm dresser is a type of plastic lacquer, mainly made from polyurethane. It is generally resistant to water but sensitive to solvents and alcohol.

For cleaning, I recommend using a soft, damp microfiber cloth without any additional cleaning agents. If the dirt is more stubborn, use a very mild dish soap diluted in plenty of water, wipe immediately afterwards with clean water, and dry.

The surface should not be treated with aggressive chemicals, caustic soda, or alcohol, as this can cause the finish to become dull and brittle.

Special care with lacquer maintenance products is not necessary with normal use. However, if you still prefer to apply care products, there are special furniture polishes designed for plastic lacquer, which should be used sparingly.

In general, preventing scratches is more important than aftercare, so avoid abrasive sponges or sharp edges on the surface.