ᐅ Is there a way to better protect Malm furniture?

Created on: 7 Sep 2019 09:34
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ixdi63
Hello everyone,

I have several Malm furniture pieces from Ikea at home and find their design and value for money really good. However, I’m often concerned about the relatively soft surfaces, as they can easily get scratched or dented. That’s why I’m asking the community: Is there a way to better protect Malm furniture so it stays looking nice longer and is more resistant to everyday wear and tear? I’m especially interested in tips regarding surface treatments, special protective films, or other proven methods that you might use yourselves.

Thanks for your experiences and advice!
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Roninkla
7 Sep 2019 12:22
Guyju schrieb:
Make sure to buy polyurethane films; they are more durable than simple PVC films.

I can confirm this. Polyurethane films really provide better long-term protection and are more resistant to discoloration than PVC. This is especially important for white-painted Malm furniture, as films can otherwise yellow over time.

I also recommend warming the films for a few hours with a hairdryer on a low setting to help them adhere better and reduce blistering.
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ixdi63
8 Sep 2019 08:09
Thanks for the tips so far! I find the advice about edge protection profiles and special furniture protective films especially interesting.

I have one more question: Are there any specific cleaning products that should definitely be avoided when caring for the foil coating on Malm furniture because they could damage or harm the surface? I really don’t want to make things worse.
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draleo
8 Sep 2019 08:45
ixdi63 schrieb:
Are there any specific cleaning products that should never be used on the foil coating of Malm furniture because they might damage or harm the surface?

Yes, you should definitely avoid aggressive cleaners containing alkalis, strong solvents (e.g., acetone, turpentine), abrasive cleaners, or high-concentration alcohol-based products. These can damage the foil coating, causing dull spots or cloudy discoloration.

For cleaning, mild dish soap solutions applied with a soft, damp cloth are sufficient. It’s best to wipe the surface afterwards with a dry cloth to prevent moisture damage.
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refinar
8 Sep 2019 09:17
Here is a brief guide for anyone who prefers a structured approach:

1. Cleaning: Use only mild cleaning agents without abrasives.
2. Protection: Apply clear polyurethane protective films to high-wear areas.
3. Maintenance: Use appropriate furniture care products specifically designed for films, usually wax or silicone-free treatments.
4. Additional measures: Install edge protectors on corners and felt pads under movable items.

This is how you effectively protect Malm furniture and maintain its appearance over time.

Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when applying films, especially regarding surface cleaning and film adhesion.
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Renegi
8 Sep 2019 11:02
A simple alternative to plastic sheets are large, washable placemats for tables. This saves the effort of carefully applying plastic sheets while still providing good protection against scratches and stains.