ᐅ How to Properly Clean MALM Furniture – Recommended Cleaning Methods

Hello everyone, I have a small issue with my Malm chest of drawers from IKEA and am looking for good tips on proper cleaning. It is important to me not to damage the surface, as it is made of coated wood material, but I still want to effectively remove dust, fingerprints, and light stains. Which products or home remedies are recommended for regular cleaning that are gentle yet effective? Are there any specific substances or cleaners that should definitely be avoided to prevent damage to the tabletop and sides? I look forward to your experiences and recommendations!

Use lukewarm water with a soft microfiber cloth for regular cleaning. Avoid aggressive cleaners.

Hello! It is very important not to use abrasive or solvent-based cleaners on coated surfaces, such as those on MALM furniture. A mild dish soap, heavily diluted in water, combined with a soft cloth usually works very well. After wiping, you should polish the surface with a dry cloth to prevent moisture from penetrating, which could cause the wood to swell. Stains like adhesive residue or grease can be carefully treated with a little alcohol or spirits, but always test first in an inconspicuous area.

Under no circumstances use harsh cleaners or abrasives. Warm water and a soft cloth are often entirely sufficient.

Interestingly, it is often recommended to avoid using aggressive or alcohol-based cleaners, but I wonder if this warning is a bit too general. Especially for durable plastic coatings, occasional treatment with isopropyl alcohol should not cause any issues and can actually remove stains better than water alone. As nikian already mentioned, it is important to test on an inconspicuous spot first. The fear of damage is often greater than the actual risk. Does anyone here have experience with using denatured alcohol on MALM surfaces?

I would like to elaborate on the previous statements, especially since MALM furniture surfaces are usually made of melamine-coated particleboard. This material has a smooth and quite durable coating, making it well-suited for cleaning with moisture.

Step 1: To regularly remove dust, simply use a dry microfiber cloth to avoid scratching the surface.

Step 2: For stains such as fingerprints, a damp cloth with a drop of pH-neutral dish soap (e.g., Palmolive) is recommended. It is important to wring the cloth out well so the surface does not become too wet.

Step 3: For stubborn stains – such as those from markers or adhesive residues – apply a small amount of 70% ethanol or rubbing alcohol to a cotton cloth and rub gently. Always test first in an inconspicuous area to ensure the finish is not damaged.

Tips: Avoid using abrasive cleaners! Also, do not use cleaning products containing ammonia or aggressive all-purpose cleaners. These can dull or even damage the surface.

If you often deal with moisture, always dry the surface immediately after cleaning, as the boards will generally only swell if water penetrates the cut edges.

One more question about cleaning: Do you have pets? Sometimes cleaning methods need to be adjusted when there are children or animals in the household.