ᐅ How to Properly Clean MALM Furniture – Recommended Cleaning Methods

valerie-tr schrieb:
Another question about cleaning: Do you have pets? Sometimes cleaning products change when there are children or animals in the household.

Good question, thanks! I have two cats, so I try to use cleaners that are as non-toxic and low-odor as possible. I also need to clean the furniture more often because dust and cat hair settle on the surfaces. Using alcohol-based cleaner sounds a bit harsh to me, so I would prefer something gentler. Are there any recommendations for non-toxic cleaners that are truly effective against sticky stains and cat hair?

For households with pets, it is best to use only lukewarm water. If necessary, add a few drops of fragrance-free soap. It is better to avoid using denatured alcohol.

Cat hair and dust are really annoying! 🙂 My tip: First, wipe dry with a slightly damp microfiber cloth in one direction to effectively capture the hair. For tougher dirt, use a diluted vinegar cleaner (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water) – it’s natural yet effective. Don’t worry, the vinegar smell disappears quickly and is safe for both cats and furniture. Afterward, make sure to wipe dry thoroughly, as vinegar can affect wood differently than water if left on for a long time.

leteo schrieb:
For tougher stains, a little diluted vinegar cleaner (1 part vinegar to 10 parts water)

I find it questionable to use vinegar regularly on coated furniture, as the acid can damage the surface over time. A reference or user experience would be helpful before following this advice too quickly, I would say.

neo59 schrieb:
I find it questionable to regularly use vinegar on coated furniture, as the acid can damage the surface over time.

This is an important point that might help some of you regarding cleaning: Although vinegar is natural, it is also acidic and can cause long-term damage on certain surfaces, especially on delicate paints or plastic coatings. It is generally not recommended for long-term maintenance of the Malm series! For stains, it’s better to apply it locally and not as a routine cleaner. Always test first in an inconspicuous area.

In general, cleaning furniture is about preserving the protective layer; aggressive cleaning agents can damage this layer, making the surface more vulnerable.

For households with pets, it is advisable to use mild, fragrance-free cleaners, as animals can be sensitive to chemicals.

To conclude from my side, here are some precise instructions covering the range from standard cleaning to special cleaning for MALM furniture:

1. Standard cleaning:
- Remove dust with a dry microfiber cloth.
- For light stains, use water with a small amount of pH-neutral dish soap, wipe immediately afterward, and then buff with a dry cloth.

2. For stubborn stains:
- Moisten a cotton cloth with a low concentration of alcohol (70% ethanol).
- Wipe only until the stain disappears.
- Never make the furniture too wet and dry immediately.

3. Avoid at all costs:
- Abrasive powders, aggressive household cleaners, ammonia, vinegar as a permanent solution.
- Moisture on the edges, as the material can swell.

With two cats, I recommend always using a combination of vacuuming and a damp cloth during regular cleaning, so no hair remains in the joints.

Usually, patience and regular care help, as less is often more with such surfaces. As I said, I have tested this often myself and do not recommend any products that could damage the surface texture.

Does anyone have further experience with special cleaning kits or recommended products they can suggest?