ᐅ What is the best way to clean Malm surfaces?

lorena schrieb:
Lightly rubbing with a soft, almost dry cloth

That’s true, I’ve often noticed that using too much cleaning agent can do more harm than good. Sometimes, a gentle mechanical treatment is enough, especially for water stains that are still fresh.

Regarding specialty cleaners: Products specifically designed for matte finishes should really be solvent-free. Some manufacturers, such as 'Clou' or 'Livos,' offer wood cleaning agents that do not damage the surface. I generally recommend using a very fine cleaning sponge, for example from 3M, for difficult stains. You should not press or rub like with a coarse sponge. This way, the top layer of dirt can be gently removed.

Regarding sensitivity: Matte finishes are more affected by heat, UV exposure, and moisture. Therefore, long-term damage from improper care is often a problem if residues or oils have penetrated the surface. Regular, gentle wiping is the best approach.

Sau64, could you maybe describe how old your Malm furniture is and exactly where the stains are? I don’t need a photo, but details help.

kibutar schrieb:
Can you maybe describe how old your Malm furniture is and exactly where the stains are?

The piece of furniture is about 5 years old, with hardly any direct sunlight exposure, always kept in a living room with moderate use. The stains are mainly on the top surface, likely caused by glasses with water. They have a slightly cloudy appearance and resemble limescale marks that don’t fully come off. Unfortunately, I once accidentally tried an alcohol-based cleaner on one corner, and since then a slightly glossy spot has formed there. I would, of course, like to avoid that during further cleaning.

sau64 schrieb:
Alcohol-based cleaning agent caused a slightly shiny spot

This sounds like a partial alteration of the finish due to the solvent effect. The only solution is very careful touch-up, possibly using a slightly damp silicone-free polishing cloth with a very small amount of furniture oil to visually even out the surface. Test this first in an inconspicuous area or on the reverse side. For the lime stains, you could also try diluted white vinegar, but apply it only briefly and rinse immediately with clean water to prevent further damage to the finish. Vinegar is acidic and can dissolve lime deposits, but it can also harm the finish, so use it with great caution.

lorena schrieb:
Treat lime scale stains with diluted white vinegar, but very carefully

I would definitely recommend doing a vinegar test first, but only spot testing. In my experience with Malm, you really need to proceed carefully and with a gentle touch. The slight shine that appears after using alcohol can be annoying, but in fact, you can often mask it by lightly treating the entire surface with a fine-care product.

Use vinegar sparingly, otherwise the paint will be damaged. Otherwise, use mild soap and wipe dry afterwards.