ᐅ What surface care is suitable for MALM wood?

Created on: 5 Oct 2020 08:23
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sebastian1
Good morning everyone,

I recently purchased a Malm bedroom furniture set made of light wood (partially solid pine with veneer). Now I am wondering which type of surface care is best suited for these Malm pieces to protect the material in the long term, preserve the natural character, and avoid any unsightly stains or discoloration.

I am especially interested in information about different care products such as furniture wax, wood oil, special wood care products for veneered surfaces, or possibly mild cleaners. I would also like to know if there are any restrictions, for example, no oils on veneered surfaces, or any specific recommendations from IKEA or user experiences.

Does anyone have practical experience or proven tips for surface care of Malm wood? Which care products can be used without concern and what should be avoided? How often is treatment recommended?

Thanks for your answers – detailed, factual information is very important to me!
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RENMA
6 Oct 2020 09:17
A brief overview for clarification:

1. Melamine resin-coated surfaces (front panels, tabletops, frames): Do not use oil or wax. Clean with a mild, pH-neutral cleaner or just water.

2. Solid wood edges: Occasionally treat with wood oil or care oil. This protects against drying out and prevents hairline cracks.

3. Avoid: Do not use harsh acids, alcohol, or solvents on any surfaces.

4. Maintenance intervals: For edges, 1-2 times per year is sufficient, depending on usage.

This information is based on manufacturer recommendations and various tests in forums. The surface of Malm is specifically designed to be low-maintenance.
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sarla
6 Oct 2020 11:29
I would like to add from my experience:

If it is pine wood, it tends to be more sensitive to dryness, so occasional oiling is advisable.

It is important to apply the oil sparingly and very thinly, and always perform a spot test on an inconspicuous area beforehand to avoid discoloration.

Another tip: The furniture should not be placed in direct sunlight or near heating vents, as this causes the surface to age faster and the wood to expand and contract. This also affects the maintenance intervals.
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DAMALO
6 Oct 2020 14:56
I just wanted to say that I also recently got one of those MALM pieces, and I was confused about how to take care of it.

Thanks to everyone who explains this so well here!
sebastian1 schrieb:
Whether solid wood parts need to be maintained differently than the coated surfaces

Yes, that helped me too. Now I’m doing it more or less the way PULAU and RENMA suggest. It feels much safer, and I’ve already noticed that this way you can enjoy the edges for a longer time 😊
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Timofa
7 Oct 2020 08:04
I really appreciate that there is so much objectivity here and that people are putting real thought into it!

Just a small tip from me: If you want to have a little fun with the edges when using oil, try a special wood oil with a honey scent – it smells great and makes the maintenance feel like a relaxing moment 😄

Other than that, the rule is: Better to use too little than too much, otherwise the product becomes sticky and attracts dust more quickly.

Just like keogla says: For the "large" surfaces, a damp cloth is enough – simple and effective 🙂
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liste
7 Oct 2020 10:46
Timofa schrieb:
If you want a little fun with the edges when using oil, try a special wood oil with a honey scent

Sounds nice, but honestly: what real benefit does a scented oil provide?
DAMALO schrieb:
You feel much safer, and I have seen that the edges last longer this way

That may be true, but the effectiveness should be assessed objectively. Oil protects against moisture loss, of course, but the surface remains vulnerable to scratches. The surface of coated parts is much more durable – this should be kept in mind to avoid unrealistic expectations regarding maintenance.