ᐅ How can I extend the lifespan of my MALM furniture?

Hello everyone,

I have owned various Malm furniture from IKEA for several years now, especially dressers and beds. I want to maximize the lifespan of this furniture because I really appreciate the look and design and prefer not to constantly invest in replacements or repairs. I am particularly interested in maintenance measures, preventive steps, or everyday habits that are effective in minimizing wear and damage. Information about the materials or specific cleaning recommendations is also welcome—what can be done to keep Malm furniture functional and looking as good as new for a long time? Thanks in advance for your advice.

Wipe regularly with a slightly damp cloth; do not use aggressive cleaning agents. Occasionally tighten screws to ensure everything remains stable.

MALM furniture is usually made from coated wood particleboard. The surface is sensitive to water and harsh chemicals. Therefore, I recommend:

- Using pH-neutral cleaners
- Avoiding standing moisture on the surface
- Attaching felt pads under drawers and cabinets to reduce friction
- Avoiding overloading with excessively heavy items, especially in drawers

Additionally, you can check the fixing screws annually and tighten them if necessary to maintain stability.

sarla schrieb:
Use of pH-neutral cleaners

Exactly, because the melamine coating is sensitive to harsh substances, which can cause roughening and permanent damage.

I also recommend placing the furniture in a location with stable humidity (between 40-60%) to prevent warping or swelling. Dry air can promote cracks in the material, while too much moisture causes the sunflower core to expand – specifically referring to the particleboard.

Another point concerns assembly: The MALM series is quite straightforward to put together, but consistently using the original screws and dowels and tightening them correctly without over-torquing immediately extends the lifespan. I personally check the stability every few months during the first year and then twice a year.

To protect against scratches, I recommend occasionally lubricating the drawer runners with Teflon spray or silicone oil; this reduces wear and prevents squeaking. In summary: material care, proper cleaning, stable assembly, and controlled humidity.

I’m curious: In which room are your MALM furniture pieces located to better assess the environmental conditions?

GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
I wonder: In which room are your MALM furniture pieces located, to better assess the environmental factors?

Thank you for the detailed response! The furniture is mainly in bedrooms without direct exposure to moisture, but the radiator heating in winter dries the air quite a bit. Sometimes pets are in the room, but they do not jump on the furniture.

I think the whole care and maintenance of MALM furniture is overrated. These are affordable pieces that simply aren’t designed to last for decades. So, if you really want to extend their lifespan significantly, it’s better to consider higher-quality furniture.

sarla schrieb:
Avoiding overload from excessively heavy items

I completely agree here; this is the most important point that is often overlooked. It’s better to put less inside and declutter more often than to use the piece as a heavy-duty load carrier.

Otherwise, the perfect “lifespan extension” is mostly cosmetic – scratches occur, edges chip off, no matter how much you clean. These types of furniture just aren’t meant to go decades without wear and tear.