ᐅ Storing IKEA MALM Furniture in Damp Conditions – What to Consider?

Hello everyone, I am planning to store some IKEA Malm furniture for an extended period in a storage room that unfortunately is not completely dry and may have elevated humidity levels at times. My specific question is: What should I consider when storing Malm furniture in a room exposed to moisture to prevent any damage?

In particular, I am interested in how the MDF panels of the furniture react to humidity, whether protective measures like plastic sheets or specific storage locations are advisable, and if there are generally issues with mold, warping, or swelling.

I would appreciate practical tips, experiences, or advice on how to prevent moisture damage to this type of furniture.

Hello Orson46, as a general rule: MALM furniture is mostly made of particleboard or MDF panels, which are sensitive to moisture.

Storing them in damp environments can cause swelling, warping, and mold growth because the material absorbs moisture. Therefore, it is essential that the storage area is well-ventilated and as dry as possible.

The following points are important:
1. Disassemble the furniture to minimize the surface area that can absorb moisture.
2. Store individual parts on pallets or similar supports so they do not rest directly on the floor, preventing contact with any rising moisture.
3. Allow for air circulation and dehumidify the room, for example with a room dehumidifier.
4. Ideally cover the furniture with breathable cloths, not plastic sheets, as plastic can trap moisture.

In short: avoid moisture, prevent direct compression, and ensure air exchange.

KAMERON schrieb:
The following points are important: ... disassemble furniture, ... store on pallets ... do not use plastic covers ...

I can only confirm that. Allow me to add something from my experience:

In addition to KAMERON’s advice, it is helpful to place small spacers between the individual boards when storing furniture, so that air can circulate between the parts. I also recommend cleaning the furniture thoroughly beforehand and letting it dry completely. Any dirt or dust can accelerate moisture absorption.

If storing in a slightly damp room cannot be avoided, regularly checking the furniture can be useful to detect any potential damage early on.

I hope this helps! 🙂

ORSON46 schrieb:
What should I consider when storing MALM furniture in a room with high humidity to prevent damage?

In addition to what has already been mentioned, it can be useful to use silica gel or other moisture-absorbing packets, especially if the storage area experiences significant fluctuations in humidity levels.

It is important to ensure that moisture is not concentrated in small spots but absorbed evenly.

Furthermore, it is recommended to treat the furniture with a thin protective layer of furniture wax or care product before storage. This helps shield the surfaces from moisture without compromising breathability.

These measures reduce the risk of warping and mold growth.

I will summarize the topic in a structured way and add some common sources of errors:

1. Preparation: Completely disassemble furniture components and have them thoroughly cleaned to prevent any contaminants from attracting moisture.

2. Storage:
- Store on pallets, never directly on the floor.
- Allow air to circulate around the furniture (maintain spacing between parts).
- Use breathable coverings, such as linen cloths.

3. Environment:
- Keep the room as dry and well-ventilated as possible.
- Reduce humidity using a dehumidifier.

4. Protection:
- Avoid thick plastic sheets, as they cause condensation on the surface.
- If necessary, treat furniture surfaces with furniture care products (applied very thinly and breathable).

Common mistakes I often see:
- Stacking furniture directly on top of each other without spacing.
- Keeping furniture in damp rooms without ventilation or dehumidification.
- Using airtight plastic covers that trap moisture.

When these guidelines are followed, MALM furniture stored is well protected against moisture damage.

tolokau schrieb:
Store on pallets, never directly on the floor

+1 Very important.

Dirkmin schrieb:
Treat furniture surfaces lightly with furniture wax

I wouldn’t recommend this for MALM furniture. The surface is laminated and can be damaged or look unpleasant if waxed. It’s better to ensure sufficient ventilation.

In my opinion: disassemble, clean, store dry, keep some distance, no plastic.

This way everything stays in good condition for a long time.