ᐅ How can I disassemble Malm furniture without causing any damage?

Hello everyone, I would like to know the best way to disassemble Malm furniture from IKEA without damaging the material or surface. I’m especially interested in which tools are most suitable, how to methodically approach the screws or connections, and if there are any common pitfalls to avoid. I plan to take apart a bed and possibly some dressers to make them easier to transport for a move. I would be very grateful for tips, step-by-step instructions, or tricks.

It's best to start with a hex key, which IKEA usually includes. Loosen the screws slowly and evenly, avoiding any cross-threading. Place furniture film or towels underneath to protect the surface.

Hello meodan70, it is basically important to proceed systematically. The Malm series mainly uses Minifix connectors and hex key screws. A key point: do not tighten with too much force, otherwise the drill holes will enlarge and the stability will suffer. Before disassembling, I recommend removing one of the outer panels so you can better see how the connections are arranged.

sanjon schrieb:
It’s best to start with a hex key, which IKEA usually includes.

That’s a good approach. I personally also recommend collecting all small parts in separate bags and labeling them during assembly.

Regarding the disassembly of dressers, the drawers can be completely removed before taking the unit apart. This way, you have better access to the screws of the frame.

To prevent damage when disassembling Malm furniture, always use the original tools or appropriately sized Allen wrenches to avoid damaging the threads. Unscrew the bolts straight out without tilting or applying leverage.

Felt pads are recommended to protect surfaces from scratches. Place the furniture on a level, clean surface before disassembly. Using slightly inserted pull bars to gently disengage connectors can help if the components are stiff, but use caution.

Common mistakes can be avoided by not exceeding resistance and by removing the screws in the correct order.

Dismantle furniture in an organized manner, do not try things randomly. Loosen screws in the order they were assembled; for Malm furniture, this is usually from the outside toward the inside. Use leverage tools for joints only after the screws have been fully loosened.

One small tip for gentle disassembly: stay calm when unscrewing! 🙂 Using too much force can easily damage the nice surface, and we definitely want to avoid that. Placing protectors underneath really helps!

If you want to be on the safe side, you can take photos of everything before loosening the screws—this way, there won’t be any surprises when reassembling. My personal favorite: a small desk lamp to illuminate corners and screw connections. This way, even small grooves are visible, allowing for careful work.