ᐅ How do I completely disassemble Malm furniture without leaving any damage?

Hello everyone, I’m faced with the task of completely dismantling a Malm piece of furniture and would appreciate some clear tips on the best way to do this.

I am especially concerned about avoiding any unsightly holes, scratches, or other marks after removal, particularly with regard to the possibility of renting out the apartment.

Which tools and methods are recommended to disassemble the furniture as carefully and professionally as possible?

Are there specific areas I should pay extra attention to in order to ensure no damage remains?

I would be grateful for any helpful guidance!

Lumatu schrieb:
My main concern is to avoid leaving any unsightly holes, scratches, or other marks after the renovation

That’s exactly the tricky part with the Malm. 😊 My advice: fully disassemble the cabinet—not just partially. This way, you can store the individual boards carefully.

I always use a cordless screwdriver with adjustable torque for unscrewing, to prevent any damage.

When reassembling, I would fill any visible holes with wood filler. Then, sand gently. It works surprisingly well and the surface looks almost like new afterward.

Sounds more complicated than it is—there are even videos online about it. Good luck!

In addition to the suggestion: Ideally, take a photo of your furniture before disassembling it. This way, you can also show during reassembly or sale that it was undamaged.

For tools, I would recommend a hex key (Allen wrench) in the appropriate size, as most Malm furniture is assembled with cam lock fasteners.

Be careful when loosening the cam discs, as the plastic parts can easily break.

When you remove the screws, place them neatly into small bags so you can find them more easily later.

Eccentric screws must be removed carefully.

Do not use force, as this can cause the wood to break.

Disassemble the furniture and store the parts individually.

Then fill the holes with wood filler.

parbau schrieb:
Completely disassemble the frame – not just partially.

Thank you, that sounds reasonable. At first, I was worried it might be too complicated, but your explanation reassures me a bit.

One more question: Is there an order that has proven effective when dismantling – for example, should I remove the drawers first or take off the back panel initially?

I’m also interested in how to store the individual parts. Is there anything special I should keep in mind when stacking them or choosing a base?

For a proper and residue-free disassembly of Malm furniture, I recommend the following procedure:

1. Completely remove all drawers and store them separately.
2. Unscrew or carefully detach the back panel to make it easier to work on the main frame.
3. Then loosen all fasteners (preferably using the appropriate hex key).
4. Store individual parts flat, preferably on a soft surface such as blankets or furniture cardboard to avoid scratches.
5. Fill holes and minor damage on the cabinet sides with suitable wood filler.
6. After filling and drying, lightly sand the areas to achieve a smooth surface.

Important: Use only tools that precisely match the fasteners to prevent damage.

This method minimizes the risk of residues and preserves the appearance of the furniture.