ᐅ How can I protect MALM furniture from unpleasant odors?

Hello everyone,

I have some Malm furniture from IKEA in my bedroom, mostly carcasses and drawer chests in white laminated wood décor. For some time now, I have noticed an unpleasant, slightly musty odor that seems to come from the furniture itself, especially when I open the drawers.

I have already tried airing out the furniture well and using vinegar water nearby, but the source of the smell is not easy to eliminate. My question is: How can I specifically and sustainably protect or treat Malm furniture against bad odors without damaging the surface?

Are there any proven home remedies or products I can use preventively? Maybe also tips on general care to prevent or reduce odors?

I look forward to your experiences and expert advice, thanks in advance! 🙂

Hello Supau,

First of all, thank you for your detailed description, it makes it easier to give you targeted advice.

The musty smell in MALM furniture can have various causes, often it is the particle boards and their adhesives or the coating that off-gas (chemical emissions). Especially when the furniture is new or placed in more humid rooms, these odors tend to increase.

Here is a detailed step-by-step guide on how you can proceed:

1. Thorough ventilation: Open all drawers and doors several times a day. Ideally, create cross-ventilation to flush out the volatile compounds.

2. Control moisture: High humidity significantly intensifies odors. Ideally, use a hygrometer to measure below 50% relative humidity. A dehumidifier may be worth considering.

3. Use activated charcoal: Charcoal filters or bags with activated charcoal placed inside the drawers effectively absorb odors. Make sure the bags are breathable.

4. Baking soda: An open container with baking soda absorbs odors, also inside drawers. Replace the baking soda regularly, every 1–2 weeks.

5. Vinegar in the room, but not directly on the furniture: Vinegar neutralizes odors in the air, but applying it directly to your furniture is risky because of the surface.

6. Special furniture air fresheners: There are sprays or pads with enzymatic or odor-binding substances that are safe to use on furniture.

Background info: Some recommend rinsing and drying the furniture pieces themselves, but that only works if you have the option to fully open and dry the furniture.

Finally, a question: Are your MALM furniture pieces located in a rather airtight room or in a well-ventilated area? And how old is the furniture approximately?

Best regards, and I hope this detailed guide helps you!

Hello Supau,

I would like to organize my reply to give you a clear plan on how to improve the air quality around your MALM furniture and reduce odors permanently:

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1. Understanding the causes
As Dilen already mentioned, the odors mainly come from off-gassing chemicals found in particleboard, adhesives, or coatings. This is especially noticeable with new furniture.

2. Indoor climate and humidity
Moist air encourages odors. Make sure your room temperature stays consistently around 20-22 degrees Celsius (68-72°F) and that the humidity does not exceed 50%. Dehumidifiers can help significantly.

3. The following odor control methods I personally use and recommend:
- Activated charcoal bags: Place them inside drawers and cabinets; they absorb VOCs (volatile organic compounds).
- Baking soda: Keep it openly in containers inside the dressers and replace it regularly.

4. Regular maintenance:
Wipe the surfaces occasionally with a slightly damp cloth and a mild detergent to remove dust and dirt that cause odors.

5. Avoid direct moisture:
As mentioned, do not apply vinegar solutions directly to the furniture, as this can damage the finish.

Dilen schrieb:
Activated charcoal absorbs odors effectively.

I can confirm this experience. Activated charcoal is a very good and simple odor filter for furniture.

If you like, I can send you a list of recommended products that have worked well for me.

Best regards,
Nabla64

Hello everyone,

I would like to join the discussion and add a few additional tips.

Odors in wood or wood-like furniture, especially MALM models often made from particleboard, are quite common. I have frequently helped people with similar issues. An important method is not only to air the furniture but also to regularly clean it:

- Completely empty the inside of drawers and wipe them lightly with a microfiber cloth dampened slightly (no water directly on the particleboard!)
- Then allow them to dry thoroughly, including by keeping the drawers open

In addition, odor absorbers containing activated charcoal or zeolite can help. These minerals bind moisture and odor particles.

Some users also mention that placing small neutralized air fresheners may help mask unpleasant smells, but this is only a temporary solution. The cause should always be addressed first and foremost.

How old is the furniture exactly? New furniture often requires 4–6 weeks of “off-gassing” time—that is the period during which they release chemical compounds (VOCs - Volatile Organic Compounds).

Supau schrieb:
ich nehme einen unangenehmen, leicht muffigen Geruch wahr, der aus den Möbeln selbst zu kommen scheint

This supports the suspicion of off-gassing.

If you have any questions, I am happy to help.

Supau,

if you want to reduce the smell quickly: place a small bowl with baking soda in each drawer, and replace it every two weeks.

Also: ventilate regularly and avoid sealing the furniture airtight whenever possible.

This reduces odor development with minimal effort.