ᐅ How can I prevent cracks in the MALM nightstand?

Hello everyone,

I have a MALM bedside table from IKEA, and I’ve noticed some fine cracks forming in the wood in certain areas. I suspect this has to do with the type of material and how it’s handled. My question is: What specific measures can I take to prevent cracks on the MALM bedside table? I’m interested both in preventive care steps and proper usage tips to maintain the surface and stability over the long term.

Do you have any experience with this piece of furniture or similar advice on proper care, especially regarding humidity, load, or cleaning? Thanks in advance for your help!

kenheide54 schrieb:
What specific measures can I take to prevent cracks on the MALM nightstand?

Oh, that’s a great topic! 🙂

I also had cracks on my MALM and here’s what I did: First, always make sure the indoor humidity stays between 40 and 60%. Dry air causes the wood to shrink and crack faster! A humidifier can work wonders, especially in winter.

Also, I recommend not placing the nightstand directly next to a radiator or heating source, and avoid putting heavy or sharp objects on it without a protective layer underneath. Don’t forget to use soft, lint-free cloths and mild cleaning agents to maintain the surface.

If you stick to this consistently, your piece will still look great after years! Keep it up, you can do it! 🙂

retau schrieb:
Always make sure that the humidity level... stays between 40 and 60%.

This advice is essential. MALM furniture is made of particleboard with a melamine finish, which is sensitive to humidity fluctuations. Cracks often occur due to overly dry air or localized pressure.

Additionally, mechanical stress should be minimized. This means being careful not to place excessive weight or sharp objects on the nightstand.

For maintenance, I recommend using specialized cleaning products designed for coated surfaces. Waxes or oils are not suitable for melamine finishes as they do not absorb and can leave a sticky residue.

Another tip: If cracks are already visible, special repair kits for wood and particleboard can be used to visually conceal them.

kenheide54 schrieb:
I am interested in both preventive maintenance steps and proper usage instructions to preserve the surface and stability over the long term.

Hello,

I would like to add that it is important to regularly inspect the furniture and address even the smallest cracks early on. Sometimes these can develop due to direct sunlight, which causes uneven drying of the material.

So, if possible, place your MALM nightstand in a spot without direct sun exposure. The original assembly should also be done exactly as instructed, since overtightening screws or misalignment can create stress in the material.

For cleaning, a damp cloth is usually sufficient without using harsh chemicals. If you ever need to remove stains, use a mild soap solution and then wipe dry to prevent water spots and swelling.

I hope these tips help you! Good luck!