ᐅ How can I prevent warping in MALM furniture?

Created on: 30 Jul 2022 19:23
P
Pauline33
Hello everyone,

I have been using IKEA Malm furniture for some time now and have noticed that some surfaces and fronts tend to slightly warp, especially on drawers and side panels. I am using the furniture as intended, but I am wondering what specific preventive measures can be taken to avoid such deformation.

I am particularly interested in whether this issue is mainly caused by moisture, improper load, or possibly assembly errors. What specific advice do you have to ensure long-lasting dimensional stability of the Malm series? Are there any practical tips for storage, use, or maintenance that have proven effective?

Thank you for your experiences and advice!
B
blapau
31 Jul 2022 14:39
Another important measure is to regularly check and, if necessary, readjust the screw connections. Temperature fluctuations can cause them to loosen, which in turn reduces the stability of the piece of furniture.

I also recommend limiting the load on the drawers according to the manufacturer’s specifications. In practice, this means avoiding stacking excessive weights and distributing the weight as evenly as possible.
J
JORDON
1 Aug 2022 09:17
Hey, here’s a slightly different perspective 🙂

Malm is quite sturdy, but keep in mind these pieces are more budget furniture made with particleboard. So give them a bit of care and a solid base – as mentioned before: allow some air circulation, don’t place them directly on cold floors, and avoid damp environments. Also, never overload the drawers with too much weight! And don’t pour water on the surface.

In the end, these pieces are great, but they’re not solid wood, so a little patience and maintenance will pay off.

Good luck, and remember: too much moisture is the enemy! 🙂
T
tra_nina
1 Aug 2022 12:46
Pauline33 schrieb:
Are there any practical tips for storage, use, or maintenance that have proven effective?

A practical recommendation is to protect furniture from direct exposure to moisture, large temperature fluctuations, and mechanical overload.

Storage: Place the furniture in a well-ventilated, dry, and temperature-stable area. Avoid contact with uninsulated exterior walls, which tend to be colder and more humid.

Use: Distribute loads evenly and follow the specified weight limits. Avoid repeatedly pulling out drawers when they are fully loaded.

Maintenance: Regularly dust the furniture and avoid using harsh cleaning agents. For stains, lightly dampen a cloth and wipe immediately dry.
J
joro10
2 Aug 2022 08:02
Avoid storing overly heavy items in the drawers and ensure that the support surfaces are stable. Sometimes additional internal reinforcements made of wooden slats can help when furniture is heavily loaded.
P
Pauline33
2 Aug 2022 21:18
Thank you all for your detailed and diverse responses!

The tips regarding moisture, temperature, even load distribution, and underlay materials seem to me to be key points. I will soon try placing felt pads under the furniture and adjust the drawers better.

If anyone has suggestions on how to properly care for the foil coating commonly used on MALM, that would be very helpful.

Thanks again for the lively exchange!