ᐅ How can I prevent cracks in MALM furniture?

Hello everyone, some time ago I bought a Malm chest of drawers from IKEA, and after some use, unfortunately the corners of the drawers and partially also the front panels have started to show fine cracks. I am interested in how to reliably prevent cracks in MALM furniture. I suspect that the material and the load play a role, but maybe there are also tips on care or proper use that could help. Does anyone have experience or recommendations on how to protect MALM furniture from such damage? Thanks in advance!

Hello Tile63, the issue with cracks in MALM furniture is unfortunately quite common, especially with prolonged use or improper care. The most important thing is to keep the humidity and temperature at the installation site as stable as possible. Fluctuations can cause the material, usually wood veneer over particleboard, to expand and create stress. Likewise, heavy loads should not be placed continuously and in a concentrated manner on drawers or surfaces, as this increases the strain.

Hello everyone, I would like to provide a structured overview on crack prevention for MALM:

1. Placement: Avoid direct sunlight and proximity to radiators. UV light and heat cause uneven drying of the wood.

2. Control humidity: The ideal relative humidity is around 40-60%. Too dry? Use a humidifier. Too humid? Ensure proper ventilation.

3. Distribute load properly: Store heavy items evenly and avoid overloading individual drawers.

4. Cleaning & maintenance: Do not use aggressive cleaning agents. Use a soft cloth and appropriate furniture oil or care products specifically designed for veneered surfaces.

5. Handling when opening/closing: Be gentle and avoid force to protect the mechanics and edges.

If you follow these points, you should significantly reduce the risk of cracks.

tolokau schrieb:
1. Location: Avoid direct sunlight and proximity to radiators.

Thank you very much for the detailed explanation! The part about the proximity to radiators sounds interesting. I had the dresser placed next to an exterior wall, which can sometimes be a bit colder; do you think that could contribute to such cracking?

Also, are there any recommended surface protection products for furniture like MALM that I should use regularly?

The external conditions are indeed a key factor, as tolokau has already pointed out. Additionally, I would like to address the material properties: MALM furniture is usually made of particleboard with a thin veneer layer or melamine foil. This material combination is sensitive to changes in humidity. It is especially important that no liquids remain on the surface for an extended period, as the material can easily swell and cracks may form in the coating.

Another tip: When assembling the furniture, make sure all screws and joints are properly tightened to prevent any stress within the structure.

In short: Do not place the furniture in direct sunlight and avoid extreme temperature fluctuations. Clean regularly with a damp, well-wrung cloth. If needed, use special care products for veneered surfaces, but apply sparingly.