Hello everyone,
I have several Malm dressers from IKEA in my apartment, which I mainly use in the bedroom. Due to the slightly higher humidity, especially during the cooler months, I am concerned about potential moisture damage, such as swelling or warping of the surface.
My question: What practical and effective measures can you recommend to protect Malm furniture specifically from moisture damage?
I am interested in both preventive tips (e.g., protective treatments like oils or varnishes) and everyday habits to keep in mind. Also, are there any special considerations regarding the material (particleboard with laminate coating) that should be taken into account to extend the furniture’s lifespan?
Thanks in advance for your help!
I have several Malm dressers from IKEA in my apartment, which I mainly use in the bedroom. Due to the slightly higher humidity, especially during the cooler months, I am concerned about potential moisture damage, such as swelling or warping of the surface.
My question: What practical and effective measures can you recommend to protect Malm furniture specifically from moisture damage?
I am interested in both preventive tips (e.g., protective treatments like oils or varnishes) and everyday habits to keep in mind. Also, are there any special considerations regarding the material (particleboard with laminate coating) that should be taken into account to extend the furniture’s lifespan?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Another point regarding protective treatment:
If the film is damaged, do not apply oils or waxes, as these do not penetrate the film and instead leave greasy residues that can attack or discolor the film.
Instead, use waterproof, clear sealants specifically designed for edges of coated chipboard.
Additionally, I recommend not placing furniture directly next to radiators, as this causes uneven drying of moisture in the material and creates stress.
If the film is damaged, do not apply oils or waxes, as these do not penetrate the film and instead leave greasy residues that can attack or discolor the film.
Instead, use waterproof, clear sealants specifically designed for edges of coated chipboard.
Additionally, I recommend not placing furniture directly next to radiators, as this causes uneven drying of moisture in the material and creates stress.
V
valerie-tr22 Oct 2018 10:33Product recommendation: A well-proven product for edge sealing is an acrylic sealing filler for edges and joints from manufacturers such as "Clou" or "Borma Wachs." These products are transparent, water-resistant, and can be easily applied with a brush.
Application:
- Lightly sand and clean the damaged area
- Apply the sealer thinly to the edges with a brush or spatula
- Allow to dry thoroughly (at least 12 hours)
- Apply a second coat if necessary
Make sure not to use any aggressive cleaning agents afterward to avoid damaging the sealing.
One more tip: Covering the furniture with a thin cloth or protective fleece creates an additional barrier against moisture in the air.
Application:
- Lightly sand and clean the damaged area
- Apply the sealer thinly to the edges with a brush or spatula
- Allow to dry thoroughly (at least 12 hours)
- Apply a second coat if necessary
Make sure not to use any aggressive cleaning agents afterward to avoid damaging the sealing.
One more tip: Covering the furniture with a thin cloth or protective fleece creates an additional barrier against moisture in the air.
valerie-tr schrieb:
If you cover the furniture with a thin blanket or a protective fleece, you create an additional barrier against moistureThat’s an interesting approach, thanks! At first, I thought covering would trap moisture instead. Do you have experience with how to do this correctly? Should the fleece be breathable or rather impermeable?
As mentioned, the piece of furniture is not placed too close to the window, but I’m concerned about the condensation on the glass.
V
valerie-tr22 Oct 2018 12:22Good question!
The covering should actually be breathable, as furniture needs to “breathe” to avoid moisture buildup. A protective fleece made of cotton or special breathable materials is ideal. Plastic sheets or dense plastic coverings are less suitable because they trap moisture and prevent evaporation.
The fleece ensures that the furniture is not directly exposed to cold, damp indoor air or condensation. This reduces the risk of moisture condensing on the surfaces.
It is also important to regularly air out the furniture and check that no moisture is accumulating beneath it.
So, it is more of an additional protection against large fluctuations in humidity rather than against direct contact with water.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
The covering should actually be breathable, as furniture needs to “breathe” to avoid moisture buildup. A protective fleece made of cotton or special breathable materials is ideal. Plastic sheets or dense plastic coverings are less suitable because they trap moisture and prevent evaporation.
The fleece ensures that the furniture is not directly exposed to cold, damp indoor air or condensation. This reduces the risk of moisture condensing on the surfaces.
It is also important to regularly air out the furniture and check that no moisture is accumulating beneath it.
So, it is more of an additional protection against large fluctuations in humidity rather than against direct contact with water.
If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!
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