Hello everyone,
Some time ago, I ordered several IKEA Malm furniture pieces, which I really appreciate in my apartment. However, I am concerned about protecting them from potential moisture, as condensation sometimes forms in the room, and I want to avoid the furniture swelling or getting damaged. Are there any proven methods to effectively protect MALM dressers or beds from moisture? I am thinking of practical solutions such as impregnations, sealants, or even simple everyday items for moisture absorption. Maybe someone has already had experience with related products or approaches.
I look forward to helpful tips and advice, preferably with brief explanations of why these measures are effective.
Some time ago, I ordered several IKEA Malm furniture pieces, which I really appreciate in my apartment. However, I am concerned about protecting them from potential moisture, as condensation sometimes forms in the room, and I want to avoid the furniture swelling or getting damaged. Are there any proven methods to effectively protect MALM dressers or beds from moisture? I am thinking of practical solutions such as impregnations, sealants, or even simple everyday items for moisture absorption. Maybe someone has already had experience with related products or approaches.
I look forward to helpful tips and advice, preferably with brief explanations of why these measures are effective.
Additional information:
The Malm series is made of particleboard with a melamine foil finish, which is not waterproof. Therefore, liquid water repellents are not recommended, as they can damage or lift the foil.
It is effective to maintain an indoor relative humidity below 60%. Additionally, placing waterproof mats under the furniture can help if occasional moisture comes through the floor.
Regular cross-ventilation ensures air exchange and prevents mold growth.
For deep cavities or damp areas, the only way to prevent direct moisture absorption is to replace the furniture or eliminate the source of the moisture.
The Malm series is made of particleboard with a melamine foil finish, which is not waterproof. Therefore, liquid water repellents are not recommended, as they can damage or lift the foil.
It is effective to maintain an indoor relative humidity below 60%. Additionally, placing waterproof mats under the furniture can help if occasional moisture comes through the floor.
Regular cross-ventilation ensures air exchange and prevents mold growth.
For deep cavities or damp areas, the only way to prevent direct moisture absorption is to replace the furniture or eliminate the source of the moisture.
I find this topic very important because not every living space can be ideally ventilated or heated. It sounds frustrating when you want to protect the furniture, but due to structural conditions, there is hardly any effective method that can be implemented.
Perhaps experimenting with small low-voltage heating mats behind the furniture could passively reduce moisture? Or does anyone here have experience with electrostatic air dehumidifiers?
It would be great if we could find practical solutions together that work not only under optimal conditions.
Perhaps experimenting with small low-voltage heating mats behind the furniture could passively reduce moisture? Or does anyone here have experience with electrostatic air dehumidifiers?
It would be great if we could find practical solutions together that work not only under optimal conditions.
J
JEREMIAH381 Nov 2016 11:02Thank you for this detailed discussion. I personally had serious issues with moisture in the bedroom two years ago, which affected the MALM chest of drawers. My advice: invest in a small electric dehumidifier. I have had good results with it.
That sounds interesting, I haven’t tried it yet, but be cautious because of fire risk.
In my opinion, that is the crucial factor.
TuLevi schrieb:
Maybe one could also experiment with low-voltage heating pads behind the furniture...
That sounds interesting, I haven’t tried it yet, but be cautious because of fire risk.
silako schrieb:
At what room temperature and humidity level are the furniture pieces?
In my opinion, that is the crucial factor.
A brief update after a few days of observation:
I placed small packets of silica gel in the drawers and ventilated the room daily by opening windows briefly – this seems to have helped relax the furniture somewhat. The swelling has noticeably decreased.
Thank you for the many suggestions. If there are any more recommendations, I would like to try them, as I am also considering long-term protection.
I placed small packets of silica gel in the drawers and ventilated the room daily by opening windows briefly – this seems to have helped relax the furniture somewhat. The swelling has noticeably decreased.
Thank you for the many suggestions. If there are any more recommendations, I would like to try them, as I am also considering long-term protection.
Good to hear that you are having initial success with the silica gel packets.
One small tip: If you regularly dust and keep the furniture dry, moisture cannot get trapped.
In addition, I have had good experiences with breathable furniture pads, for example made of felt. These also prevent direct cold from the floor, which can promote moisture build-up.
If you ever consider applying a protective layer, test it first on an inconspicuous spot to avoid any damage.
One small tip: If you regularly dust and keep the furniture dry, moisture cannot get trapped.
In addition, I have had good experiences with breathable furniture pads, for example made of felt. These also prevent direct cold from the floor, which can promote moisture build-up.
If you ever consider applying a protective layer, test it first on an inconspicuous spot to avoid any damage.
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