Hello everyone,
About a year ago, I bought a Malm dresser set from Ikea, and I’ve noticed that the furniture pieces tend to warp over time. This results in crooked doors and slightly sticking drawers, even though I haven’t put excessive strain on the furniture. My question is: How can the warping of Malm furniture be prevented in the long term? Are there any proven tips on how to store, assemble, or treat the furniture to minimize material deformation? I would like to understand whether this is mainly related to the type of wood, the assembly process, or the moisture content, and what end users can do to reduce the problem.
Thanks in advance for your experiences and advice!
About a year ago, I bought a Malm dresser set from Ikea, and I’ve noticed that the furniture pieces tend to warp over time. This results in crooked doors and slightly sticking drawers, even though I haven’t put excessive strain on the furniture. My question is: How can the warping of Malm furniture be prevented in the long term? Are there any proven tips on how to store, assemble, or treat the furniture to minimize material deformation? I would like to understand whether this is mainly related to the type of wood, the assembly process, or the moisture content, and what end users can do to reduce the problem.
Thanks in advance for your experiences and advice!
TYRELL schrieb:
Could you describe exactly where you placed the furniture?Good point, thanks! My furniture is in the bedroom against an interior wall. The humidity level varies in winter between about 30% and up to 65% in summer (without a humidifier). Heating is provided by a central heating system, and the room is regularly ventilated.
I didn’t pay close attention to acclimatization; the furniture was assembled shortly after delivery.
Laurence schrieb:
Small leveling wedges under the furnitureSounds reasonable, I will try that.
Is there a suitable sealant or treatment I can apply to better protect the chipboard/MDF panels from moisture without making the surfaces appear treated? I don’t want shiny varnishes or anything like that.
Teofa67 schrieb:
Is there a suitable sealant or treatment I can apply to better protect chipboard/MDF panels from humidity without making the surfaces look treated?Hello,
in your case, matte furniture waxes or special care oils designed for veneered surfaces are suitable. These products penetrate the surface lightly without forming a visible layer. They reduce moisture absorption while preserving the appearance.
It is important to avoid water-based varnishes, as they often create a film and can crack if applied incorrectly.
I recommend always testing on an inconspicuous spot first and following the furniture manufacturer’s care instructions. This topic is especially well documented for Ikea.
For cleaning: avoid harsh cleaning agents and use a damp cloth with mild soap instead.
If you like, I can suggest brands that often work well on veneered furniture.
olivernu schrieb:
These products easily penetrate the surface without forming a visible layer.Exactly, and I would also like to briefly point out that regular maintenance with an appropriate furniture wax can extend the lifespan of the material.
One more tip:
Make sure to lightly wipe and care for the back side of the furniture as well, since moisture affects both sides and treating only one side can cause tension.
Additionally, during assembly it is advisable to occasionally lubricate fittings and hinges with a bit of Teflon spray – this helps prevent sticking.
Good luck with your project!
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