Southeast Asia’s tropical climate presents a range of unique challenges when it comes to storing furniture in Malaysia. The most common materials used to construct Malaysian furniture like wood, bamboo, and upholstery, are all particularly susceptible to fluctuations in humidity and temperature.
Many people find that their favourite pieces have become warped, cracked or damaged in some fashion over time due to improper storage techniques. This is also a major concern for any furniture business in Malaysia, as improper storage places your inventory at serious risk.
To guide you along the proper path of furniture storage, we have compiled this guide to inform and advise you on the potential challenges and benefits that you will face.
Understanding Malaysia’s Climate and Its Impact on Furniture
Malaysia’s climate is relatively stable with regard to temperature, compared to other regions around the globe. While the temperature is generally high, around 27 °C on average, it does not fluctuate as much in the transition from summer to winter. The main challenge for furniture storage is the fluctuating humidity and heavy rainfall.
Humidity Challenges for Sustainable Furniture
Malaysian furniture uses many sustainable materials for manufacturing, including Rattan, Rubberwood, Teak and Bamboo. Most eco-friendly furniture made from untreated natural materials are hygroscopic, which means they readily absorb moisture from the air. This leads to warping, swelling and sagging. It will also cause rot over time, especially in Malaysian Meranti, a softer type of wood for furniture in Malaysia.
The regular high humidity naturally leads to a faster depreciation rate for furniture and fittings in Malaysia. The only way to counter this is with proper care and maintenance during storage. We will discuss this in detail below.
How To Store Your Furniture in Malaysia
1. Use Climate-Controlled Storage Facilities
The number one protection you have when placing your furniture in Malaysia into storage is using a climate-controlled storage space. This stable environment will guard your furniture items against heat and humidity. It is a bit more expensive than standard storage, but the benefits far outweigh the additional cost of replacing or repairing damaged items.
2. Clean Your Furniture Before Storing
- Cleaning and Treating Wood Furniture
Wood, wicker, Rattan or bamboo furniture should be wiped down with a mild soap solution. Do not let these materials soak, dry all surfaces fully. Once clean and dry apply a natural wax or an appropriate oil or polish to seal the material and prevent the absorption of moisture.
- Cleaning Upholstered Furniture Pieces
To clean upholstered furniture in Malaysia, give it a good vacuum to remove any dust, crumbs and other debris. Check under cushions and within the seams as well. You can spot clean dirty areas with mild fabric soap, but make sure that your upholstery is completely dry before you place it under a protective cover and into storage.
- Cleaning Leather and Glass Furniture
Leather and glass furniture can be cleaned with a simple solution of equal parts water and vinegar. Leather will need a conditioning agent to be applied after cleaning to ensure the leather stays smooth and supple. Glass furniture must be completely dried to prevent streaking and water spots.
- Metal Furniture Care
Wipe off any dust or dirt from metal furniture with a dry cloth. Once clean, wipe with a slightly damp cloth using mild soap and water. Make sure the metal is fully dried once clean to prevent rust. Finally, apply a rust-proof material or layer of natural wax before you place it into storage.
3. Disassemble Furniture Before You Store
When possible, disassembling your furniture before storage is a great idea. This is so that:
- You save space during storage and transport.
- You prevent damage that can occur handling cumbersome and heavy furniture items.
- It is easier to place protective coverings on smaller pieces of furniture.
Keep screws and other small parts in a strong plastic package and label each individual furniture piece so reassembly is simpler.
4. Use Breathable Covers To Protect Furniture in Malaysia
Plastic furniture covers are fine for short-term storage or to protect your furniture during transport, but they can trap moisture which leads to damage during long-term storage. Breathable fabric covers allow air circulation, while still protecting items against dust.
The ideal furniture covers include:
- Blankets, quilts or cotton sheets.
- Furniture pads that are thick enough to protect furniture from damage while porous enough to allow circulation.
- Foam wraps.
- Acid-free paper that can be used on wood or upholstery as a base layer before you place fabric coverings over.
5. Store All Your Pieces off the Ground
Storing furniture directly on the ground can risk water damage if there are any leaks or flooding in your storage facility. With Malaysia’s two monsoon seasons, this is a reality we face each year.
6. Regularly Inspect Furniture While in Storage
Every few months, it’s a good idea to check up on your furniture. This way you will be able to catch any potential issue early and take action.
Things to check for include:
- Moisture buildup that causes water stains and mould.
- Look for tell-tale signs of pests e.g. droppings, chewed fabric or wood shavings.
- Check for signs of physical damage like drying or cracking.
- Check upholstery for discolouration or fading.
7. Space Your Storage Unit Properly
Most of us think that the more items we can fit into a storage unit, the more money you will save. The problem with this thinking when it comes to furniture is that these items need to have adequate air circulation to help mitigate potential humidity and moisture problems while in storage.
Proper spacing of furniture also prevents scratches and damage when items are moved around when you need to access them.
8. Use a Professional Storage Service
A professional furniture storage service is the ideal way to store furniture in Malaysia.
The benefits of using expert facilities with qualified staff include:
- Professional pest control practices.
- Protection from direct sunlight which will bleach fabrics and dry out wood.
- Professional security and access control.
- Skilled on-site staff who properly pack and handle furniture.
BEAM Space Self Storage Can Help With Storing Your Furniture in Malaysia
You will find the best furniture made in Malaysia, and the best way to store your furniture safely long term is using BEAM Space self storage. Our climate-controlled units are the bulwark you need against Malaysia’s equatorial climate.
Our expert staff know how to handle and store your precious furniture items without any nicks or damage. Want to learn more about the BEAM Space experience? Start here with how Beam Space works.