diff --git a/src/main/java/org/gbif/ipt/config/AppConfig.java b/src/main/java/org/gbif/ipt/config/AppConfig.java
index d3825826f1..c5da6e7fff 100644
--- a/src/main/java/org/gbif/ipt/config/AppConfig.java
+++ b/src/main/java/org/gbif/ipt/config/AppConfig.java
@@ -703,7 +703,7 @@ public IptColorScheme getColorSchemeConfig() {
   }
 
   public String getLogoRedirectUrl() {
-    return properties.getProperty(LOGO_REDIRECT_URL);
+    return StringUtils.trimToNull(properties.getProperty(LOGO_REDIRECT_URL));
   }
 
   // public to be accessible by ConfigManager