ᐅ IKEA Malm Furniture Squeaks Despite Surface Care – What Now?

Hello everyone,

I have a small issue with my IKEA Malm furniture, specifically the large desk and the matching sideboard. Both pieces now squeak when sliding the drawers open and closed, even though I have already treated them with a special furniture oil for surface care. The squeaking mainly occurs under light load and at a certain drawer pulling speed, which is very annoying.

I suspect the problem is not caused by the finish itself but possibly by the drawer slides or the mechanism. Still, I wonder why the squeaking doesn't go away despite careful maintenance. Does anyone have experience or tips on how to fix this permanently? Are there any special lubricants that are safe to use on painted surfaces and can eliminate the noise without damaging the finish?

I would appreciate any advice, as replacing the furniture is not an option for me right now. Thank you in advance!

kuon57 schrieb:
when opening and closing the drawers, even though I have already applied a special furniture oil for varnish care.

That sounds really frustrating. I know how these small noises can get annoying over time – I once had something similar with my old desk. You’re happy with the nice piece of furniture, and then a little thing like this drives you crazy.

I can fully support your approach with the varnish care, as it certainly doesn’t hurt. However, the squeaking seems to come more from the drawer mechanism or the runners, even if they look smooth on the outside.

Maybe the runners are dirty inside or slightly warped? Often, applying a thin layer of silicone spray or Teflon spray helps – of course, not on the varnished surfaces but only on the metal parts. I did this myself, and since then those noises have completely stopped. It’s important to apply it sparingly and precisely to avoid getting any on the varnished areas.

How long have you been using the furniture? It could also be that the drawers have settled slightly over time, and sometimes the screws need adjusting. Sometimes they squeak if something is rubbing just a little.

DUUS32 schrieb:
Maybe the rails are dirty on the inside or slightly warped?

I agree, that is the most likely reason. However, I want to critically reconsider: you mentioned that you treated the furniture with lacquer care. Furniture oils or waxes can indeed provide protection on lacquered surfaces, but by themselves they don’t eliminate mechanical noises.

Also, there is the question of whether the squeaking might come from wood rubbing against wood without any intermediate layer. Especially with cheaper furniture, it’s sometimes the case that edges just barely touch and then scrape when moving.

If I were you, I would check if there are special glide strips or plastic runners available for the furniture drawers. These can be applied to the edges to reduce friction.

And just a small note – lubricants like WD-40 or oil can sometimes be counterproductive on wood and lacquer since they might damage the surface or leave a permanent greasy residue. Silicone sprays are better in this case, but they should be used carefully and specifically.

I wonder if you have tried inspecting directly at the rails or the sliding mechanism to precisely identify the source of the noise?

Hello kuon57,

Here is a brief guide on how to systematically address the squeaking. This is a relatively common issue with IKEA Malm dressers and desks, but with proper maintenance and some attention, it can usually be resolved.

1. Inspect the mechanism carefully:
Fully open the drawers and examine the sliding rails on both sides. Are they dirty or slightly bent? If so, clean them with a dry cloth.

2. Check the plastic glides:
Malm drawers often have small plastic glides installed between the drawer and the frame. Are these displaced or damaged? If yes, they can be repositioned or replaced.

3. Remove the drawer:
Pull the drawer out and check the metal or ball bearings. If there is dirt inside, clean it carefully.

4. Apply lubricant correctly:
I recommend silicone spray as it does not chemically react with paint while providing good glide. Apply the spray to the sliding rails, but not on the wooden surfaces. Be careful not to use too much.

5. Check the screws:
Sometimes a loose screw causes slight pressure on the wood, resulting in unusual noises. Tighten all fasteners slightly.

6. Final tests:
Now slide the drawer slowly and then a bit faster. The squeaking should be noticeably reduced.

If you like, I can also send you instructions on replacing the plastic glides or explain how to prevent moisture from causing squeaking – which can also be a factor.

I hope this helps you!

blaix schrieb:
I wonder if you have ever checked directly on the rails or the mechanism to pinpoint the exact source of the noise?

Good question, I haven’t really tried that in detail yet. Basically, I assumed the squeaking was caused by the painted wooden surfaces rubbing against each other. Since the noises only occur with gentle movement, I logically attributed it to the surface treatment.

But now, after your feedback, I will specifically inspect the rails and the inside of the mechanism tomorrow with some light and a careful touch.

DUUS32 schrieb:
Maybe the rails are dirty on the inside or slightly warped?

That could very well be the case, even though everything looks fine visually. The tip about silicone spray is a good one—I actually have some at home and was planning to use it on the car door.

klo40 schrieb:
I recommend silicone spray as it doesn’t chemically react with paint but still provides good lubrication.

Thanks for the detailed advice. I will follow this plan tomorrow and see if I can fix the squeaking. It would be great if you also have a tip about plastic sliders so I can check that as well.

Thanks so much to everyone so far—I’ll report back on what I find!

Hello kuon57,

I would like to add to your approach and provide a few technical details that are often overlooked. The Malm furniture design uses more affordable metal runners with ball bearings, which work well but tend to squeak over time if not lubricated.

The procedure is as follows:

1. Removing the drawers according to klo40’s instructions is essential because only then can you properly inspect the bearings.

2. Checking for contamination: Sometimes stubborn dust particles or hair accumulate in the ball bearings. If possible, blow out the runners with compressed air—of course, carefully.

3. Lubrication: Silicone spray is reliable, but in practice, I use thin graphite powder or a special dry lubricant for metal bearings that does not become sticky. Oil or grease attract dust and cause even more problems in the long run.

4. Wood-on-wood contact: Make sure that small rubber bumpers or felt pads are installed on the sides of the drawer to prevent friction. These are often missing or stuck together/covered in dust.

5. Moisture aspect: Since wood expands and contracts, moisture can cause the material to slightly expand, which impairs movement and causes noise. If necessary, ventilate the room and maintain stable humidity levels.

If you like, you can let me know whether you have silicone or graphite spray available, and I can give you advice tailored to your specific situation.

I’d be happy to help if you have any further questions!