ᐅ How can I completely disassemble MALM beds without leaving any damage or residue?

Good morning everyone, I have an IKEA Malm bed that I want to disassemble completely without leaving any marks on the wood, damaging screws, or bending any wooden parts, as I will be moving soon. My question is: What is the best way to take apart the MALM bed to ensure all parts stay intact and I can easily reassemble it later? Are there any special tools that are particularly suitable for this? Are there common pitfalls or weak points to be aware of during disassembly? It is a standard double bed with both side panels, a slatted frame, and drawers underneath. I would appreciate any detailed step-by-step guidance to help me avoid mistakes or losing parts while taking it apart.

It is best to use an Allen key of the correct size, usually 4mm (5/32 inches) for MALM beds. First loosen the screws, then carefully separate the wooden parts. Do not use force, as this can cause the material to splinter.

To disassemble the MALM bed cleanly, the following procedure is recommended:

1. First, remove the slatted frame and the mattress.
2. Unscrew all visible screws using the appropriate hex key (Allen wrench). Be sure to keep the screws and dowels sorted in a box.
3. Carefully separate the side panels and head/foot sections. If the parts are stuck, gently use leverage with a flat, not too sharp tool.
4. It is best to completely remove the drawers before disassembling them separately.

Avoid using flathead screwdrivers, as the screws have hex (Allen) heads and could be damaged otherwise.

Great that you’re putting so much effort into disassembling it without leaving any marks! 🙂 I recently took apart a MALM bed myself and managed to keep all the parts undamaged. Important: be patient and carefully mark every single screw—I even took photos of each step, which helped me a lot! You’ll definitely succeed!

I would like to add a few technical details to make the process even safer:

The MALM bed is typically assembled using Minifix dowels and cam locks, as well as wooden dowels and screws. Minifix connections must not be pulled out but should be carefully loosened by turning the cam lock screw backward.

When removing the side panels, it is crucial to follow the correct sequence: first, check the edge bandings (trim strips) to ensure they are firmly seated, as they can often become stuck. Then, unscrew the slatted bed base fittings.

Inside, there are often small plastic dowels in the screw holes that should not be damaged, as they ensure the precision fit for reuse.

It is a good idea to collect the screws during dismantling in small plastic bags sorted by area and label them. This greatly simplifies reassembly later.

Have you considered whether you have all the original tools or if you plan to use additional tools?

kulau schrieb:
Minifix dowels and cam connectors, as well as wooden dowels and screws

Thanks for the clarification! That’s exactly the part I wasn’t clear about – what kind of joining hardware is actually used in the bed. I have a hex key, but it’s a combo set, not the original tools from IKEA.

chenValeri schrieb:
Hex key (Allen wrench) of the correct size

Is there really only one size? I have various bits between 3mm and 5mm, so how do I find the right tool for the screws on the MALM?

Also: Is there a recommended sequence for loosening the different screws? Should I start from the outside or the inside? I definitely want to avoid warping or splitting the parts by applying stress incorrectly when taking it apart.