ᐅ IKEA MALM bed squeaks when moving – how to make it quieter?

Hello everyone, I have had the IKEA Malm bed for some time now, and I’ve noticed that it squeaks quite a bit when moving. Especially when I turn over or get up at night, I hear this annoying noise. I have already tried checking the screws, but that didn’t help much. Are there any tricks or specific products to make the bed quieter? I would appreciate concrete tips on how to find the squeaky spots and eliminate them as permanently as possible. Thanks in advance!

That is really frustrating, especially at night when you just want to sleep. I know this problem well; my MALM also started squeaking quite annoyingly. Have you tried placing some PTFE tape or felt strips on the contact points between the slatted frame and the bed frame? This often dampens the squeaking. Sometimes it’s also the screws that loosen slightly—even though you’ve already checked them, it’s worth taking another close look. Be patient, it can be annoying, but it will get better 🙂

Hi! The squeaky MALM bed is almost a classic problem 😉 I had the same issue and managed to “surround” it with silicone spray. But be careful not to use too much, or it will get greasy instead of quiet. Just spray a little on the joints and connection points—it worked wonders for me. My tip: wear gloves, spray briefly, and then move it gently a few times. You can usually feel where it’s sticking. Good luck! 🙂

Loosen the screws, align all parts, and tighten them. Then lubricate the connections with dry lubricant or use wax. This is usually sufficient.

I would recommend protecting all wood-to-wood contacts. Stick felt pads on the sides and especially where the slatted frame rests.

Hello JENNIFERSA, I’m familiar with your issue, and there are definitely several effective solutions. The first important step is to precisely identify the source of the noise – this can be tricky because the squeaking often spreads across the entire frame. Usually, the movable joints between the headboard and footboard or the screw connections on the side panels are responsible. My recommendation: after firmly tightening the screws, apply a dry lubricant, such as wax, to the contact points. Silicone spray is often a quick fix but can sometimes attract dust and become sticky over time. Felt pads or thin foam strips can be attached to friction surfaces to prevent squeaking. A bit of patience is also necessary, as in my experience this has always been a longer-term process. Hope this helps!