ᐅ IKEA Malm bed squeaks when getting up – how to reduce the noise?

Hello everyone,

I have had an IKEA Malm bed for a few months now, and I’ve noticed that it creaks quite loudly when getting up. It’s not constant, but it definitely happens whenever I sit up or get out of bed. I suspect the noise comes from the connection between the slatted bed base and the bed frame, possibly also from the screws or the joints between the legs and the frame.

I’m now looking for ways to reduce or completely eliminate the creaking without compromising the bed’s stability. Has anyone experienced similar issues and can recommend which materials, lubricants, or measures work best?

I would really appreciate any advice, especially sustainable and simple solutions that don’t require taking the entire bed apart.

Thanks in advance!

falinnea32 schrieb:
I have the feeling that the noise is coming from the joint between the slatted frame and the bed frame

This is a common issue with beds that have wooden constructions like the Malm. The creaking often occurs due to small friction and movement at the screw connections or where wood meets wood. In my experience, a thorough inspection of the screws should be the first step.

Screws can loosen over time, causing additional friction. So, try tightening all the screws, but not too tightly, as that could damage the wood.

An effective measure is to add felt or rubber pads at the contact points to reduce friction.

Also, lubricating the moving parts with a dry lubricant, such as graphite powder or silicone spray, can help. I would avoid oil-based lubricants, as they tend to attract dust and may make the problem worse.

Does that help, or can you narrow down the exact source a bit more?

Otherwise, you might also check whether the slats need to rest more evenly, or if any wooden parts could be treated with wax.

Noahlu schrieb:
Screws can loosen over time, which causes additional friction.

I agree with that, but I wonder if simply retightening the screws is really enough, or if the construction of the Malm beds has a fundamental design flaw.

I have read several times that the Malm model has multiple weak points regarding stability, and that the squeaking is more a symptom of material fatigue rather than just a simple friction issue.

Do you have any evidence for this, or is it just speculation? Because if that’s the case, it might mean considering repairs instead of just adding dampers.

I’d be interested to know if anyone has objective experiences or at least reliable sources on the long-term quality of the Malm bed.

Hello falinnea32,

I had the same problem with my Malm bed and from experience, I can say that the squeaking usually comes from one or more of the following areas:

1. Screws in the bed frame
2. The connection between the slatted frame and the frame
3. Slats that are either too loose or too tight

What helped a lot was replacing some of the screws with more robust metal nuts and placing thin felt pads at the contact points to dampen the creaking.

Silicone spray is also a good solution, but please use it sparingly, as it can cause parts to become dirty over time. It’s best to clean the surfaces before applying lubricant. Also, make sure all connections are tight enough but not over-tightened.

If you like, I can give you more detailed advice on which type of felt material has proven effective.

All the best!

Annedeo schrieb:
I had the same problem with my Malm bed and from experience, I can say that the squeaking usually comes from screws or the slatted frame connections.

Oh yes, that annoying squeaking from furniture is something we all seem to know, right? 🙂

I simply placed small felt pads, the kind usually used under chairs, between the problematic spots on my Malm bed. The advantage is that the bed remains stable but makes hardly any noise.

Also—if this applies to you as well—check whether dust or tiny wood chips are stuck between the joints. These can increase the noise. Sometimes a little lubrication with silicone oil also helps; it’s very non-invasive.

My advice: Don’t be afraid of simple, inexpensive solutions—sometimes the best fixes are straightforward and quick to apply!

Place felt pads.
Tighten the screws.
Use silicone spray.
Then test again.
This is how I always deal with squeaky furniture.