Hello everyone, I have a Malm nightstand from IKEA that has been squeaking with every movement for some time now. The noise is relatively high-pitched and occurs both when slightly moving it on the floor and when opening and closing the drawer. The construction mainly consists of fiberboard with a thin layer of lacquer. I suspect that friction between certain parts is causing the squeaking, but I’m not sure where to start first. Has anyone had similar experiences or can explain exactly what causes the squeaking and how to fix it permanently? Thanks in advance for any helpful tips!
The squeaking in furniture like the Malm nightstand usually comes from friction between moving parts or loose connections that rub against each other when moved. For the nightstand, the following causes may apply:
1. Screws or joints are loose or not tightened enough, causing slight movement.
2. The drawer slides are not running smoothly, especially if they are made of plastic, where dust or dryness can cause noise.
3. Solid wood surfaces may expand slightly due to small changes in humidity or temperature differences, resulting in rubbing sounds.
First, I recommend tightening all screws and cleaning the drawer slides. If needed, treat them with a dry silicone spray or wax (such as candle wax or furniture wax). Be careful not to use greasy oils, as they attract dust.
1. Screws or joints are loose or not tightened enough, causing slight movement.
2. The drawer slides are not running smoothly, especially if they are made of plastic, where dust or dryness can cause noise.
3. Solid wood surfaces may expand slightly due to small changes in humidity or temperature differences, resulting in rubbing sounds.
First, I recommend tightening all screws and cleaning the drawer slides. If needed, treat them with a dry silicone spray or wax (such as candle wax or furniture wax). Be careful not to use greasy oils, as they attract dust.
Oh yes, I know that very well, my Malm nightstand also squeaked forever!!! 🙂 What helped me a lot was simply sprinkling some baby powder into the drawer slides. This greatly reduces the squeaking because it lowers the friction. It really works great and is super easy! Give it a try, it could be brilliant! ;-)
To effectively address the issue of a squeaking Malm nightstand when moved, it is helpful to systematically understand the construction. Most Malm nightstands are made from particleboard with a melamine or foil coating, with edges often sealed using plastic edging or edge banding.
The typical squeaking usually comes either from stress between the particleboard and screws or from friction in the drawer slides. There are two types of drawers: full-extension with metal slides, and budget versions with plastic runners on wooden rails.
As a step-by-step approach, I recommend:
1. Systematically tighten all visible screws. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage particleboard.
2. Completely remove the drawer and thoroughly clean the slides. Dust and small particles can cause high friction.
3. Treat the rails permanently with an appropriate lubricant (silicone spray or dry PTFE spray), but avoid oil as it can attract dust.
4. Apply thin felt pads between the drawer contact surfaces and the cabinet to prevent direct wood-to-wood contact.
I would be interested to know the humidity level in your home, as this can affect the material properties.
The typical squeaking usually comes either from stress between the particleboard and screws or from friction in the drawer slides. There are two types of drawers: full-extension with metal slides, and budget versions with plastic runners on wooden rails.
As a step-by-step approach, I recommend:
1. Systematically tighten all visible screws. Be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage particleboard.
2. Completely remove the drawer and thoroughly clean the slides. Dust and small particles can cause high friction.
3. Treat the rails permanently with an appropriate lubricant (silicone spray or dry PTFE spray), but avoid oil as it can attract dust.
4. Apply thin felt pads between the drawer contact surfaces and the cabinet to prevent direct wood-to-wood contact.
I would be interested to know the humidity level in your home, as this can affect the material properties.
usbla schrieb:
First, I recommend tightening all screws and cleaning the drawer slides. If needed, treat them with a dry silicone spray or wax (such as candle wax or furniture wax).Thanks, that sounds reasonable. I’ve already tried tightening the screws, but it didn’t have the desired effect. What type of wax would you recommend for furniture? Are there differences in terms of compatibility or durability?
nedagla schrieb:
What really helped me was simply sprinkling a bit of baby powder into the drawer slides.I haven’t tried baby powder yet; that sounds interesting. Should I use a lot, or just a little? And does the powder leave any long-term residue?
I had almost the same problem with my Malm nightstand and understand how annoying that squeaking can be—especially at night in the bedroom!
What I did: After tightening didn’t help, I completely removed the drawers and carefully sanded the areas where wood rubs against wood using fine sandpaper to smooth out minor unevenness. Then I treated the drawers and the cabinet with furniture wax, which quieted the noise for a while.
Sometimes these sounds also indicate that the furniture is “settling” or adjusting to environmental conditions, especially with wood-based materials. Patience can sometimes help—which isn’t ideal when you’re looking for a quick fix.
What I did: After tightening didn’t help, I completely removed the drawers and carefully sanded the areas where wood rubs against wood using fine sandpaper to smooth out minor unevenness. Then I treated the drawers and the cabinet with furniture wax, which quieted the noise for a while.
Sometimes these sounds also indicate that the furniture is “settling” or adjusting to environmental conditions, especially with wood-based materials. Patience can sometimes help—which isn’t ideal when you’re looking for a quick fix.
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