Hello everyone, I recently got a Malm bed from Ikea and I’m having the annoying problem that it squeaks when moving. The squeaking mainly happens when sitting down or turning over, and it seems to come from the metal joints or the connection between the slatted frame and the bed frame. I have already tried tightening the screws, but the noise persists. My question is: What really helps with squeaky Malm beds? Are there proven methods to specifically eliminate the sounds without taking the whole bed apart or taking it to a workshop? I look forward to concrete tips and experiences, preferably with explanations about why the squeaking occurs and what can be done effectively to fix it.
The issue of squeaking in Malm beds can technically be traced back to mechanical friction. Typically, there are three main sources of the noise: First, loose screws or bolts that allow movement and thus cause vibrations. Second, squeaking occurs at wood-on-wood contact points when the surfaces rub against each other, which is influenced by humidity. Third, metal-on-metal joints without sufficient lubrication can creak.
In your case, since you have already checked the screws, it might be helpful to inspect the connection points more closely. Especially the corners where the slatted frame meets the bed frame are prone to this. Here, connections without rubber buffers may be directly touching, which promotes friction and squeaking.
A step-by-step approach often leads to the best solution:
1. Completely loosen the screws again and retighten them with the appropriate torque.
2. If applicable, treat the wooden slats at the contact points with furniture wax or lightly rub in soap.
3. Apply a thin layer of lubricant (silicone spray, sewing machine oil) to metal connections.
4. Optionally, insert thin felt or rubber strips between wood and metal to cushion direct contact.
Additionally, I am curious whether the bed is placed on a particularly hard floor surface or if the slatted frame offers built-in flexibility. These factors significantly affect the vibration behavior and thus the noise development.
In your case, since you have already checked the screws, it might be helpful to inspect the connection points more closely. Especially the corners where the slatted frame meets the bed frame are prone to this. Here, connections without rubber buffers may be directly touching, which promotes friction and squeaking.
A step-by-step approach often leads to the best solution:
1. Completely loosen the screws again and retighten them with the appropriate torque.
2. If applicable, treat the wooden slats at the contact points with furniture wax or lightly rub in soap.
3. Apply a thin layer of lubricant (silicone spray, sewing machine oil) to metal connections.
4. Optionally, insert thin felt or rubber strips between wood and metal to cushion direct contact.
Additionally, I am curious whether the bed is placed on a particularly hard floor surface or if the slatted frame offers built-in flexibility. These factors significantly affect the vibration behavior and thus the noise development.
Gafiel schrieb:
The corners where the slatted frame meets the main frame are particularly vulnerable.That’s absolutely right! I had a similar problem with my Malm bed. What also helped was unscrewing the slat frame brackets, carefully sanding down the rough edges, and attaching small felt pads at the contact points. This noticeably reduces friction.
EDWARD0 schrieb:
A drop of silicone spray or WD-40 on the joints usually eliminates the squeaking immediately.But always be careful with liquids on wood to prevent swelling or stains. It’s helpful to apply the spray selectively and sparingly, then let it air out for several hours.
Additionally, screws should be checked regularly because they often loosen again due to movement.
Here it is again, the old bed squeak ghost! 😄
I can confirm: Malm beds often squeak if you don’t take proper measures. My tip is, besides checking all the screws and using silicone spray, to also have a look at the wood structure. Lightly oiling or waxing the joints can often reduce friction.
If the metal parts are causing the noise, I like to separate the contact surfaces with small self-adhesive felt pads or thin rubber pads, which you can find at hardware stores or online. They’re very quick to install and really effective.
Oh, and remember not to press the mattress too hard onto the slatted frame, since too much weight on smaller wooden spots can temporarily increase friction and therefore the squeaking. ;-)
I can confirm: Malm beds often squeak if you don’t take proper measures. My tip is, besides checking all the screws and using silicone spray, to also have a look at the wood structure. Lightly oiling or waxing the joints can often reduce friction.
If the metal parts are causing the noise, I like to separate the contact surfaces with small self-adhesive felt pads or thin rubber pads, which you can find at hardware stores or online. They’re very quick to install and really effective.
Oh, and remember not to press the mattress too hard onto the slatted frame, since too much weight on smaller wooden spots can temporarily increase friction and therefore the squeaking. ;-)
Similar topics