Hello everyone,
A few weeks ago, I bought a MALM bedside table from IKEA. When moving the bedside table, for example while cleaning the floor or rearranging, I have recently noticed a distinct squeaking sound. It occurs whenever I slightly lift and move the bedside table, especially over hard floors. The surface or finish doesn’t seem to be affected; it sounds more like a mechanical noise coming from around the drawer or the joints.
My question is: why does the MALM bedside table squeak when moved? Is it due to the design or the choice of materials? Is there any way to eliminate or at least reduce the noise? I would appreciate any experiences or advice.
Thanks in advance!
A few weeks ago, I bought a MALM bedside table from IKEA. When moving the bedside table, for example while cleaning the floor or rearranging, I have recently noticed a distinct squeaking sound. It occurs whenever I slightly lift and move the bedside table, especially over hard floors. The surface or finish doesn’t seem to be affected; it sounds more like a mechanical noise coming from around the drawer or the joints.
My question is: why does the MALM bedside table squeak when moved? Is it due to the design or the choice of materials? Is there any way to eliminate or at least reduce the noise? I would appreciate any experiences or advice.
Thanks in advance!
I always find it a bit annoying when a piece of furniture squeaks – especially in the bedroom, where it’s supposed to be quiet. I once had a Malm nightstand, and the squeaking on mine actually came from the small rollers and the drawer slides. Maybe it sounds similar in your case? I hope you can fix the problem soon because it’s really bothersome.
To really get to the bottom of the issue, it would help if you could describe more precisely where the squeaking is coming from—especially during which movement and at what part.
For the MALM nightstand, the drawer slides and the supports are common sources of noise. Here is a brief checklist:
1. Check the drawer slides: Are the rails dirty or not properly aligned?
2. Are the plastic gliders on the underside still intact and correctly positioned?
3. Are all screws and connectors properly tightened?
4. A light application of silicone spray or graphite powder can work wonders, but avoid applying directly on wood.
Additionally, moisture in the room can cause the material to swell slightly, which may create extra tension and therefore noise. How is the indoor climate where you are?
One more question: Is this a brand-new piece of furniture or has it been in use for some time?
For the MALM nightstand, the drawer slides and the supports are common sources of noise. Here is a brief checklist:
1. Check the drawer slides: Are the rails dirty or not properly aligned?
2. Are the plastic gliders on the underside still intact and correctly positioned?
3. Are all screws and connectors properly tightened?
4. A light application of silicone spray or graphite powder can work wonders, but avoid applying directly on wood.
Additionally, moisture in the room can cause the material to swell slightly, which may create extra tension and therefore noise. How is the indoor climate where you are?
One more question: Is this a brand-new piece of furniture or has it been in use for some time?
Domau0 schrieb:
To get to the bottom of the problem, it would be helpful if you could describe more precisely where the squeaking comes from—especially during which movement and at which specific point.Thank you for the detailed response! So far, I have mainly noticed the squeaking when slightly lifting and then sliding the nightstand, with the noise usually coming from around the drawer area—I suspect either the drawer slides or the connection to the tabletop.
The nightstand is only about two months old and is used in a relatively dry bedroom with around 45-50% humidity. The drawer actually slides smoothly, but the squeaking only occurs when tilting and sliding it across the floor.
I will check all the screws and also take a look at the glide pads, thanks for the tips.
I can add the following: In the MALM series, squeaking typically occurs due to mechanical stresses between the pressed wood panels and the plastic components. Since the joints are often designed as a Minifix system, they are subject to slight movements and can cause noise over time. A step-by-step approach:
1. Slightly to moderately tighten all screws and Minifix connections with a suitable screwdriver – tightening more is not necessary, as it could damage the material.
2. Check the gliders on the underside: Are they undamaged and correctly positioned? If not, replace them or supplement with felt pads.
3. Remove drawers and clean all sliding rails; apply light lubrication with graphite powder, do not use oil.
4. If available, attach silicone spray film or furniture pads under the furniture legs, especially on hard floors.
Even if the nightstand is still new, stresses caused by humidity fluctuations or slight warping may occur. Also check if the piece of furniture is completely level on the floor, as an uneven surface can also cause squeaking.
If you can provide more details, I can tailor the advice more precisely.
1. Slightly to moderately tighten all screws and Minifix connections with a suitable screwdriver – tightening more is not necessary, as it could damage the material.
2. Check the gliders on the underside: Are they undamaged and correctly positioned? If not, replace them or supplement with felt pads.
3. Remove drawers and clean all sliding rails; apply light lubrication with graphite powder, do not use oil.
4. If available, attach silicone spray film or furniture pads under the furniture legs, especially on hard floors.
Even if the nightstand is still new, stresses caused by humidity fluctuations or slight warping may occur. Also check if the piece of furniture is completely level on the floor, as an uneven surface can also cause squeaking.
If you can provide more details, I can tailor the advice more precisely.
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