Hello everyone, I am facing the challenge of disassembling an Ikea Malm bed – preferably in a simple way without damaging the furniture. Specifically, I would like to know the best approach, which tools are necessary, and if there are any special tips to quickly and cleanly detach the individual parts (slatted frame, bed frame, side panels, etc.). Are there recommendations for the order of disassembly or helpful tricks, especially if you only have standard screwdrivers and basic tools at home? I want to avoid breaking anything during the process or getting stuck on any part for a long time. Thanks in advance for your help!
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Landontau29 Sep 2020 09:48Hello Paula8, I’d like to share my experience in a brief step-by-step guide that I used when disassembling a Malm bed:
1. Remove the mattress, then take out the slatted frame – it is usually just placed in.
2. For the bed frame side panels: These are connected with Minifix fasteners. To release them, turn the black plastic rotating parts with a flat screwdriver until the bolts loosen. Never force the wooden edges apart, as this can cause damage quickly!
3. For the base or slatted frame: Often there are tension pins or small clips installed, which you can carefully pull out with pliers.
4. Disassembling the drawers: Be especially gentle with the guides here, as they often use plastic clips as holders. Carefully pry them out with a thin tool.
Tip: Work in a well-lit room and lay all parts aside carefully. This way, you can easily identify them when reassembling.
Caution: The back panel of the bed is usually fixed with small nails. It’s best not to just pull the nails out but to carefully loosen them using a small hammer and a pointed tool to avoid splitting the wood.
1. Remove the mattress, then take out the slatted frame – it is usually just placed in.
2. For the bed frame side panels: These are connected with Minifix fasteners. To release them, turn the black plastic rotating parts with a flat screwdriver until the bolts loosen. Never force the wooden edges apart, as this can cause damage quickly!
3. For the base or slatted frame: Often there are tension pins or small clips installed, which you can carefully pull out with pliers.
4. Disassembling the drawers: Be especially gentle with the guides here, as they often use plastic clips as holders. Carefully pry them out with a thin tool.
Tip: Work in a well-lit room and lay all parts aside carefully. This way, you can easily identify them when reassembling.
Caution: The back panel of the bed is usually fixed with small nails. It’s best not to just pull the nails out but to carefully loosen them using a small hammer and a pointed tool to avoid splitting the wood.
Paula8 schrieb:
Are there particular spots on the Malm bed that are especially tricky to deal with?Yes, that’s correct. Usually, the Minifix connectors at the joints between the side panels and the headboard or footboard are the most delicate. You should carefully turn the plastic rotating parts with a suitable screwdriver using gentle force until they loosen. Applying too much force can quickly cause the drilled holes in the particleboard to tear out.
Landontau schrieb:
For the base or slatted frame: Often there are tension pins or small clips installed that you can gently pull out with pliers.Exactly, it’s often the connection clips and small metal pins that are hidden without tools, so it’s advisable to pay attention to these small fasteners along visible edges. Furthermore, I recommend avoiding any levering motions when loosening and instead directly addressing the connecting elements.
One point I would like to add to this discussion is the issue of reusability of furniture components. Paula8, if you plan to reassemble the Malm bed later, you should be especially careful with Minifix fittings and wooden dowels. Some dowels start to lose their precise fit after being removed only once. Therefore, I recommend having spare dowels on hand. Also, using a cordless screwdriver with a torque limiter can help to gently loosen the screws without over-tightening them. Another important question is whether you intend to store the bed for a longer period or reposition it immediately – this greatly affects the approach.
Thank you very much for the detailed answers! I will take into account the advice regarding the Minifix cam fittings and the cautious approach when levering. The idea of having replacement dowels also makes sense, especially if the bed is going to be reassembled. I will carefully follow your recommendations and have the appropriate tools ready for the next attempt. If I encounter any specific difficulties, I will gladly reach out again. Many thanks so far to all the helpers!
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