ᐅ How can I permanently eliminate the squeaking noise from Malm furniture?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Ikea Malm furniture, specifically the drawers that constantly squeak when I open or close them. It’s quite annoying, especially since there doesn’t seem to be a particular reason – the furniture is only about two years old and hasn’t been heavily used.

I have already tried taking the drawers apart and reassembling them, as well as applying some silicone spray to the drawer slides, but the effect was only temporary.

My question is: how can I permanently eliminate the squeaking in Malm furniture drawers? Are there any proven methods that work long-term without damaging the furniture? I would prefer not to replace any parts if there is a simple solution.

Thank you for your tips and experiences!

Hi, silicone spray is the right choice, but you need to thoroughly clean the tracks before applying it. Dust or dirt often prevent a lasting effect.

Sometimes, simply applying candle wax to the contact surfaces helps. This can be more effective than spray and is more cost-efficient.

The squeaking usually occurs due to a lack of lubrication or small friction points on the sliding rails and rollers.

For a long-lasting fix, I recommend the following steps:
1. Completely remove the drawer.
2. Clean the sliding rails with a lint-free cloth and isopropanol.
3. Treat the sliding surfaces with a high-quality grease or dry lubricant. Silicone spray is effective but sometimes only lasts for a short time.
4. Reinstall the drawer and carefully open and close it several times.

It is important to thoroughly clean before lubricating and to use the appropriate lubricant: special dry lubricants are suitable for wood-metal combinations.

I experimented a bit with cooking oil on my Malm drawers – yes, it doesn’t sound high-tech, but it stopped the annoying squeaking. Try it on a small area first; it can’t hurt. 🙂

Hello sautau,

I have a small step-by-step guide that I would recommend to you:

1. Gently pull the drawer out of the cabinet.
2. Remove dust and dirt from the runners and runner slats. Small particles often accumulate there and cause squeaking.
3. Use a mild cleaning agent or isopropanol for cleaning, but be careful not to soak any wooden parts.
4. After drying, you can apply suitable furniture wax or paraffin to wood-on-wood surfaces (such as wooden edges) – for metal parts, it’s better to use a dry lubricant.
5. If the drawer feels too loose, also check the screws and guides and tighten them lightly if necessary.

In summary: cleanliness, proper lubrication, and adjustment are key.

Good luck!