ᐅ IKEA MALM bed squeaks even after tightening the screws – what to do now?

Hello everyone,

I have an IKEA Malm bed that has been occasionally squeaking when lying down or moving for some time. I have already checked and tightened all screws and connections several times, which usually helps with this kind of issue, but the squeaking persists.

Now I’m wondering what the next step should be to permanently fix this annoying noise. Does anyone know specific weak points in the Malm frame to watch out for, or are there proven techniques to eliminate this squeaking?

I would appreciate concrete tips, including recommendations for tools or materials that might be helpful.

holger37 schrieb:
I have already checked and tightened all screws and joints several times

If that didn’t help, you should check if the connection points are clean and free of wood chips or similar debris. Otherwise, just apply some wax or graphite powder.

I believe that before working on solutions, it is important to precisely identify where the squeaking is coming from. Often, it is not the screws themselves, but friction between wooden surfaces.

jodeo58 schrieb:
apply some wax or graphite powder

That can help, but caution is advised as some lubricants can alter the wood or cause stains over time. A thorough diagnosis before treatment is essential.

I know this problem from personal experience – it’s really frustrating when the bed creaks in the evening and you can’t relax. Sometimes the slatted frame isn’t positioned quite right. Have you checked that? I also felt that my slatted frame moved slightly, which caused noise.

It can also help to place felt pads or small rubber strips between the connecting points to reduce friction.

Hey holger37, I’m keeping my fingers crossed that you get rid of that squeaking soon! 🙂 The idea of using felt or rubber between the wooden surfaces is brilliant—I did the same and haven’t had any noise since! Just stick it on the contact points, and then you can double-check the screws 😊

As an addition: In the MALM bed, the metal connectors or the headboard/footboard joints are often the cause of creaking. Dust or wood debris can accumulate there, triggering the noise.

My tip: After loosening, lightly sand the connection points with fine sandpaper (grit 240 or finer) to smooth out small unevenness. Afterwards, you can apply wood wax carefully if needed. It is important not to tighten the screws too much to prevent the wood from warping.