ᐅ IKEA Malm bed creaks in hot summer weather – any suggestions for a solution?

I have an IKEA Malm bed, manufactured in 2018, and recently it has started to annoy me because it squeaks loudly when I move, especially during hot summer weather. It is the model with drawers underneath, but the noise occurs regardless of the drawers, so it’s likely mechanical or caused by material expansion. I have already checked if any screws are loose – everything is tightened. The squeaking seems to be related to the heat or rather the humidity in the room. Does anyone have experience or specific solutions on how to permanently stop the Malm bed from squeaking in high temperatures? Are there any special maintenance products or mechanical adjustments that might help? A simple solution that prevents this annoying noise would be great.

Hello Haykto, the issue of squeaky beds during temperature changes, especially wooden or particleboard beds, is quite common. The Malm bed is mostly made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particleboard, which expand differently with humidity and heat. If you have already checked that all screws are tight, the next step is to carefully examine the joints: Is the center support firmly in place? The drawer slides can also cause noises. I recommend treating the connections at posts and crossbars with a silicone-free lubricant, such as wax or beeswax. Some users have had success with paraffin (candle wax). It is important to apply the lubricant sparingly to avoid slipping. Additionally, check the bearings on the metal parts to see if any friction occurs. You can also inspect the feet – sometimes the contact with the floor affects the noise. How is the humidity level in your room? If it is very high (above 60%), a dehumidifier or increased ventilation can help reduce the squeaking.

Hi Haykto! I’m quite familiar with this issue from the summer – and when heat comes into play, my bed starts making noises too, like it’s putting on a concert 😉 As a brief summary: tightly fastening screws is great, but often it’s the small movements between individual parts that cause squeaking, especially when wood sections change shape. A bit of wax or WD-40 (only where there’s actual contact) is often the right solution. I would also carefully try putting some pepper between the joints... just kidding 🙂 But seriously, placing a small rubber buffer or felt pad under the connection can reduce friction. Try experimenting a bit – I find small adjustments can make a big difference! Good luck! :-)

To thoroughly address the issue, you first need to identify the exact contact points of the noises. In the following steps, I recommend taking a systematic approach:

1. Remove the mattress and check all screws, including those hidden or in the drawer areas.
2. Inspect the connections between the side panels and the headboard and footboard.
3. Use a fine paper towel to wipe away any excess dust from the contact surfaces—dust can act as a catalyst for friction noises.
4. Then apply wax or special furniture glide products to the connection points. Silicone spray is often not ideal, as it attracts dust.
5. Check the drawer slides for play, as small movements can increase with heat.

Another possible cause is an uneven support of the slatted frame; some slats might be slightly shifted, causing tension and thus noises in warm conditions. It’s worth performing an additional check here.

If the bed stands directly on a hard floor, vibration noises from floor resonance may also contribute. In that case, placing an anti-vibration mat under the bed legs could help.

In summary, the following can be noted:

• Mechanical squeaking caused by friction at joints under heat is typical for MDF or particleboard furniture.
• Screws and dowels should be checked regularly and tightened if necessary.
• Lubricants such as wax can help, but oil-based ones should be avoided as they attract dust.
• Excessive humidity increases the swelling tendency of the materials – ventilation or dehumidification can provide relief.
• Rubber buffers or felt pads at contact points reduce friction.

Haykto should check whether their room is subject to significant temperature changes or humidity and consider these environmental factors as the primary cause. This is usually crucial.

An effective method that has shown concrete results is the installation of small plastic sleeves or spacers at critical contact points. For example, thin nylon or PVC pads or washers can be placed at the corners of the bed side rails where they meet the cross slats, acting as buffers to reduce friction. The advantage is that this creates a flexible gap, which helps minimize noise even when materials expand due to temperature changes. However, care must be taken not to compromise the structural stability.

Separately, I have had good experiences equipping the inside of drawer rails with furniture glides, especially when the drawers run perpendicular to the bed frame. Minimizing play in these areas is also important.