ᐅ IKEA MALM bed squeaks when getting up – any solutions?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my IKEA Malm bed that makes an annoying squeaking noise, especially when getting up. It happens almost every time I get out of bed, and I suspect it might be related to the construction or the connection between the slatted frame or the bed frame.

The bed is about two years old now, and I assembled it myself back then. I have tried tightening all the screws, but the noise remains. Has anyone had similar experiences or knows specific solutions to fix this squeaking? It would be great to get tips on how to make the bed quiet permanently without having to buy new parts. Thanks in advance!

herschelra schrieb:
I tried tightening all the screws, but the noise remains.

This statement is interesting. Did you tighten the screws systematically using a torque wrench, or just by feel? Often, the cause of squeaking is not only loose fittings but also the way the parts rub against each other.

Sometimes it helps to treat the joints with a special lubricant—not regular oil, but for example a silicone spray or Teflon spray, as these do not attract dirt and reduce friction. Have you already tried or ruled this out? If not, my first test would be to clean the problematic joints dry and then apply such a spray to eliminate mechanical squeaking caused by friction.

Also, I would take a closer look at the connection between the bed frame and the slatted frame. If metal is rubbing against wood or metal, a thin felt or fabric pad as a cushion can be both discreet and effective.

sifope schrieb:
Sometimes it also helps to treat the joints with a special lubricant

This is a very good tip. I would like to elaborate further on the typical causes of squeaking in MALM beds, based on my previous cases and experience:

1. Screws and joints: Even if tightened, not everything is always perfectly secure. Metal parts can move slightly against each other through motion, producing the typical noise. All screws should be checked again and, if necessary, secured with a thread locker (such as Loctite or similar).

2. Slatted frame: In some MALM beds, the slatted frame is only hooked in, and sometimes the cross slats rest on supporting elements. Check carefully whether the support points are soft enough. Sometimes it helps to attach thin felt or rubber pads under the support areas at the bed sides to dampen friction.

3. Material fatigue: Wood is a living material. After several years or intensive use, small changes can develop that cause creaking or squeaking sounds. Countermeasures here are regular inspections and minor repairs.

4. Lubrication: As mentioned, I recommend dry lubricants such as PTFE spray or silicone spray. These reduce noise from metal-on-wood or metal-on-metal contact without causing dirt or residue.

If the original poster can provide more details about the model, age, and use of the bed, more specific advice can be given. For example, whether the bed stands on uneven floors, which can also promote twisting and noises.

bapar schrieb:
Wood moves. After a few years or with heavy use, small changes occur

This natural property of wood is often the hidden cause of squeaky beds. For anyone who wants (almost) silent furniture, I have a few tips based on my experience as a longtime MALM user:

– Regularly tighten the screws, but not too much. Sometimes it even helps to slightly loosen the screws, then rub a little wax (beeswax or special furniture wax) onto the threads before tightening them again, so the wood holds together more smoothly.

– Apply felt or foam strips where wood touches wood; these absorb noise very well.

– Make sure the bed is placed on a firm surface and consider adding self-adhesive felt pads to the feet. Unevenness causes movement in the wood, which leads to squeaking.

– Last but not least: Sometimes the material changes slightly due to humidity. It’s usually less noisy in summer than in winter, when the heating is on and the wood dries out a bit.

With these tricks, the bed can often be made significantly quieter without much effort – making getting up more comfortable again 🙂