ᐅ IKEA Malm Bed Squeaks When Sitting – Any Solutions?

Hello everyone, I have an IKEA Malm bed that has recently started squeaking when I sit on the edge. The noise probably comes from the joints between the side panels and the headboard or footboard. I’m interested to know if anyone here has experience with this problem and how to reliably fix the squeaking. All the screws have been tightened, but the noise still occurs under pressure. Are there any special tricks or products to reduce the friction and the related noise? Thanks in advance for your tips!

Hello, simply loosen all screws thoroughly again, then apply some wood glue to the joint surfaces and tighten the screws again. This often prevents squeaking.

Thank you for the well-phrased question! Squeaking in Malm beds usually comes from small movements between the wooden parts or the metal joints. Often, tiny gaps form that rub against each other when under pressure. First, it is important to identify the exact cause. You should check whether the side rails, the slatted base, or the center support beam are securely fixed. The following usually helps: loosen the screws, lightly roughen the wooden joints with fine sandpaper, then treat them with a suitable lubricant—this could be a wax-based furniture polish, but avoid oils, as they cause the wood to swell. Afterward, retighten all screws firmly with the proper torque. This process requires some patience. Is your slatted base tightly secured, or does it move? This can significantly affect the source of the noise.

In my experience, the squeaking is caused by a combination of material movement and insufficient lubrication at the joints. It is important to first check the fasteners and tighten them if necessary, but without overtightening, as this can damage the wood panels. After that, I recommend applying a thin layer of paraffin or beeswax to the contact points as a preventive measure. This reduces friction and prevents squeaking in the long term without damaging the material.

GUSTAVO56 schrieb:
Is your slatted frame fixed in place or does it move?

The slatted frame fits a bit loosely; when I move it slightly, I can hear a faint creaking sound. Is this probably because it is not properly secured? And is it enough to treat the joints of the frame, or should the slatted frame be addressed as well?

Definitely fix the slatted frame. Often, a loose support causes movement. Rubber pads between the frame and the base can also help reduce noise.