ᐅ IKEA Malm Bed Squeaks When Turning Over – Repair Tips?

Hello everyone,

I have an IKEA Malm bed that has started creaking more often when I turn over. The noise seems to come from the slatted frame or the connection points between the bed sides. I suspect that some screws might have loosened or that wooden parts are rubbing against each other. Since I want to repair the bed myself, I’m looking for advice on the most effective way to eliminate the creaking. Which areas should I check specifically, and what tools or materials (such as lubricants) are recommended? I’m also interested in whether there are common weak points in the Malm bed that typically cause these sounds. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hi, first check all the screws and tighten them. Then you can spray silicone spray on the joints. This often helps reduce squeaking.

The creaking in the Malm bed usually comes from loose joints or wood-metal friction. Screws should be checked systematically and tightened with a torque wrench if necessary – IKEA furniture generally uses standardized screws with a recommended tightening torque.

To reduce friction noise, dry graphite powder or PTFE spray is better suited than oil, as they do not leave any residue. The slatted bed bases should also be inspected at their support points; plastic gliders can be used here to reduce friction.

pikin schrieb:
Screws should be systematically checked and, if necessary, tightened with a torque wrench – IKEA furniture usually has standardized screws with recommended torque settings.

Thanks for the tip. I wasn’t aware of the recommended torque settings. Does anyone know the typical torque value for the Malm series? Also, I’ve noticed that the squeaking doesn’t just come from the screws, but also around the center rail – are there any specific measures for that?

For the middle beam, you could possibly install felt or rubber pads to prevent the wood from directly contacting wood or metal. If the slatted frame shifts, securely screwing the beam in place can also help.

Hello Wilhelmo31,

I understand your issue well and would like to offer you some more detailed advice:

1. Check the screws: Not only whether they are tight or loose, but also if the threads in the wood have expanded. If so, it can help to put some wood glue into the hole and insert a toothpick or small wooden piece when screwing in to reinforce the thread.

2. Treat sliding points: The metal-to-wood connection often causes squeaking. As pikin suggested, I recommend dry lubricants – graphite powder is excellent because it doesn’t smear. Alternatively, Teflon sprays can be helpful.

3. Inspect the slatted frame: Some Malm models have slatted frames placed on the frame with rubber pads. These can wear out. Replace them or use felt pads to reduce the noise.

4. Consider wood moisture: Sometimes the wood reacts more when moisture levels fluctuate. Try to keep the room as dry and stable as possible.

If you have any further questions, feel free to ask!