Hello everyone, I have recently encountered an issue with my IKEA Malm furniture, specifically the chest of drawers. Whenever I apply any load—whether by opening the drawers or even just by pressing lightly on the surface—the piece squeaks quite noticeably. I am interested in possible causes for this squeaking, as I have already checked that all the screws are tightened and there is no visible damage. I suspect it might be related either to the connections between the wooden panels or to the moving parts, but it would be great if someone with experience could explain what typically causes this kind of squeaking in MALM furniture and how it can be resolved. Thanks in advance!
Hannah schrieb:
Most of the time, the squeaking in MALM furniture comes from wood-on-wood contact caused by stress and friction. I agree, and I would add: Don’t press too hard, the piece of furniture isn’t a kangaroo with a built-in spring mechanism 😄. Joking aside, sometimes a little wax or furniture oil on the contact points can help reduce the noise. Proper maintenance does more than you might think!
S
SauDietmar14 Feb 2023 15:45To systematically address the problem, I recommend the following steps:
1. Check and, if necessary, tighten screws, even if this has already been done, as small movements often occur due to stress.
2. Inspect the joints between the wooden panels and moving parts – this is usually where the squeaking originates.
3. Use light lubricants, preferably graphite powder or silicone spray; avoid greasy oils, as they attract dust.
4. If possible, lightly roughen the contact surfaces with fine sandpaper to reduce friction.
Summary: The cause is usually related to movable wooden joints or fastenings that shift slightly under load. A clean, dry lubricant often solves the problem.
1. Check and, if necessary, tighten screws, even if this has already been done, as small movements often occur due to stress.
2. Inspect the joints between the wooden panels and moving parts – this is usually where the squeaking originates.
3. Use light lubricants, preferably graphite powder or silicone spray; avoid greasy oils, as they attract dust.
4. If possible, lightly roughen the contact surfaces with fine sandpaper to reduce friction.
Summary: The cause is usually related to movable wooden joints or fastenings that shift slightly under load. A clean, dry lubricant often solves the problem.
Hello Pingla,
to assist you more effectively, a few questions first: How old is the piece of furniture exactly, and has it been regularly moved or repositioned? Does the squeaking always occur in the exact same spot?
Typically, MALM dressers squeak due to their carcass construction, as they are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a veneer finish. The squeaking is caused by minimal movements or tensions in the material—usually at the drawer runners or the side panels. Small shifts between the drawer and the carcass are possible here.
Often, it helps to remove the drawers and carefully clean the runners and contact surfaces. After that, treat the parts again with a suitable dry lubricant—silicone spray works well because it does not damage the material.
Additionally, I would check whether tiny wood chips or splinters might be caught in the runner area or between the carcass and panel, as these can cause grinding or squeaking noises under load changes.
Feel free to report whether the squeaking increases when the dresser is slightly bent in the seating area or against the wall—this can also have an effect.
to assist you more effectively, a few questions first: How old is the piece of furniture exactly, and has it been regularly moved or repositioned? Does the squeaking always occur in the exact same spot?
Typically, MALM dressers squeak due to their carcass construction, as they are made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a veneer finish. The squeaking is caused by minimal movements or tensions in the material—usually at the drawer runners or the side panels. Small shifts between the drawer and the carcass are possible here.
Often, it helps to remove the drawers and carefully clean the runners and contact surfaces. After that, treat the parts again with a suitable dry lubricant—silicone spray works well because it does not damage the material.
Additionally, I would check whether tiny wood chips or splinters might be caught in the runner area or between the carcass and panel, as these can cause grinding or squeaking noises under load changes.
Feel free to report whether the squeaking increases when the dresser is slightly bent in the seating area or against the wall—this can also have an effect.
Palenar schrieb:
Typically, MALM dressers creak due to their carcass construction, as they are made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a veneer finish.Exactly, MDF is very sensitive to moisture and minor deformations.In addition to the lubricant already mentioned, it can help to attach small felt or foam rubber pads at all connection points. These absorb slight movements and reduce squeaking noises.
Also, the screws in MALM dressers are often mounted using a cam lock system, which allows minimal play under load. Tightening the screws is often only somewhat effective, as the material settles over time.
Important: Check if the dresser is standing level. Floor irregularities transfer to the structure and can increase pressure on certain areas, which triggers the squeaking.
I also recommend gently rocking the dresser back and forth to see if the squeaking is related to movement of the entire structure. This way, you can better pinpoint the cause.
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