Hello everyone,
I have a problem with my IKEA Malm nightstand: the drawers squeak quite loudly when I open or close them. This is quite annoying, especially when trying to sleep. It sounds like the rails or rollers are rubbing somewhere or not sliding properly.
I have already tried pulling the drawers out completely to check for dirt, but I couldn’t find anything. Does anyone have experience with this issue or know a good way to permanently eliminate the squeaking?
I would be grateful for any suggestions—whether it’s maintenance, lubrication, or maybe even a mechanical adjustment. Thanks in advance!
I have a problem with my IKEA Malm nightstand: the drawers squeak quite loudly when I open or close them. This is quite annoying, especially when trying to sleep. It sounds like the rails or rollers are rubbing somewhere or not sliding properly.
I have already tried pulling the drawers out completely to check for dirt, but I couldn’t find anything. Does anyone have experience with this issue or know a good way to permanently eliminate the squeaking?
I would be grateful for any suggestions—whether it’s maintenance, lubrication, or maybe even a mechanical adjustment. Thanks in advance!
Good morning everyone! 😄
I agree with Davidleo—silicone spray is my absolute secret tip! But don’t worry, if used correctly, it won’t necessarily attract more dirt. Just use the spray sparingly and make sure to wipe off any excess.
Sometimes, small uneven spots in the wood can cause the noise. A tiny bit of furniture wax can also help to make things run more smoothly.
By the way, my right drawer started squeaking badly only after I moved the bedside table. So maybe check if the alignment is still correct as well. 😉
I agree with Davidleo—silicone spray is my absolute secret tip! But don’t worry, if used correctly, it won’t necessarily attract more dirt. Just use the spray sparingly and make sure to wipe off any excess.
Sometimes, small uneven spots in the wood can cause the noise. A tiny bit of furniture wax can also help to make things run more smoothly.
By the way, my right drawer started squeaking badly only after I moved the bedside table. So maybe check if the alignment is still correct as well. 😉
I would like to go into more detail on the technical aspect:
The squeaking usually occurs due to friction between plastic and wooden surfaces or between plastic parts themselves. Since plastic can deform slightly over time or plastic sliding elements can become dirty, the friction behavior changes.
To achieve the best long-term solution, I recommend the following procedure:
1. Remove the drawers and thoroughly clean all sliding rails, including hard-to-reach areas, using a damp cloth and, if necessary, isopropanol (no water!).
2. After drying, apply a lubricant specified for plastic, such as PTFE spray or high-quality silicone spray.
3. Operate all moving parts until the lubricant film is evenly distributed.
If the rails themselves are damaged, it might be worthwhile to replace the guides. IKEA sells these separately, by the way.
By the way, how old is your bedside table? That could provide clues about wear and tear.
The squeaking usually occurs due to friction between plastic and wooden surfaces or between plastic parts themselves. Since plastic can deform slightly over time or plastic sliding elements can become dirty, the friction behavior changes.
To achieve the best long-term solution, I recommend the following procedure:
1. Remove the drawers and thoroughly clean all sliding rails, including hard-to-reach areas, using a damp cloth and, if necessary, isopropanol (no water!).
2. After drying, apply a lubricant specified for plastic, such as PTFE spray or high-quality silicone spray.
3. Operate all moving parts until the lubricant film is evenly distributed.
If the rails themselves are damaged, it might be worthwhile to replace the guides. IKEA sells these separately, by the way.
By the way, how old is your bedside table? That could provide clues about wear and tear.
Hello Sosuta!
I promise you: silicone spray usually brings joy back to your bedside table life! 😄
By the way, if you want to avoid squeaking for a longer time, you can also sprinkle some baby powder or baking soda into the sliding tracks. This is a simple trick that is often overlooked but works great.
Be careful when lubricating with oils, as they attract dust and cause problems. Wax is also a great alternative! Good luck!
I promise you: silicone spray usually brings joy back to your bedside table life! 😄
By the way, if you want to avoid squeaking for a longer time, you can also sprinkle some baby powder or baking soda into the sliding tracks. This is a simple trick that is often overlooked but works great.
Be careful when lubricating with oils, as they attract dust and cause problems. Wax is also a great alternative! Good luck!
Dilen schrieb:
By the way, how old is your nightstand?The nightstand is just under 3 years old, so it's actually still fairly new. However, I was a bit concerned about whether using isopropanol for a thorough cleaning might damage or discolor the material.
If no replacement parts are needed, I can try to clean it as carefully as possible and then treat it with PTFE spray.
Thank you very much for all the tips so far – they have really helped me! I’ll provide feedback once I test something out 🙂
KNUTGI schrieb:
can you also sprinkle some baby powder or baking powder into the sliding railsInteresting idea, but baby powder or baking powder? That sounds more like cheap home remedies that shouldn’t be taken too seriously.
Technically speaking, the powder might reduce friction, but I doubt it will stop the squeaking in the long run.
And what about hygiene? Sprinkling powder into tight mechanisms could attract dust and dirt – a vicious cycle.
For clarification:
Baby powder can actually serve as a temporary dry lubricant and an alternative to traditional lubricants. However, I recommend monitoring its long-term effects carefully, as it can mix with dust and cause abrasion.
For a consistently clean solution, cleaning with isopropanol (in very small amounts and applied locally) is a practical measure – the material of IKEA furniture like the Malm series is plastic and lacquered wood, which is generally resistant to isopropanol as long as it is not soaked extensively.
It is important to keep the surface dry and clean after cleaning before applying any lubricant. PTFE or silicone spray are technically the best compromises between lubrication and cleanliness.
Baby powder can actually serve as a temporary dry lubricant and an alternative to traditional lubricants. However, I recommend monitoring its long-term effects carefully, as it can mix with dust and cause abrasion.
For a consistently clean solution, cleaning with isopropanol (in very small amounts and applied locally) is a practical measure – the material of IKEA furniture like the Malm series is plastic and lacquered wood, which is generally resistant to isopropanol as long as it is not soaked extensively.
It is important to keep the surface dry and clean after cleaning before applying any lubricant. PTFE or silicone spray are technically the best compromises between lubrication and cleanliness.
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