ᐅ Malm bed creaks when sitting on the edges – any solutions?

I have an IKEA Malm bed, which is generally sturdy, but I have a specific issue: when I sit on the edges, it squeaks quite loudly. The noise probably comes from the joints or the frame, as it doesn’t occur when lying down normally. Has anyone experienced this problem or knows effective ways to permanently eliminate the squeaking? I have already tried tightening the screws, but this helped very little. I would like to know if there are particular lubricants, washers, or alternative assembly methods that can prevent the noise. Any tips on common weak points of the Malm bed would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

Squeaking often occurs due to loose connecting parts. Check all screws and tighten them. If it continues to squeak, I recommend using dry silicone spray on the joints. This usually helps well.

dipenu schrieb:
I have a Malm bed from IKEA, which is basically sturdy, but I have a specific problem: when I sit on the edges, it squeaks quite loudly.

Interesting issue, and actually quite common with modular bed frames. The squeaking at the edges is often caused by friction between wood and metal or by tension in the fastening components. You’ve already checked the screws – it’s important that they are not overtightened, as this can cause the wood to warp.

A structured step-by-step approach might help:

1. Remove all screws around the edges, clean the threads and wood surfaces from dust
2. Apply a thin layer of silicone grease or a PTFE-based lubricant to the connection surfaces – this helps isolate noises
3. Use small felt or rubber pads at contact points to prevent direct wood-to-wood friction
4. Carefully re-tighten everything so that no tension is placed on the frame

Please let me know if it’s the classic model and what kind of connectors are used? Are there dowels, screws, or bolts? Also, lever arms or metal brackets can be sources of squeaking.

Additionally: how old is your bed? Wood shifts over time and changes its resonance behavior.

That would help provide more targeted advice.

Domau0 schrieb:
Apply a thin layer of silicone grease or PTFE-based lubricant to the contact surfaces – this effectively reduces noise

That’s a really good tip. I would also recommend attaching small rubber or felt pads under the metal joints. This helps dampen vibrations over time. Additionally, check if the slatted frame is securely installed, as sometimes missing fasteners there can cause the entire bed to squeak.

A generally simple tip: sometimes just treating the connection points with a good furniture wax is enough. It soaks well into the wood and reduces friction.

If the problem is very persistent, adding small metal angle brackets with felt pads on the corners is a convenient extra measure.

Tighten all screws, then apply silicone spray. If that is not enough, use rubber or felt pads at the connection points. This usually provides a quick solution.

blapau schrieb:
Sometimes it’s enough to treat the connection points with a good furniture wax. It soaks well into the wood and reduces friction.

Very good advice. I would like to add that it’s important to check for mechanical stresses in the frame. Especially when the bed is placed against a wall, distortions can easily occur that put permanent strain on the wood joints.

I also recommend briefly disassembling the bed, thoroughly cleaning all connections, and treating the threads with a high-quality graphite or Teflon-based lubricant designed to reduce friction. Oily lubricants can attract dust and lead to increased friction over time.

Some people also neglect the bearing surfaces on the slatted frame. Please check whether the slats can move or rattle slightly.

If you like, you can also check whether the screws have different lengths or materials. Sometimes parts get mixed up, causing uneven tensions that create noise.

These tasks require some effort but are worthwhile for long-lasting quietness.