ᐅ The Malm bed squeaks especially under load – what could be the cause?

Hello everyone,

I have a Malm bed from IKEA, and I’ve noticed that it creaks quite a lot, especially under load. The noise mostly occurs when sitting down or moving on it, but it’s not constant. I suspect it might be related to the construction or loose joints, so I wanted to ask here: What are the most common causes of creaking in a Malm bed under load? Where should I start looking, or which part usually causes the noise?

I’ve already checked that all screws are tight, but the problem remains. Maybe someone is familiar with typical weak points of this model? Thanks for your help!

Hello nicolaslo,

First of all, it’s good that you have already checked all the screws. That is indeed the first step when a Malm bed is squeaking. Here is a detailed approach to help you pinpoint the problem:

1. Understand the structure: The Malm bed has several contact points that can cause noises: screws, the slatted frame, the connection between the bed frame and the legs, as well as the support areas for the slats.

2. Check the mechanisms: Squeaking often occurs when wooden parts rub against each other or metal parts move. A common situation is that screws are tight, but small gaps form due to movement in the wood, causing creaking sounds.

3. Inspect the slatted frame: Since the squeaking appears under load, it could also be related to the slatted frame. Check if the frame fits snugly or if there is play, for example due to worn plastic clips or missing rubber buffers.

4. Apply lubricant: For wood-on-wood contact, a dry lubricant such as talcum powder can help. For metal-on-wood or metal-on-metal contact, use a small amount of silicone spray (apply carefully to avoid dampening the wood).

5. Tighten screws, but not too much: Over-tightening can damage the wood and actually increase the noise.

In summary: The cause is usually either a slightly loose screw connection or friction between wood and metal, especially at the slatted frame or the side rails. If you want, I can provide more tips on disassembly to help you reach the problem spots precisely.

Guyju schrieb:
The cause is usually either a slightly loose screw connection or friction between wood and metal

That is correct. Additionally, I would like to point out that for IKEA furniture, internal stresses can also play a role. These stresses can build up in the wood and screw connections, especially with changing loads and movement.

Furthermore, it is advisable to check not only the screws but also the connecting elements, such as dowels, wooden pins, or metal brackets. If these are worn or slightly loose, the risk of squeaking noises increases.

With a Malm bed, it is also common to observe that the cross slats supporting the slatted frame tend to slip or shift slightly. Under higher loads, this can be perceived as squeaking.

If lubricants are used, it is best to choose products that do not leave oily residues, as these can attract dust and worsen the noises.

All in all, all connections should be carefully inspected, and parts should be secured or replaced if necessary. The condition of the slatted frame is also crucial.

Hi nicolaslo and everyone else 🙂

I also had to dust off my Malm bed because it was quiet without any weight on it, but as soon as I got on, it started squeaking. In my case, the metal clips on the slatted frame were no longer sitting properly on the wooden slats and were pinching under pressure. A bit of careful readjustment helped.

Guyju schrieb:
Often, squeaking happens when wooden parts rub against each other or metal parts move

I totally agree with that. And very important: also check the small rubber buffers that are sometimes between the slatted frame and the wood. Over time, they can become brittle, which causes noises. 😉

My tip: sprinkle a little baby powder or talcum powder on the contact points – it works like a little noise dampener. Easy and low effort. Good luck!