ᐅ MALM Bed Squeaks Under Load – What Can Be Done?

Created on: 1 Feb 2015 19:23
S
Sutan
S
Sutan
1 Feb 2015 19:23
Hello everyone,

I have a Malm bed from IKEA that starts squeaking under load, especially when I move or sit on it. The noise seems to come from the area where the slatted frame rests or between the individual wooden parts. I have considered that it might be due to loose screws, but I don’t have a clear idea of how to fix the problem so the bed works quietly again.

Has anyone had similar experiences? What steps can I take to permanently eliminate the squeaking? Are there any special tools, aids, or other tips that could solve this issue?

I look forward to your opinions and experiences!
M
mifusau
1 Feb 2015 21:04
Hello Sutan,

First of all, your issue with the squeaky MALM bed is quite common and can usually be fixed with a few targeted measures.

1. Check the screws: The most important step. Tighten all visible screws and connections, as loose joints here often cause noise when the bed is loaded.

2. Inspect the slatted frame: Take a look at the support points, especially where the slats rest. Sometimes wood-on-wood friction is the cause. Applying small felt pads or self-adhesive felt to these support points can help.

3. Use lubrication: If the bed frame is made of wood, WD-40 or a similar lubricant often works wonders. Just spray the connection points to reduce friction.

4. Examine the wooden strips: Especially for the MALM bed, internal wooden parts may shift. If possible, loosen the bed briefly and check if any strip moves.

5. Review the assembly: If the bed was recently assembled, double-check the instructions and the order of the parts. Sometimes a complete disassembly and reassembly helps.

Summary: Tighten screws, apply felt pads, use lubricant, and review the assembly – these are the steps I recommend.

If you like, I can also prepare a short checklist for you. Good luck!
L
Lisele
2 Feb 2015 08:57
Hey Sutan,

I can understand how annoying a squeaky bed can be – it not only disrupts sleep but also interferes with relaxation beforehand. I had a similar issue with my bed once, and it was quite frustrating because I was always careful not to move too much during the night.
mifusau schrieb:
Attaching felt pads or self-adhesive felt to the contact points

I thought that was a really good tip! Often, you only appreciate how much quieter the bed becomes when you consciously use these little helpers.

It’s also important not to stress yourself if a solution doesn’t come immediately. Sometimes it helps to tackle these things step by step, and after tightening the screws, take a short break.

Feel free to let us know if mifusau’s tips helped or if you need any more assistance. :-)
M
milau42
2 Feb 2015 13:16
Sutan schrieb:
Malm bed squeaks under load – what to do?

Tighten the screws, add felt pads where wood parts contact each other, ensure there are no damp spots on the wood, and check the slatted frame. Is it stable? If not, adjust the leveling feet.
G
geneda
3 Feb 2015 09:41
Hello Sutan,

I wanted to add that with the MALM bed, due to its relatively shallow frame construction, the issue of “wood movement” often comes into play. This means that temperature changes and humidity mainly affect the wood, which can slightly expand or shrink – this may cause squeaking noises even when everything is correctly assembled.

A few recommendations from me would be:

- Make sure the bedroom is well climate-controlled; too much moisture or very dry air can affect the wood.
- Avoid direct water exposure or cleaning the bed while it is wet.
- Also check if the slatted frame fits the bed properly, as the wrong slatted base can sometimes cause pressure points or friction.

If the squeaking persists despite these measures, it can help to rub small wax sticks or furniture wax on the contact points – this prevents rubbing noises.

I hope this helps! Sometimes it really is a combination of several small measures.