ᐅ Malm bed creaking during sleep – any tips to reduce noise?

Created on: 20 Apr 2022 21:07
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nifa49
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nifa49
20 Apr 2022 21:07
Hello everyone,

I have owned an IKEA Malm bed for a few months and have noticed that it occasionally squeaks during sleep. The annoying noises are especially noticeable when I turn over or get up, which of course reduces sleep comfort. I have already checked to make sure all screws are tightened, but the squeaking persists. My question is: What tips or methods are there to effectively eliminate or at least significantly reduce this squeaking?

Are there any specific maintenance products, lubricants, or assembly tips that work particularly well with this bed model? Or is the problem more related to the design or the materials? I would appreciate any advice specifically related to the Malm bed so I don’t have to try things unnecessarily. Thanks in advance!
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Fitigu
20 Apr 2022 22:34
Hello,

Your assumption that simply tightening screws doesn’t always solve the problem is correct. The squeaking can also be caused by friction between wooden or metal joints that still move slightly even with tight screws.

A well-known tip is to treat the contact points between wood and metal with a dry lubricant such as graphite powder or silicone spray. These reduce friction without loosening the screws or causing adhesion. It is important not to use oily substances, as they can damage the material or leave stains.

You should also check whether the slatted frames and support battens fit snugly and do not wobble. Sometimes inserting felt pads or thin fabric strips between the contact points is enough to minimize squeaking.

In summary:
1. Double-check all screws
2. Use dry lubricants on relevant spots
3. Separate contact surfaces with felt or fabric

Some users have also reported that with Malm beds the structure can move more due to slight unevenness of the floor surface. Is your floor level?
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Guyju
21 Apr 2022 08:15
The Malm bed squeaks during sleep – I’m very familiar with this issue and would like to help with a simple guide:

1. Tighten all screws again, but carefully to avoid damaging the wood.

2. Check the stability of the slatted frame. If it is loose, the creaking can be caused by transferred movement.

3. Lubricants: Use silicone spray or graphite. These are ideal because they are non-sticky and do not harm wood or metal surfaces.

4. Additionally, I recommend placing small strips of felt or foam rubber between the joints. This reduces direct friction.

5. Make sure the floor is completely level. An uneven floor causes stress and thus noise.

A common mistake many make is using oily lubricants. These attract dust and worsen the problem over time.

Summary: Check screws, inspect the slatted frame, use dry lubricant, apply felt protection, and ensure a level floor. Good luck!
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karlau
22 Apr 2022 00:12
Guyju schrieb:
Lubricants: Use specifically silicone spray or graphite. These are ideal because they are non-sticky and do not damage wood or metal surfaces.

These tips are practical, but I wonder if the squeaking isn’t more of a design flaw with the Malm. The combination of thin particleboard and inexpensive fittings leaves little room for strong joints.

I generally consider this problem inherent in such furniture – what helps is ultimately only temporary patchwork that needs to be repeated.

Also, I see squeaking as a kind of quality indicator that occurs when the materials settle over time.

So whoever really wants silence should better invest in more expensive solid wood beds with real wood joints, which are stable in the long term.

If anyone disagrees, feel free to say so, but personally I wouldn’t spend too much time “lubricating” cheap beds.
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fikeo
22 Apr 2022 10:54
karlau schrieb:
I also consider squeaking as a sign of quality that develops as the materials settle over time.

An interesting point, but I believe you shouldn’t simply accept everything as a "quality feature." Especially with bedroom furniture, it is important to ensure a quiet night’s sleep.

I support the recommendations to use silicone spray and felt pads, as these are often very effective. If you’re not very handy, I also suggest methodically loosening all connections, cleaning all screws and fittings, and then tightening them properly.

Sometimes slight wood warping is the cause. If the bed rubs against itself in an unfavorable spot, fine sandpaper on the contact points can help reduce pressure and friction.

If you plan to use the Malm bed long-term, I recommend regular inspections—due to the material properties, tension can build up with seasonal changes.

I hope this helps and wish you good luck. 🙂