T
Tymoteuszt10 Oct 2024 09:37Hello everyone,
I thoroughly cleaned the drawers of my IKEA Malm bed, including wiping down the sliding rails and removing all dirt from the rollers. However, the drawers still squeak when opening and closing, sometimes even more than before. I have already checked for loose screws and applied lubricant (WD-40) everywhere. Still, the annoying noise remains.
My question is: Why can the Malm drawers still squeak after a thorough cleaning and maintenance? Are there any material or design-related reasons, or specific spots that are not easy to see, which could cause this?
Looking forward to your insights and possible solutions!
I thoroughly cleaned the drawers of my IKEA Malm bed, including wiping down the sliding rails and removing all dirt from the rollers. However, the drawers still squeak when opening and closing, sometimes even more than before. I have already checked for loose screws and applied lubricant (WD-40) everywhere. Still, the annoying noise remains.
My question is: Why can the Malm drawers still squeak after a thorough cleaning and maintenance? Are there any material or design-related reasons, or specific spots that are not easy to see, which could cause this?
Looking forward to your insights and possible solutions!
Hello Tymoteuszt,
First of all, it’s good that you cleaned the drawers and the runners – that’s the right step. However, there are some details with the Malm system that are easy to overlook and can actually cause the squeaking.
That’s usually the starting point: Malm drawers often use ball-bearing or plastic rollers combined with metal rails. If you only lubricated the visible areas, the actual wheels, especially around the axle, may still be dry. I recommend fully removing the drawers to inspect and lubricate the rollers and the guide rails separately.
Additionally, the squeaking can also be caused by so-called “micro-movements” at the connection points of the drawer—that is, where the carcass meets the drawer frame. Parts of wood or particleboard rub against each other, especially if the material has swelled slightly or if there are minor uneven spots. A thin layer of felt or rubber at these contact points can reduce the effect.
Another point: you used WD-40. That’s great for removing water and rust, but as a lubricant it’s only conditionally suitable because it evaporates quickly and then dries out. More appropriate lubricants are silicone spray or lithium grease—especially for plastic-metal combinations.
Have you checked whether the runners are still completely straight and not warped? Sometimes they distort slightly due to moisture or load. Also, slightly adjusting the screws—not too tight and not too loose—can help stop the squeaking.
Perhaps you could also share which lubricant exactly you used and whether you fully dismantled the runners? If the problem persists, I’m happy to help with further technical advice.
First of all, it’s good that you cleaned the drawers and the runners – that’s the right step. However, there are some details with the Malm system that are easy to overlook and can actually cause the squeaking.
ju_ren schrieb:
The squeaking usually comes from dry spots on the sliding rails or rollers
That’s usually the starting point: Malm drawers often use ball-bearing or plastic rollers combined with metal rails. If you only lubricated the visible areas, the actual wheels, especially around the axle, may still be dry. I recommend fully removing the drawers to inspect and lubricate the rollers and the guide rails separately.
Additionally, the squeaking can also be caused by so-called “micro-movements” at the connection points of the drawer—that is, where the carcass meets the drawer frame. Parts of wood or particleboard rub against each other, especially if the material has swelled slightly or if there are minor uneven spots. A thin layer of felt or rubber at these contact points can reduce the effect.
Another point: you used WD-40. That’s great for removing water and rust, but as a lubricant it’s only conditionally suitable because it evaporates quickly and then dries out. More appropriate lubricants are silicone spray or lithium grease—especially for plastic-metal combinations.
Have you checked whether the runners are still completely straight and not warped? Sometimes they distort slightly due to moisture or load. Also, slightly adjusting the screws—not too tight and not too loose—can help stop the squeaking.
Perhaps you could also share which lubricant exactly you used and whether you fully dismantled the runners? If the problem persists, I’m happy to help with further technical advice.
Hello,
I would like to add that the material of the Malm drawers often plays a significant role. Particle boards tend to swell slightly with changing humidity levels, which can cause tension and result in friction on the runners and edges.
Also, the rollers are sometimes made of plastic with metal axles, and if they are insufficiently or incorrectly lubricated, squeaking noises can occur quickly.
I agree – WD-40 is more of a cleaner and rust remover than a long-lasting lubricant. I recommend silicone spray because it does not stick and can reach tight spots well.
Regarding your situation: it might help to remove the drawers completely first, then clean all parts separately and apply targeted lubrication. Additionally, a thin film of paraffin wax on the runners can help.
Sometimes the squeaking is also caused by small foreign particles that remain lodged despite cleaning – a thorough recheck is worth it here.
I hope this helps you.
I would like to add that the material of the Malm drawers often plays a significant role. Particle boards tend to swell slightly with changing humidity levels, which can cause tension and result in friction on the runners and edges.
Also, the rollers are sometimes made of plastic with metal axles, and if they are insufficiently or incorrectly lubricated, squeaking noises can occur quickly.
Palenar schrieb:
Better suited are genuine lubricants such as silicone spray or lithium grease
I agree – WD-40 is more of a cleaner and rust remover than a long-lasting lubricant. I recommend silicone spray because it does not stick and can reach tight spots well.
Regarding your situation: it might help to remove the drawers completely first, then clean all parts separately and apply targeted lubrication. Additionally, a thin film of paraffin wax on the runners can help.
Sometimes the squeaking is also caused by small foreign particles that remain lodged despite cleaning – a thorough recheck is worth it here.
I hope this helps you.
Similar topics