Hello everyone, I have had an issue with my IKEA Malm bedside table for some time now: it makes a quiet but annoying squeaking noise when pressed down. It is clearly noticeable when opening or closing the drawer, as well as when leaning on the table. I have already checked if the screws are loose, but that does not seem to be the case. Can anyone advise how to effectively stop these squeaking sounds? Are there any specific lubrication methods or other tips recommended particularly for the Malm series? Thanks in advance for your suggestions!
Thank you for all the feedback! @Ethan, I found your explanation about cleaning and carefully lubricating with silicone spray very helpful. I actually first tried WD-40, but the problem came back after a week. I will remove the drawer today and clean everything thoroughly. Is there anything I should keep in mind when applying the silicone spray, for example regarding spray distance or drying time for the rails? And is it safe to use the spray on plastic parts, or should that be avoided?
NUMIN34 schrieb:
Is there anything I should be aware of when using silicone spray?Yes, that’s a good question. You should spray from a distance of about 20-30 cm (8-12 inches) so that it spreads evenly without soaking the parts. After spraying, let it sit for a few minutes to allow the solvent to evaporate, leaving only the lubricant behind. Silicone spray is generally very suitable for plastics because it does not cause damage, unlike some mineral oils. However, it’s best to avoid spraying on wooden surfaces that may be painted, as the spray can sometimes leave stains there.
Bagupo schrieb:
Sometimes a thin felt or foam pad can help when placed at contact points,Felt is actually often underrated. IKEA itself should make this standard—it would save them from complaints! In my opinion, if you buy a nightstand that squeaks, that’s more annoying than missing features or a basic design. It shows how trivial some problems are and how little consideration is often given to the end users.
I cleaned thoroughly yesterday, applied silicone spray sparingly as recommended, and checked the screws. It turned out that one screw on the side guide was a bit loose. Since then, the squeaking has almost completely disappeared. I will check again tonight to see if it holds permanently.
Thanks to everyone who provided genuinely helpful and well-founded advice, especially regarding the right lubricant and potential contact points!
Thanks to everyone who provided genuinely helpful and well-founded advice, especially regarding the right lubricant and potential contact points!
It’s interesting how such a simple piece of furniture like the Malm nightstand can become a science. Somehow typical – IKEA furniture is cheap, but if you want real durability, you need to take care of it yourself. Maybe manufacturers should be advised to use better materials or assembly methods from the start, instead of just focusing on low prices. When you see the tips collected here, it reveals more about the furniture industry than about the squeaking itself.
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