ᐅ MALM bedside table squeaks when moved – why?

Hello everyone,

A few weeks ago, I bought a MALM bedside table from IKEA. When moving the bedside table, for example while cleaning the floor or rearranging, I have recently noticed a distinct squeaking sound. It occurs whenever I slightly lift and move the bedside table, especially over hard floors. The surface or finish doesn’t seem to be affected; it sounds more like a mechanical noise coming from around the drawer or the joints.

My question is: why does the MALM bedside table squeak when moved? Is it due to the design or the choice of materials? Is there any way to eliminate or at least reduce the noise? I would appreciate any experiences or advice.

Thanks in advance!

The squeaking usually comes from the plastic sliders or pads under the feet. Check if there is any dirt caught in them or if they are sliding inward. A drop of silicone spray can often help.

For clarification: The MALM nightstand is mainly made of particleboard with a melamine foil finish, mounted on relatively inexpensive plastic glides. The squeaking is caused by friction between these plastic parts and the floor or by loose connections at the drawer mounts. It is best to check whether the screws at the joints are tightened properly and to clean or lubricate the contact points with a suitable lubricant, such as graphite powder or silicone spray.

I agree with RENMA, the gliding elements are often the cause. If you don’t have a felt-like protector under the bedside table, direct contact with a hard floor can cause such noises. A simple solution can be adhesive felt pads or furniture gliders, which reduce direct contact and prevent squeaking.

A technical note: The squeaking noise when moving the furniture is often caused by micro-movements at the joints. The MALM bedside table has edges finished with a thin ABS edge band, and the construction uses so-called Minifix fittings. If screws loosen or the connection becomes a bit loose, squeaking can occur. Regular inspection and gently tightening the screws often resolves the issue.

KAULIS schrieb:
If screws become loose or the joint develops some play, it can cause squeaking.

Exactly, checking the screws usually solves the problem.