Hello everyone,
I have an IKEA Malm nightstand that has recently started to squeak quite loudly and annoyingly when opening and closing the drawers. The noise usually comes from the drawer slides when I pull or push them. So, my question is: What can I do to fix or eliminate the squeaking on a Malm nightstand?
I would like to know if I should use specific lubricants, if the slides could be damaged, or if the drawers might need to be realigned. I would appreciate a guide or tips on how to proceed, which materials are suitable, and if there is anything I should be careful about to avoid damaging the furniture.
Does anyone have experience with the Malm nightstand and removing these kinds of squeaking noises? I look forward to your suggestions!
I have an IKEA Malm nightstand that has recently started to squeak quite loudly and annoyingly when opening and closing the drawers. The noise usually comes from the drawer slides when I pull or push them. So, my question is: What can I do to fix or eliminate the squeaking on a Malm nightstand?
I would like to know if I should use specific lubricants, if the slides could be damaged, or if the drawers might need to be realigned. I would appreciate a guide or tips on how to proceed, which materials are suitable, and if there is anything I should be careful about to avoid damaging the furniture.
Does anyone have experience with the Malm nightstand and removing these kinds of squeaking noises? I look forward to your suggestions!
Good morning,
regarding your issue with the Malm nightstand and the squeaking: The noise often comes from the metal or plastic drawer slides, which cause sounds either due to friction or insufficient lubrication.
First, it is important to completely remove the drawer to properly inspect the tracks. Check if dirt, dust, or small debris is lodged in the runners and carefully remove it with a cloth or brush.
Then, I recommend lubricating with a suitable product. Avoid regular oils (like WD-40) because they often only provide short-term relief and then attract dust, which can make the problem worse.
Special dry lubricants based on silicone or PTFE spray are better suited since they don’t stick and offer long-lasting lubrication. Use the spray sparingly and then open and close the drawer several times so the lubricant distributes evenly.
If the tracks are made of plastic, you should be especially careful and use only a very fine lubricant, as harsher substances can permanently damage the material.
Also, check the screws: if they are loose, they can contribute to the noise. Tightening the screws may help.
Finally, if the drawer sticks, a slight adjustment of the runners might be necessary. This is usually possible by twisting the rail profiles, but it requires a certain level of delicacy.
If you want, feel free to describe whether the slides are metal or plastic in more detail – then I can tell you more specifically what I would recommend.
Best regards!
regarding your issue with the Malm nightstand and the squeaking: The noise often comes from the metal or plastic drawer slides, which cause sounds either due to friction or insufficient lubrication.
First, it is important to completely remove the drawer to properly inspect the tracks. Check if dirt, dust, or small debris is lodged in the runners and carefully remove it with a cloth or brush.
Then, I recommend lubricating with a suitable product. Avoid regular oils (like WD-40) because they often only provide short-term relief and then attract dust, which can make the problem worse.
Special dry lubricants based on silicone or PTFE spray are better suited since they don’t stick and offer long-lasting lubrication. Use the spray sparingly and then open and close the drawer several times so the lubricant distributes evenly.
If the tracks are made of plastic, you should be especially careful and use only a very fine lubricant, as harsher substances can permanently damage the material.
Also, check the screws: if they are loose, they can contribute to the noise. Tightening the screws may help.
Finally, if the drawer sticks, a slight adjustment of the runners might be necessary. This is usually possible by twisting the rail profiles, but it requires a certain level of delicacy.
If you want, feel free to describe whether the slides are metal or plastic in more detail – then I can tell you more specifically what I would recommend.
Best regards!
Hello Dimar9,
Here’s a brief summary of what to keep in mind for squeaky furniture, especially the Malm nightstand:
1. Remove the drawer: For most IKEA furniture, you can take out the drawers by lifting them up and pulling them out.
2. Cleaning: Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the drawer slides. If needed, you can use vinegar water to dissolve grease, but make sure to let the furniture dry completely afterward!
3. Lubrication: As PIN66 already mentioned, dry lubricants are the best choice; I usually use silicone spray because it doesn’t stick and doesn’t attract dust. Apply sparingly.
4. Check the screws: The slides are usually mounted on small metal strips secured with screws. If they are loose, gently tighten them.
5. Adjustment: If the drawer sits crooked, often a slight sideways shift of the slide or—if possible—some adjustment at the back of the slide by loosening and realigning can help.
Common mistakes:
- Not everyone knows that WD-40 is not a permanent solution since it attracts dirt.
- Applying too much lubricant, causing the drawer to slide too easily and collect dust and dirt.
I recommend opening and closing the drawers several times after the procedure to let everything settle properly.
Hope this helps 🙂 If anything is unclear, just ask!
Here’s a brief summary of what to keep in mind for squeaky furniture, especially the Malm nightstand:
1. Remove the drawer: For most IKEA furniture, you can take out the drawers by lifting them up and pulling them out.
2. Cleaning: Use a soft cloth to remove dust and dirt from the drawer slides. If needed, you can use vinegar water to dissolve grease, but make sure to let the furniture dry completely afterward!
3. Lubrication: As PIN66 already mentioned, dry lubricants are the best choice; I usually use silicone spray because it doesn’t stick and doesn’t attract dust. Apply sparingly.
4. Check the screws: The slides are usually mounted on small metal strips secured with screws. If they are loose, gently tighten them.
5. Adjustment: If the drawer sits crooked, often a slight sideways shift of the slide or—if possible—some adjustment at the back of the slide by loosening and realigning can help.
Common mistakes:
- Not everyone knows that WD-40 is not a permanent solution since it attracts dirt.
- Applying too much lubricant, causing the drawer to slide too easily and collect dust and dirt.
I recommend opening and closing the drawers several times after the procedure to let everything settle properly.
Hope this helps 🙂 If anything is unclear, just ask!
PIN66 schrieb:
The squeaking in such furniture often comes from the metal or plastic drawer slides, which cause noise either due to friction or insufficient lubrication.It’s interesting that everyone here immediately blames lubrication for the squeaking. But is that really always the case?
Sometimes I have the feeling that the squeaking is more a sign of material fatigue or stress from too heavy items in the drawer. In those cases, lubrication only helps temporarily, and eventually the slides just wear out.
klo40 schrieb:
I recommend opening and closing the drawers several times after the procedure so everything can settle properly.That’s true, and in fact, the sound does change with more frequent use. But with some furniture, it might also be worth considering whether it’s better to switch to a more robust model, especially if the supposed repair is just a short-term fix.
Personally, I wonder if it might be advisable to check the quality of the drawer slides instead of just reaching for lubricant right away. What do you think?
Or in other words: What if the squeaking problem is already a sign of increased wear and tear, and you’re only delaying the inevitable?
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