ᐅ What can you do if the MALM bed creaks too much when turning?

Hello everyone,

I have had an IKEA Malm bed for some time now, which is basically functional and attractive, but unfortunately makes quite disturbing noises when turning in bed. It squeaks and creaks, which not only wakes me up but also my partner.

I suspect the noise mainly comes from the joints between the side panels and the headboard, but I’m not completely sure. Are there any proven methods I can try to make the bed quieter? I have considered tightening all the screws, but maybe there are other tricks, such as special lubricants or small dampers?

I would be very grateful for any advice, especially if someone has had the same experience with the MALM and knows how to solve the problem in the long term.

Hello Mobrendon,

Your assumption about the connection points is a very good starting point. The MALM bed has a fairly simple design, and the wooden parts in particular can easily produce creaking noises due to tensions and slight material tolerances. I can recommend a multi-step approach:

1. Carefully check all screws and connectors again and tighten them with a suitable screwdriver or Allen key. It is important not to apply too much force to avoid damaging the material.

2. Next, apply some PTFE tape or self-adhesive foam pads at all contact points to prevent wood-on-wood friction.

3. For moving parts and screwed connections, silicone spray or a special furniture wax is advisable – avoid WD-40, as it can soften the wood.

4. If you feel that the bed support is pressing on the slatted frame, small edge protection pads could help here as well.

One more question: Is your bed placed on a wooden floor, carpet, or tiles? Sometimes the noise is amplified by the type of flooring.

Feel free to provide more information or exact details, then I can offer more specific advice.

chentan schrieb:
I can recommend a multi-step approach

That sounds reasonable at first, but I’d like to raise the fundamental question of whether the issue is actually related to the design. I’m familiar with MALM beds, and since they come apart into simple components, this might affect both stability and noise generation under load.

So, is it truly effective to try and “improve” the bed with various tricks and rubber pads, or would it be better to consider a different model or construction if silent operation is a priority?

Also:
Has anyone had long-term experience with such fixes? Are they really sustainable, or do they just treat symptoms?

I’d like to have a somewhat controversial discussion, because I don’t get the impression that MALM beds can guarantee noise-free use over time, especially with heavy use.

Hello everyone,

I mostly agree with @chentan and would like to add a practical guide on how to effectively stop the squeaking of the MALM bed:

1. Preparation: Completely empty and disassemble the bed (at least detach the side panels from the headboard) so you can clearly see all connection points.

2. Visual Inspection: Look carefully for wood chips, cracks, or warped material, as damaged surfaces are often the cause of noises.

3. Cleaning: Thoroughly remove old dust or dirt residues at the joints—especially between wood and metal (screws)—because these can cause improvised friction noises otherwise.

4. Screw Connections: Loosen screws slightly, then reinsert and tighten all screws evenly. It’s best to use a torque wrench to avoid over-tightening.

5. Lubrication: I specifically recommend furniture wax or paraffin—you can apply it thinly with a soft cloth.

6. Dampening: At contact points, for example where the slatted frame rests or at corners, you can attach felt pads—these often reduce friction very effectively.

In summary: From my experience, careful disassembly and cleaning combined with targeted readjustment works best.

@Tause, the bed can definitely benefit from some adjustments if you want to improve noise comfort. Of course, this doesn’t replace a fully solid wood frame, but that’s not always necessary.

I hope this helps!

chentan schrieb:
Is your bed on a wooden floor, carpet, or tiles?

The bed is on a wooden floor, but there is a thin carpet on top of it.

Tause schrieb:
Is it really effective to "improve" the bed with all kinds of tricks and rubber pads?

I see your point, but for me, it’s primarily a matter of cost-effectiveness. Getting a new bed is not an option right now because I find the MALM perfect in design and size for my room conditions.

BauSimon schrieb:
You can stick felt pads where the slatted frame rests or at the corners.

I will definitely try that; it sounds reasonable.

I’ll also check all the screws in the next few days and get some furniture wax. If I have any more questions, I’ll get back to you. Thanks already for the quick tips!

A quick technical detail that might otherwise be overlooked:

The MALM bed has many wooden parts resting on each other, for example, the side panels on the main supports, or the slatted frames on the wooden ledge. Wood reacts to humidity and temperature, which can cause minimal movements. These micro-movements then create creaking and squeaking noises.

One tip: you can insert very thin PTFE sheets (for example, from technical packaging) between the contact surfaces. These almost completely reduce friction, as PTFE has a very low coefficient of sliding friction. If you try this, you might achieve some extra quietness.

Caution: the sheets should be really thin, otherwise the stability of the slatted frames might be affected.

I’m also wondering if anyone here has experience with dry lubricants like graphite powder for mechanisms like these? Some furniture makers swear by it because it doesn’t attract dirt like oil does.

Might be interesting for everyone who wants it really quiet and long-lasting.