ᐅ Why do MALM beds start squeaking after extended use?

I have a question that has been on my mind for some time: Why do MALM beds start squeaking after extended use?

Specifically, I mean the IKEA beds where, after a period of use, a noticeable squeaking noise occurs, especially when moving in the bed or turning over. I am interested in the exact causes of this—whether it is related to the materials, the construction, or the fastenings. It would also be helpful to know if there are common weak points responsible for this and whether the problem can be fixed with simple measures without having to take the entire bed apart.

Perhaps someone has experience with MALM beds or knows the technical reasons why squeaking might develop over time.

Oh, I know that feeling very well! :-) My MALM also started squeaking after about a year, and I tried a few things myself!

The squeaking usually comes from the wooden slats that sometimes aren’t fully secure anymore, or from slight shifts in the screws. If you tighten the screws again or spray a small drop of WD-40, you can often fix it really well! That’s great because it means you don’t have to get replacement parts or take the whole bed apart! 🙂

So definitely check if the screws are still tight and if the slats are properly seated!

To answer the question: The squeaking in MALM beds can usually be traced back to several technical causes.

1. Material-related: The beds are mainly made of coated wood-based panels (particleboard, MDF with laminate). Differences in moisture absorption and material fatigue cause movement between layers and joints.

2. Mechanical: The fasteners (screws, dowels) loosen over time due to stress and vibrations, creating play. This play produces the friction noises.

3. Construction: The flat design with prefabricated connectors is more prone to shifting compared to solid frames.

With regular checks and tightening of screws, as well as applying lubricants, the noise can usually be reduced or eliminated.

raelto schrieb:
The squeaking in MALM beds can usually be attributed to several technical causes.

I agree, but I would like to point out that the issue is not solely related to the choice of materials.

The design also plays a key role, especially how the individual panels are joined and how the load is distributed.

Are there any studies or user experiences yet indicating whether newer versions of MALM beds address these problems better, for example through different fasteners or reinforced constructions?

I ask because the statements tend to remain quite general, and I find specific differences interesting for users.

Pome60 schrieb:
If you tighten the screws again properly or spray a small drop of WD-40, it can often fix the issue really well!

Thanks for the tip! I’ve read about using WD-40 quite often, but I’ve been curious whether it really helps in the long term or if it’s more of a temporary fix.

Also, I wonder if there are components where it’s better to avoid lubricants altogether to prevent damage to surfaces or plastics. Do you have any experience with that?

LuMarcel43 schrieb:
Are there any proofs or user experiences on whether newer versions of the MALM beds handle these issues better, for example, with different fasteners or reinforced construction?

I’m interested in that too. IKEA often makes improvements based on customer feedback, but are there any publicly available details about this?

I would like to add that the squeaking often occurs precisely at the connection points between the side panels and the slatted frame.

These areas undergo repetitive stress and subtle micro-movements, which cause noise due to friction.

In MALM beds, the slatted frame is usually mounted on a frame that is only screwed in, which creates the typical play or looseness.

One idea is to dampen the contact points with felt strips or similar materials to reduce friction.

I tried this on one of my beds, and the squeaking was significantly reduced.