ᐅ Why does the Malm bed squeak when turning?

Created on: 24 Oct 2021 19:23
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Haydar
H
Haydar
24 Oct 2021 19:23
Hello everyone,

I have a rather technical question that has been on my mind for a while: Why does my IKEA Malm bed squeak when I turn or change my lying position? I have noticed that the squeaking mainly occurs when I turn over or move more vigorously. I suspect it has something to do with the construction or the joints of the individual parts, but I would like to understand more precisely which mechanical causes could lead to this noise and how to best eliminate it permanently.

I look forward to your opinions and tips!
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Leland
24 Oct 2021 19:31
The squeaking is often caused by friction at the joints, especially when screws are slightly loose. Simply tighten all the screws, as this usually helps.
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Ianlau
24 Oct 2021 19:47
Hello Haydar,

Your observation is quite accurate. The squeaking in Malm beds usually comes from slight movement between wooden and metal parts, which creates noise. This often happens at screws and fasteners if they are not tight enough or if the wood rubs slightly at certain points. Additionally, moisture in the wood can increase friction.

To fix this, you can check and tighten all the screws. It also helps to treat the contact points with some wax or silicone spray to reduce friction. If you have wood preservative or special furniture wax, that can help as well, since it smooths the surface a bit. Good luck with it ;-)
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Haydar
24 Oct 2021 20:05
Leland schrieb:
The squeaking often comes from friction at the joints, especially when screws are slightly loose.

Thanks for the tip, I will check all the screws again.
Ianlau schrieb:
The squeaking in Malm beds usually happens because the wood and metal parts move slightly against each other, creating noise.

That makes sense to me – do you think the problem could also be caused by minor deformations in the wood over time? The material isn’t infinitely rigid, and my older mattress does put some pressure on it.

One more question: Is there a special technique for tightening the screws? Some worry that overtightening could damage the wood.
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LANICOLE
25 Oct 2021 08:18
Hello Haydar,

here is a brief step-by-step guide that has proven effective in situations like this:

1. Loosen all screws, but do not remove them completely.
2. Clean the connection points, removing dust or small wood chips.
3. Carefully screw the screws back in and tighten them lightly.
4. Then, tighten all screws with the appropriate screwdriver, applying firm hand pressure plus a little extra—about 90% of the torque you can feel.
5. Optionally, you can reduce friction at the contact points between wood and metal by applying furniture wax or chalk.

Basically, keep in mind that over-tightening wood can cause it to swell or even crack. It’s better to tighten in several small steps until everything feels stable.

I think this is your best chance to get rid of the squeaking.
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rebufar
25 Oct 2021 12:47
I have a different view on squeaking furniture – it really comes down to the choice of materials and the manufacturer’s design. Honestly, who wants a completely rigid bed without any sounds at all? Those noises are actually signs of everyday use and natural wear.
Haydar schrieb:
material is not infinitely rigid and my older mattress does apply pressure.

Exactly! The mattress is the key point here. A bed isn’t an isolated system – it constantly changes due to position, weight, wood swelling, and other factors. "Squeaking" is more like your bed telling you it’s alive 😉

If you just accept it, it can even be kind of charming – a little soundtrack for your sleep. But of course, everyone is free to their own preference.