ᐅ Why does the Malm dresser squeak when you swivel it?

Hello everyone,
I have a rather specific question and hope for knowledgeable answers: My Malm dresser squeaks every time I swivel it, meaning when I move it slightly to the left or right. The noise seems to come from the connection area of the drawers or the construction itself. I have already tried swapping and readjusting the drawers, but the squeaking persists.
Does anyone know the common causes of this noise with this IKEA dresser? And are there any proven methods to permanently eliminate the squeaking? Thanks in advance!

Most of the time, squeaking is caused by a lack of lubrication on the slides or wooden parts. Simply apply some silicone or graphite spray to the drawer slides and test. Alternatively, loose screws can cause these noises, so tighten the connections again.

Lidan56 schrieb:
Most of the time, squeaking is caused by a lack of lubrication on the guides or wooden parts.

That is basically correct. Additionally, it can be noted that the IKEA Malm dresser is often made from medium-density fiberboard (MDF) with a foil coating, which can produce noise when wood and foil shift against each other under pressure or movement.

Moreover, the drawer slides are usually simple plastic or metal runners that can become contaminated with dust and dirt, increasing the noise.

To prevent squeaking, all moving parts should be thoroughly cleaned, then lightly lubricated (for example, with a suitable lubricant for plastic runners, such as graphite or silicone spray), and all screws should be checked to ensure they are tightly secured.

If the problem originates from the wooden structure itself (warping, dry wood joints), applying wood glue or wood paste to the affected areas may help. It is important to carefully identify the exact source of the noise in order to choose the appropriate solution.

Hello Nabil3,

I had a similar issue with my Malm dresser. The important thing is to identify the exact origin of the squeaking. Often, it is the small rollers or sliding rails of the drawers that are dirty or worn out.

A helpful tip: Remove the drawers completely and thoroughly clean the tracks with a dry cloth. Then you can apply a little graphite lubricant, wiping off any excess so nothing remains sticky.

If the squeaking really comes from the wooden frame, as mifra already explained, it can help to check the screws and, if necessary, reinforce them with some wood glue. It’s rare but possible that a slightly warped component is causing pressure points on other parts.

I hope this helps! If you can provide more details about the exact sound or location, it will be easier to offer more specific advice.

renpeo schrieb:
If the creaking really comes from the wooden structure, as mifra already explained, it can help to check the screws and, if necessary, secure them additionally with some wood glue.

I would like to add to this: With the Malm chest of drawers, the joint between the side panels and the back panel is often a source of noise. Since this connection is usually only slotted and screwed, some looseness can develop over time.

In particularly dry environments, the material can shrink or warp slightly, causing noises when the chest is moved.

One suggestion is to place the chest on a soft cloth or a non-slip mat to reduce vibrations from uneven floors.

If possible, the joints can be reinforced with small rubber bumpers or foam rubber to dampen the friction.

These measures often significantly improve the noise without major modifications.