Hello everyone,
I’ve noticed that my Malm dresser has started to squeak noticeably whenever I move the drawers, both when opening and closing them. The noise is quite persistent, and I’m wondering what might be causing it.
Does anyone know this issue well? I suspect it could be related to the drawer slides or friction between the wood and metal, but the drawers still seem to operate smoothly without sticking.
I’m interested to learn about common causes for squeaking in a Malm dresser and what can be done to fix it without having to take the entire piece apart or risk damaging it.
For better advice: It’s a Malm dresser with 3 drawers, about 2 years old, and in average used condition. The squeaking is a recent development, so something must have worn down or changed.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
I’ve noticed that my Malm dresser has started to squeak noticeably whenever I move the drawers, both when opening and closing them. The noise is quite persistent, and I’m wondering what might be causing it.
Does anyone know this issue well? I suspect it could be related to the drawer slides or friction between the wood and metal, but the drawers still seem to operate smoothly without sticking.
I’m interested to learn about common causes for squeaking in a Malm dresser and what can be done to fix it without having to take the entire piece apart or risk damaging it.
For better advice: It’s a Malm dresser with 3 drawers, about 2 years old, and in average used condition. The squeaking is a recent development, so something must have worn down or changed.
Thanks in advance for your tips!
ronru schrieb:
The noise is quite annoying, and I’m wondering what exactly might be causing it.Basically, you need to differentiate between various causes: Is it a squeaking coming from the drawer slides, or more of a friction noise from adjacent wooden surfaces? It is often assumed that simply lubricating the slides is enough, but what about the drawer fastenings?
One aspect that many overlook is the change in humidity and its impact on wood swelling. Over the months, wood can partially swell or shrink, leading to increased pressure and corresponding noise.
Interestingly, I’ve read that IKEA furniture sometimes comes with plastic drawer slides, which can become louder as they wear. Has your dresser been checked for loose screws or play in the drawer slides? That could help narrow down the cause logically.
Hey,
I always find it interesting how a "normal" piece of furniture like the MALM can suddenly turn into a musical instrument 🙂
But honestly, about the squeaking: most of the time, as Linavin already mentioned, it’s the interaction between metal and wood – small tricks often help, like applying a good amount of wax, some candle wax, or graphite powder to the runners. This not only makes the drawers slide more smoothly but also reduces noise.
If that doesn’t work, it could be that the rollers or plastic glides are worn out and need to be replaced. I love trying simple home remedies before going straight to new parts.
Hope you get rid of that squeaky monster command soon! 🙂
I always find it interesting how a "normal" piece of furniture like the MALM can suddenly turn into a musical instrument 🙂
But honestly, about the squeaking: most of the time, as Linavin already mentioned, it’s the interaction between metal and wood – small tricks often help, like applying a good amount of wax, some candle wax, or graphite powder to the runners. This not only makes the drawers slide more smoothly but also reduces noise.
If that doesn’t work, it could be that the rollers or plastic glides are worn out and need to be replaced. I love trying simple home remedies before going straight to new parts.
Hope you get rid of that squeaky monster command soon! 🙂
S
SauDietmar6 Mar 2021 14:02Hello ronru,
I can help with a brief, structured guide since this issue is quite common with MALM dressers.
1. Cause Check:
- Check if the drawer slides are clean and free from dust, fibers, or debris.
- Inspect the screws on the slides and the dresser frame to ensure they are tight. Loose parts can cause noise.
2. Cleaning and Lubrication:
- Clean the tracks with a dry cloth.
- Use silicone spray or graphite powder on the rails – these lubricate without attracting dirt.
3. Inspecting the Gliders:
- The MALM dresser uses plastic gliders or rollers. If these are damaged or worn out, squeaking noises can increase.
- Replacement parts can be ordered online and easily swapped.
4. Monitor Humidity:
- Wood swelling can also cause temporary squeaking. Try placing the dresser in a drier location.
5. Final Check:
- After treatment, open and close the drawers slowly several times while listening for any sounds.
If you like, I can also share common mistakes when disassembling and assembling the dresser, if you feel confident. This way, you can better narrow down the cause.
I can help with a brief, structured guide since this issue is quite common with MALM dressers.
1. Cause Check:
- Check if the drawer slides are clean and free from dust, fibers, or debris.
- Inspect the screws on the slides and the dresser frame to ensure they are tight. Loose parts can cause noise.
2. Cleaning and Lubrication:
- Clean the tracks with a dry cloth.
- Use silicone spray or graphite powder on the rails – these lubricate without attracting dirt.
3. Inspecting the Gliders:
- The MALM dresser uses plastic gliders or rollers. If these are damaged or worn out, squeaking noises can increase.
- Replacement parts can be ordered online and easily swapped.
4. Monitor Humidity:
- Wood swelling can also cause temporary squeaking. Try placing the dresser in a drier location.
5. Final Check:
- After treatment, open and close the drawers slowly several times while listening for any sounds.
If you like, I can also share common mistakes when disassembling and assembling the dresser, if you feel confident. This way, you can better narrow down the cause.
Linavin schrieb:
Wood swelling and its impact on wood swellingSeriously? That sounds too much like an excuse from manufacturers.
Honestly: If after just two years the wood swells enough to cause squeaking, then the piece of furniture either had a design flaw from the start or the material quality is poor. Besides, nowadays plastic and metal components are used specifically to minimize such issues.
Also: "A little lubrication isn’t always enough" – but how do you explain that some models remain completely silent even after years? Is it then a matter of maintenance? If so, shouldn’t manufacturers focus more on durability, so the furniture simply holds up and doesn’t start squeaking?
I would say this is mostly about using cheap materials and sloppy final assembly at IKEA to save costs. Then squeaking is just the price you pay. What do you think?
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