Hello everyone, I have an IKEA Malm dresser, and for some time now, one of the drawers has been making a rather annoying squeaking noise when closing. The sound occurs exactly when it snaps onto the rails, and it sounds like metal rubbing against metal. I’ve already tried cleaning the rails, but the problem persists. The drawer still runs fairly smoothly, it’s just the squeaking that is really bothersome. Has anyone experienced this issue? Are there any specific products or techniques that can reliably eliminate the squeaking? I would prefer not to replace the entire rail if it’s not necessary. Thanks in advance for your tips!
Hello LOTI1, I’m familiar with the squeaking issue on the MALM dresser and happy to help!
First, a few basics on why this squeaking happens: it’s usually caused by insufficient lubrication or foreign objects in the drawer slides. Dust and small wood chips can also be the reason.
Here’s how I would proceed:
1. Remove the drawer completely and thoroughly clean the slides with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and particles.
2. Then check if the slides, especially the ball bearings or rollers in the slide mechanism, are intact. Sometimes it’s also a slight misalignment.
3. After that, I recommend using a high-quality lubricant, for example a silicone-based spray or specialized furniture oil. Greasy lubricants like WD-40 are often only a short-term solution because they attract dust.
4. When applying, make sure the lubricant is spread evenly, then open and close the drawer several times so the lubricant can distribute well.
If the squeaking still occurs after that, it might be useful to inspect the slides for damage. Possibly some individual balls are deformed or the slide channel is damaged.
In summary: cleanliness and lubrication are often the best and simplest solution. If needed, you can always order replacement parts from IKEA.
Hope this helps you out already 🙂
First, a few basics on why this squeaking happens: it’s usually caused by insufficient lubrication or foreign objects in the drawer slides. Dust and small wood chips can also be the reason.
Here’s how I would proceed:
1. Remove the drawer completely and thoroughly clean the slides with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and particles.
2. Then check if the slides, especially the ball bearings or rollers in the slide mechanism, are intact. Sometimes it’s also a slight misalignment.
3. After that, I recommend using a high-quality lubricant, for example a silicone-based spray or specialized furniture oil. Greasy lubricants like WD-40 are often only a short-term solution because they attract dust.
4. When applying, make sure the lubricant is spread evenly, then open and close the drawer several times so the lubricant can distribute well.
If the squeaking still occurs after that, it might be useful to inspect the slides for damage. Possibly some individual balls are deformed or the slide channel is damaged.
In summary: cleanliness and lubrication are often the best and simplest solution. If needed, you can always order replacement parts from IKEA.
Hope this helps you out already 🙂
Sepele schrieb:
Cleanliness and lubrication are often the best and simplest solution. I would like to add a few technical details here because the MALM drawer slide is an interesting system with ball bearings that you should definitely consider when servicing it.
First: The rails consist of two parts – the fixed part attached to the cabinet and the moving part attached to the drawer. Movement happens via small balls rolling between these two elements. These balls are fitted inside a cage that ensures smooth operation.
The squeaking usually does not come from the balls themselves but from friction on the metal surfaces or contamination between the balls and the rail profiles.
Important for maintenance:
- Clean the rails thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and, if possible, use some isopropanol to remove all residues. However, I would avoid aggressive solvents that could damage plastic parts.
- Then apply a dry lubricant, for example, Teflon or silicone spray, which does not attract dirt.
- Only apply the lubricant sparingly to the ball bearings and the contact surfaces of the rail.
LOTI1 schrieb:
I would rather not replace the entire rail unless it is really necessary. I agree with you – the rails are sturdy, and replacement is usually only needed in case of severe damage. For more wear and tear, you can order spare parts from IKEA, but make sure the model matches exactly, otherwise the drawers may no longer fit properly.
One last question for you: Have you checked the squeaking on all MALM drawers, or is it really just one? Sometimes uneven load distribution can also cause this.
I hope this helps you get closer to a solution!
kla69 schrieb:
The movement happens via small balls rolling between the two components.I would like to add that especially with the MALM dresser, the rail material is often steel, which easily develops microscopic scratches over time. These small irregularities cause squeaking when the rails are painted or processed and lack sufficient lubrication.
Based on my experience, here are some tips:
- Avoid using traditional oils or grease, as these attract dust and can form a sticky layer over time that worsens the problem.
- Silicone or Teflon sprays are the most suitable options.
- If you don’t want to use spray, graphite powder can also help—it’s dry and grease-free.
If the issue isn’t caused directly by the rail, it could also be due to contact points on the drawer bottom or plastic guides. So check the drawer’s construction and the way it’s guided—sometimes small plastic parts cause squeaky contact.
In conclusion: If you don’t see any visible defects or damage on the rails, cleaning thoroughly and applying proper lubrication will usually solve the problem.
And don’t worry, the MALM system is generally easy to repair even after years! 🙂
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