ᐅ IKEA Malm drawers often come off the runners – how can this be fixed?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my IKEA Malm dresser: the drawers keep falling out whenever they are not fully closed or if I don’t pull them out very carefully. This is not only frustrating but can also damage the drawer or the sliding mechanism. I’ve already tried adjusting the slides, but that doesn’t seem to help much. Does anyone have experience or tips on how to fix this issue permanently? Are there reinforced mechanisms or tricks to prevent the drawers from falling out? Thanks in advance for your help!

If the drawers in the Malm often come off, it is usually due to the rollers on the side rails. Check if they are properly seated and not worn out. Sometimes adjusting the stops on the rails slightly or using small felt strips as buffers can help.

It is also possible to install the drawers so that they lock in place fully. If this does not work, tighten or replace the screws, as loose parts are often the cause of the problem.

To solve the problem, I recommend closely examining the drawer mechanism: The IKEA Malm series uses telescopic runners with integrated stop mechanisms. Drawers usually fall out when the rear guide is not properly secured during assembly or when the drawer carriers are damaged. Check whether the rear end pieces inside the dresser are correctly installed—they normally prevent the drawer from sliding out too far when pulled. If there is mechanical wear, replacing the runners might be advisable. Alternatively, mechanical stoppers can be retrofitted, which are available from hardware stores or DIY suppliers. It is important not only to adjust the runners superficially but also to check for wear and ensure all mounting screws are properly tightened.

janfo schrieb:
Sometimes it also helps to slightly adjust the stops of the rails or use small felt strips as buffers.

The idea of using felt strips sounds interesting. How exactly would you best attach them without affecting the function of the rail? I don’t want the drawers to “catch” when opening or closing.

You can attach felt strips, for example, at the end of the rail on the inside, where the drawer might otherwise come out. This creates a kind of soft buffer that prevents the drawer from sliding forward too far. It is important to choose felt strips that are thin and have strong adhesion so nothing gets stuck. Some trial and error is involved, but this can work really well 🙂 Maybe test a few small pieces first before sticking them all over.