ᐅ What helps with MALM drawer issues caused by jamming?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my IKEA Malm dressers, specifically the drawers. Sometimes they get stuck and can only be pulled out with a lot of force or not far enough to use properly. This mainly affects the lower drawers, which seem to no longer slide smoothly.

I suspect the issue might be with the drawer runners or their adjustment, but I’m not sure how to fix it without completely replacing the parts. Maybe there are tricks to reduce friction or adjust the sliding rails?

What helps with sticking Malm drawer problems? Does anyone have experience or tips on how to fix these jams easily, permanently, and preferably without special tools?

Thanks in advance for your ideas!

Amrfu schrieb:
What helps with MALM drawer sticking problems caused by jamming? Does anyone have experience or tips on how to fix these jams easily, permanently, and preferably without special tools?

Hey, I’ve had the same problem with one of my MALM dressers and totally understand how frustrating it can be :-).

For me, it helped to pull the drawers out completely and thoroughly clean the metal runners, as small crumbs or dust often cause jamming. I also lightly sanded the wood along the sides with fine sandpaper where it felt swollen or rough.

Sometimes a bit of lubricant helps, I just used some silicone spray, which noticeably reduced the friction. It’s important to use it sparingly, though, so nothing gets sticky or greasy.

Good luck!

It is important to first check the drawer slides for any damage or distortion. MALM drawers can stick if the slides are bent or the ball bearings no longer rotate smoothly.

In addition to cleaning and light sanding, I would recommend precisely realigning the drawer. The side rails can usually be adjusted slightly during installation, allowing the drawer to run properly again. Regular maintenance with an appropriate lubricant, such as a PTFE spray, also helps.

If the damage is too severe, replacing the slides is often the cleanest solution. Although this involves some effort, it is a long-term fix.

JAFUHAU schrieb:
Sometimes a bit of lubricant helps, I just used some silicone spray for that

Absolutely, I totally agree! There are little tricks that can get your drawers sliding smoothly again without having to take everything apart and get frustrated 😅.

My favorite method, as already mentioned, is using fine sandpaper on the slightly rough spots. Then rub a bit of beeswax or candle wax along the wooden areas. It works like a natural lubricant and the drawers slide like they’ve just been oiled! 🙂

Besides waxing, you could also (if you dare) completely remove the drawers and check the rails for debris. Sometimes even a tiny pebble stuck in the rail track is enough to cause jamming.

Oh, and don’t screw things together too tightly! Sometimes over-tightening the rails can actually be counterproductive.

Remove the drawer, clean the runner slides, lightly sand them, and lubricate. Then reinstall. This should reduce sticking.

The cause of jamming issues in MALM drawers is often due to deformation of the side running rails or dirty ball bearings.

Recommended systematic inspection:
1. Remove the drawer.
2. Check the guide rails carefully for deformation.
3. Clean the ball bearings and replace them if wear causes roughness.
4. Lightly sand wooden strips if swollen, but only minimally.
5. Use PTFE sprays to reduce friction over time.

However, adjusting the screws should be done with precision to ensure a flush fit and smooth movement, preventing later warping.