K
keoelisha31 Mar 2024 08:27Hello everyone,
I have the common Malm dressers from IKEA at home, specifically the drawers, which unfortunately are quite noisy and a bit rough when opening and closing. The noise is not only annoying, but I also suspect that the mechanism might suffer over time due to the friction.
My question is therefore a bit more detailed: What specific options are there to make Malm drawers quieter? I am interested in mechanical improvements (e.g. lubricants, dampers, modifications to the drawer slides) as well as possible replacement of worn parts or other practical tips that work long-term.
I would also like to know if different types of lubricants have varying effects on the noise and durability, or if it is better to use dampers for shock absorption.
I look forward to your well-informed advice and experiences!
I have the common Malm dressers from IKEA at home, specifically the drawers, which unfortunately are quite noisy and a bit rough when opening and closing. The noise is not only annoying, but I also suspect that the mechanism might suffer over time due to the friction.
My question is therefore a bit more detailed: What specific options are there to make Malm drawers quieter? I am interested in mechanical improvements (e.g. lubricants, dampers, modifications to the drawer slides) as well as possible replacement of worn parts or other practical tips that work long-term.
I would also like to know if different types of lubricants have varying effects on the noise and durability, or if it is better to use dampers for shock absorption.
I look forward to your well-informed advice and experiences!
Good morning,
to reduce noise from Malm drawers, I recommend the following steps:
1. Clean the tracks: Dust and dirt increase friction.
2. Lubrication: A dry silicone spray is ideal because it doesn’t become sticky and doesn’t attract dust.
3. Dampers: IKEA offers suitable dampers for retrofitting, often called "soft-close" or "damping." These absorb the movement at the end of the closing process.
4. Check if the drawers are properly aligned, as uneven fitting can also cause noise.
If you choose a lubricant, avoid WD-40, as it cleans but does not provide long-lasting lubrication.
These steps significantly improve smoothness and reduce noise.
to reduce noise from Malm drawers, I recommend the following steps:
1. Clean the tracks: Dust and dirt increase friction.
2. Lubrication: A dry silicone spray is ideal because it doesn’t become sticky and doesn’t attract dust.
3. Dampers: IKEA offers suitable dampers for retrofitting, often called "soft-close" or "damping." These absorb the movement at the end of the closing process.
4. Check if the drawers are properly aligned, as uneven fitting can also cause noise.
If you choose a lubricant, avoid WD-40, as it cleans but does not provide long-lasting lubrication.
These steps significantly improve smoothness and reduce noise.
Hey everyone 🙂
Malm drawers squeaking? I know that all too well. My secret tip: the magic combination of silicone spray and a bit of patience. Silicone spray basically makes the drawer slides stop creaking like an old wooden floorboard and glide smoothly instead.
Also, you can stick a small piece of felt tape inside, which often works wonders if the drawer bottom is rubbing slightly against the inside.
And yes, "soft-close" dampers are really a great solution if you don’t want to live with the slam sound 😉
Good luck making it quieter!
Malm drawers squeaking? I know that all too well. My secret tip: the magic combination of silicone spray and a bit of patience. Silicone spray basically makes the drawer slides stop creaking like an old wooden floorboard and glide smoothly instead.
Also, you can stick a small piece of felt tape inside, which often works wonders if the drawer bottom is rubbing slightly against the inside.
And yes, "soft-close" dampers are really a great solution if you don’t want to live with the slam sound 😉
Good luck making it quieter!
Hello keoelisha,
to address your concern precisely, it is first important to identify the exact type of the sliding rail. Malm drawers are often equipped with Culina or Blum rails, which have different characteristics.
I recommend fully removing the sliding rails and checking the following:
- Are the ball bearings intact?
- Are there any deformations in the metal rails?
- Is the drawer box warped, which could affect the guidance?
For lubrication, silicone spray is indeed the best option, as it is specifically designed for sliding and guiding systems. Another point is retrofitting so-called soft-close mechanisms: these are often two-part and can be easily clicked onto existing metal guides, reducing not only noise but also mechanical stress.
If no suitable dampers are available, attaching small rubber buffers at the points where the drawer rests on the cabinet can help soften the impact when closing.
I would be interested to know if you have ever fully removed the drawers and if you found any deformations. How old are the drawers?
to address your concern precisely, it is first important to identify the exact type of the sliding rail. Malm drawers are often equipped with Culina or Blum rails, which have different characteristics.
I recommend fully removing the sliding rails and checking the following:
- Are the ball bearings intact?
- Are there any deformations in the metal rails?
- Is the drawer box warped, which could affect the guidance?
For lubrication, silicone spray is indeed the best option, as it is specifically designed for sliding and guiding systems. Another point is retrofitting so-called soft-close mechanisms: these are often two-part and can be easily clicked onto existing metal guides, reducing not only noise but also mechanical stress.
If no suitable dampers are available, attaching small rubber buffers at the points where the drawer rests on the cabinet can help soften the impact when closing.
I would be interested to know if you have ever fully removed the drawers and if you found any deformations. How old are the drawers?
K
keoelisha31 Mar 2024 12:34kaubi schrieb:
For lubrication, silicone spray is indeed the best option, as it is specifically designed for sliding and guide systems.Thanks kaubi, that sounds plausible. The drawers are about 5 years old, and I haven’t removed them completely—just the front panels.
The sliding mechanism still looks fully intact, with no signs of deformation. The noise clearly occurs during sliding, so it’s more friction than rattling or wobbling. I was thinking of some kind of combination between lubricant and padding/damping, since the noise can’t be completely avoided, right?
What I don’t quite understand yet: How do the different “soft-close” retrofit kits differ from each other? Are there some that can simply be “stuck on,” or do you have to install completely new rails?
keoelisha schrieb:
What I don’t quite understand yet: How do the different “soft-close” retrofit systems differ from each other?Soft-close systems basically work with dampers that slow down the drawer at the end of its travel. There are two types:
1. Integrated dampers: These usually replace parts of the existing drawer slide, meaning you have to install new slides.
2. Retrofit dampers: These clip or clamp onto the existing slides without needing to replace the entire track. These are often easier to install, but availability and compatibility with Malm slides vary.
I often recommend the second option for Malm drawers because IKEA parts are standardized and there are several compatible soft-close adapters. If the noise mainly comes from the impact, these solutions are the most effective.
Of course, silicone spray can also make the sliding smoother, but the dampers reduce the noise from slamming.
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