ᐅ KALLAX Drawers Squeaking – How to Lubricate?

Hello everyone, I’ve noticed that the drawers of my IKEA KALLAX shelving unit have started to squeak when I pull them out or push them in. The noise is quite bothersome, and I was wondering if it’s possible to lubricate the rails or guiding elements to eliminate the squeaking. Since I’m not sure which lubricant or oil would be best suited for this or how to proceed, I wanted to ask here:

What options are there for lubricating or oiling KALLAX drawers without damaging the materials? Does anyone have experience with a particular lubricant? Are there specific spots on the drawers or rails that should be treated especially well?

I’m looking forward to your tips and, if possible, a step-by-step guide on how to properly maintain the drawers. Thanks in advance!

Hey praarvid,

It’s great that you’re thinking about this! Usually, the squeaking in KALLAX drawers comes from friction on the wooden runners. I simply used a bit of silicone spray—it provides smooth sliding, doesn’t attract much dirt, and isn’t sticky.

A small tip: don’t spray the silicone directly onto the drawer. Instead, spray it on a cloth and then rub it onto the guide rails. This helps avoid unwanted overspray.

If the squeaking is really bad, you can also apply a little wax (candle wax works great) to the edges; it slides just as well.

Good luck and enjoy those quietly opening drawers 🙂

Do not use oil, as it attracts dust. Silicone spray or Teflon spray is ideal. Just spray it onto the tracks and wipe it dry.

It is important to note that the KALLAX drawers are made of chipboard or MDF panels and do not have metal drawer slides. Therefore, liquid oils can penetrate the wood and cause it to swell.

I strongly recommend using silicone spray or dry lubricants in spray form. These are compatible with both plastic and wood. Additionally, you should clean the wood and the slides from dust before lubrication to ensure the lubricant works effectively.

Hello praarvid,

Here is a brief guide on the best way to proceed:

1. Completely remove the drawers and carefully inspect the slides.
2. Use a dry cloth to thoroughly remove all dust residues.
3. Wipe again with a damp cloth as a precaution, then let everything dry well.
4. Apply a thin layer of silicone spray to the slides and moving parts—do not use too much.
5. Pull the drawers in and out several times to evenly distribute the lubricant.

Avoid regular machine oils or WD-40, as these promote dust buildup and can damage the wood. I hope this helps!

dijan schrieb:
Don’t spray the lubricant directly on the drawer

Good advice! When dealing with KALLAX units, it’s especially important to be cautious with liquid lubricants. To eliminate squeaking noises, the key is to optimize the natural movement between the particleboard and the guide.

For context: The drawers slide on small wooden edges, sometimes with a thin plastic strip. Moisture or incorrectly applied oils can quickly cause the wood to swell or the material to harden.

I would also recommend checking all the screws on the drawer runners before treatment. Loose screws can make noises worse.

What type of runners do you have exactly? Are they just wooden strips or plastic guides? Depending on the construction, the lubrication method can be adjusted.