ᐅ IKEA Malm drawers are difficult to open – what maintenance can help?

Hello everyone, I have noticed that the drawers of my IKEA Malm dressers become very stiff and hard to open over time. This not only affects usability but also increases the strain on the drawer slides. Before attempting a complex repair, I would like to know: What is the most effective way to maintain Malm drawers to make them easier to pull? Are there any recommended lubricants or treatments for the drawer slides that won’t damage the mechanism? And what is the best way to apply them? I appreciate any tips and experiences you can share.

IKEA Malm drawers typically use metal rails with plastic rollers. To improve smoothness, I recommend a silicone-based lubricant, as it is non-sticky and does not attract dust. It is important not to use oily or greasy substances, as these can cause the rails to become dirty over time.

Before lubricating, thoroughly clean the rails with a lint-free cloth to remove old dirt. Then apply the silicone spray thinly and evenly, and slide the drawer in and out several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Apply silicone spray to the sliding rails, clean them beforehand, then open and close several times. Done.

Hello! I would like to add that maintaining drawer slides should not be limited to lubrication alone. You should also check whether the rails are properly installed during assembly, as misalignment can cause additional friction.

If everything is correctly aligned, cleaning with some soapy water and a cloth helps remove dust and dirt before you even start lubricating.

Additionally, you should avoid using WD-40, as it is usually mineral oil-based and can cause more harm if it is not specifically designed for plastic rollers. Silicone oil or a specialized furniture glide lubricant is a better choice.

Naomige schrieb:
Also, you shouldn’t use WD-40 because it is usually mineral oil-based and can cause more harm

That is correct. While WD-40 may work temporarily, it often attracts dust and dirt to the tracks. In the long run, specialized silicone-based lubricants provide much better results.

Thanks in advance for the helpful answers! I will double-check the alignment of the rails. When cleaning the plastic rollers, I was wondering if special caution is needed – is it okay to clean them with pure alcohol, or should they only be cleaned with water and soap? Also, how often should maintenance be done? Should they be lubricated every few months, or only as needed?