ᐅ IKEA MALM drawer slides are difficult to operate – which lubricant should I use?
Created on: 8 Oct 2022 08:47
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napeniHello everyone,
I have been experiencing an issue with the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm chest of drawers for some time now. Specifically, I mean the side metal or plastic runners that the drawers slide on – they are quite stiff, and the resistance is noticeable, especially when the drawers are fully loaded. My question is whether anyone has experience with suitable lubricants to make the movement easier without causing long-term disadvantages such as contamination, dirt buildup, or even damage to the surface materials?
I have already considered a few household remedies (e.g., silicone spray, WD-40), but I am unsure what is recommended or works well specifically for MALM models. If anyone also has tips on maintenance or how to remove the drawers, that would be helpful. Thanks!
I have been experiencing an issue with the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm chest of drawers for some time now. Specifically, I mean the side metal or plastic runners that the drawers slide on – they are quite stiff, and the resistance is noticeable, especially when the drawers are fully loaded. My question is whether anyone has experience with suitable lubricants to make the movement easier without causing long-term disadvantages such as contamination, dirt buildup, or even damage to the surface materials?
I have already considered a few household remedies (e.g., silicone spray, WD-40), but I am unsure what is recommended or works well specifically for MALM models. If anyone also has tips on maintenance or how to remove the drawers, that would be helpful. Thanks!
Regarding the topic "IKEA MALM drawer runners stiff – lubricant?" I generally recommend silicone spray because it lubricates well, does not stick, and does not attract dust. It is important not to use oil- or grease-based lubricants, as these attract dirt and can cause the runners to stick over time.
Additionally, you should first check if the drawers are clean: sometimes small particles or fibers accumulate in the runners, causing stiffness. Gently cleaning with a dry cloth or a bit of isopropyl alcohol can help.
If the drawers are mechanically adjustable, I suggest checking the settings to ensure they are not too tight.
In summary: apply silicone spray, move the drawer a little, and avoid using oil-based products.
Additionally, you should first check if the drawers are clean: sometimes small particles or fibers accumulate in the runners, causing stiffness. Gently cleaning with a dry cloth or a bit of isopropyl alcohol can help.
If the drawers are mechanically adjustable, I suggest checking the settings to ensure they are not too tight.
In summary: apply silicone spray, move the drawer a little, and avoid using oil-based products.
I would like to go into more detail about this issue, as with Ikea MALM drawers, a combination of the materials and construction often leads to them becoming difficult to open and close.
The MALM drawer slides in most models consist of a mix of metal and sometimes plastic components. These slides are designed to be relatively slim to keep the drawer looking sleek and unobtrusive.
First, you should check whether the slides are properly aligned, as even a slight misalignment can significantly increase friction. To lubricate the slides, I strongly recommend using a high-quality PTFE-based spray (Teflon). This agent provides excellent sliding properties while attracting very little dust.
Regarding the risks of WD-40: although it provides temporary lubrication, it evaporates and leaves sticky residues that then attract dirt. So it’s better to avoid it. Silicone spray also works well, but there are differences – some cheaper silicone sprays contain additives that leave unwanted residues.
Procedure:
1. Remove the drawers.
2. Clean the slides with a mild detergent or isopropanol.
3. Apply a thin layer of PTFE spray.
4. Reinstall the drawer and open and close it several times to distribute the lubricant.
Finally, feel free to share which model variant you have (e.g., number of drawers, year of manufacture) if you want more details about the sliding mechanism.
The MALM drawer slides in most models consist of a mix of metal and sometimes plastic components. These slides are designed to be relatively slim to keep the drawer looking sleek and unobtrusive.
First, you should check whether the slides are properly aligned, as even a slight misalignment can significantly increase friction. To lubricate the slides, I strongly recommend using a high-quality PTFE-based spray (Teflon). This agent provides excellent sliding properties while attracting very little dust.
Regarding the risks of WD-40: although it provides temporary lubrication, it evaporates and leaves sticky residues that then attract dirt. So it’s better to avoid it. Silicone spray also works well, but there are differences – some cheaper silicone sprays contain additives that leave unwanted residues.
Procedure:
1. Remove the drawers.
2. Clean the slides with a mild detergent or isopropanol.
3. Apply a thin layer of PTFE spray.
4. Reinstall the drawer and open and close it several times to distribute the lubricant.
Finally, feel free to share which model variant you have (e.g., number of drawers, year of manufacture) if you want more details about the sliding mechanism.
Hello napeni,
I’m familiar with your issue regarding "IKEA MALM drawer runners being stiff – lubricant?" as I’ve had the same problem myself. The most important thing is to handle the drawers carefully and avoid using too much oil or grease, since that usually causes dirt to become a problem.
I can fully confirm that. I used a silicone spray back then. I make sure to apply it sparingly so that nothing gets inside the drawer or on visible surfaces.
That sounds like a very good alternative, especially if you want more durability. If you decide to use PTFE spray, I recommend making sure it’s free of strong solvents so the plastic won’t be damaged.
If you like, I can also explain how to properly remove the drawers – MALM drawers are simple, but there are a few tricks to avoid damaging the runners during cleaning.
I’m familiar with your issue regarding "IKEA MALM drawer runners being stiff – lubricant?" as I’ve had the same problem myself. The most important thing is to handle the drawers carefully and avoid using too much oil or grease, since that usually causes dirt to become a problem.
Niclas schrieb:
It’s important not to use oil- or grease-based lubricants because they attract dirt and tend to make the runners sticky over time.
I can fully confirm that. I used a silicone spray back then. I make sure to apply it sparingly so that nothing gets inside the drawer or on visible surfaces.
Gafiel schrieb:
PTFE-based spray (Teflon) provides very good sliding properties with minimal dust attraction.
That sounds like a very good alternative, especially if you want more durability. If you decide to use PTFE spray, I recommend making sure it’s free of strong solvents so the plastic won’t be damaged.
If you like, I can also explain how to properly remove the drawers – MALM drawers are simple, but there are a few tricks to avoid damaging the runners during cleaning.
Hey napeni,
I had the same issue with my MALM, really annoying! 🙂 My tip: use silicone spray, it makes the runners glide smoothly again and doesn’t leave any greasy residue. The best part? After that, the drawers slide almost by themselves.
A little trick: after applying, wait a few minutes and then pull the drawer fully out and push it back in several times – this distributes the spray evenly. No need for careful precision, just keep it simple ;-) Good luck!
I had the same issue with my MALM, really annoying! 🙂 My tip: use silicone spray, it makes the runners glide smoothly again and doesn’t leave any greasy residue. The best part? After that, the drawers slide almost by themselves.
A little trick: after applying, wait a few minutes and then pull the drawer fully out and push it back in several times – this distributes the spray evenly. No need for careful precision, just keep it simple ;-) Good luck!
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