ᐅ What should I keep in mind when repairing MALM drawers?

Hello everyone,

I have a specific question regarding the repair of Malm drawers:

What should I particularly consider when repairing the drawer mechanism, correctly aligning the drawer boxes, and ensuring load capacity after the repair?

I had an issue with one drawer where it no longer slid smoothly and started to jam at the end. Now I want to understand how to proceed in a way that avoids damaging the mechanism and achieves a long-lasting repair.

Which parts of Malm drawers should I especially inspect and possibly replace?

Thank you very much for any tips and advice!

Hello,

first, check the rails for damage and dirt.
Thoroughly clean the running rails and lightly lubricate them with suitable oil.
Inspect the screws and tighten them if necessary.

This usually helps with sticking or poor movement.

The MALM drawer type typically uses metal ball-bearing slides. It is important that all mounting screws are tightened securely, as the rail can jam if the guide rail is not installed perfectly parallel.

When cleaning, avoid using harsh cleaning agents; use only dry cloths or mild soapy water. Minimal lubrication is allowed, but only silicone- or PTFE-based lubricants should be used, as other oils can damage plastic components.

Also, pay attention to worn or bent parts of the drawer slide; in most cases, replacement is the better option since repairs usually provide only temporary results.

For proper alignment, it is recommended to remove the drawer completely, install the slides separately, and check everything with a spirit level. This ensures smooth operation and optimal load distribution.

Fitigu schrieb:
Minimal lubrication is allowed, but only silicone- or PTFE-based lubricants should be used

Thanks for the tip about lubrication; that’s very helpful. Could you provide an example of a product you would recommend or mention any common mistakes to avoid?

Also, I’m curious if anyone has experience with the plastic stoppers and damping elements used in MALM drawers—are they fragile or prone to breaking after frequent repairs?

Are there any known weak points in the MALM model that one should watch out for to avoid accidentally compromising the entire mechanism?

Hello ottoflo65,

If you’re looking for a suitable lubricant, I recommend a silicone-based spray, such as "WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant." It lubricates well, does not damage plastic, and does not attract dirt.

Regarding the plastic stoppers and cushioning elements: these are often the weak points in MALM drawers. They can break after repeated removal and reinstallation since they are made of relatively thin plastic. Therefore, it is advisable to remove the drawer carefully and use a flat lever.

A common mistake is pushing the drawer too quickly, which overloads the damper. Gentle handling helps prevent this.

A final tip: if the drawer remains difficult to move despite repairs, check the bottom panel for warping. This can affect the smooth operation of the drawer slides.

Summary:
1. Use silicone spray as lubricant.
2. Handle cushioning elements carefully.
3. Check the bottom panel if problems persist.

I hope this helps you! 🙂

ottoflo65 schrieb:
Are there any critical weak points in the MALM model that one should watch out for?

I can completely understand how frustrating it is when a beloved drawer no longer functions properly. From my experience with MALM drawers, the small plastic guides and the spring mechanisms often reach the limit of their durability. Sometimes they simply break over time, especially if the drawer is taken out frequently.

I would recommend that when repairing, you check not only the visible parts but also the small, often overlooked components. There are replacement parts available directly from Ikea, but the replacement can be tricky since everything fits quite precisely.

If you feel a bit courageous: don’t stress too much, I had to try several times before everything fit back together properly. 🙂 It’s normal that it doesn’t work perfectly on the first repair attempt.