ᐅ How can I make the drawers in Ikea BESTA quieter?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with the drawers of my Ikea Besta cabinet. The drawers close properly, but they are quite loud and rattle when opening and closing, which is especially disturbing at night. I suspect it has to do with the drawer slides or the built-in damping mechanisms. My question is: How can I make the drawers on an Ikea Besta quieter? Are there proven methods or practical tips to reduce the noise? I have considered adjusting the slides, lubricating them, or using damping materials – but what really works well?

Thank you in advance for your experiences and recommendations!

DIETRICH6 schrieb:
I suspect it has to do with the drawer slides or the built-in damping mechanisms.

Hello DIETRICH6! Great question, I had the same problem with my BESTA, and it is really annoying when the drawers slam shut so loudly! 😄

My solution was to thoroughly clean the drawer slides and then treat them with silicone spray. This greatly reduces friction and makes the drawers glide much more smoothly! Additionally, I attached small felt strips to the inner edges of the drawer. This acts as a buffer and dampens the noise when closing.

This not only makes closing much quieter but also gives a more premium feel. Don’t hesitate to experiment with felt or rubber, it really makes a difference. Good luck!

DIETRICH6 schrieb:
Are there any proven methods or practical tips to minimize the noise?

The mechanics of Ikea BESTA drawers are standardized, so the following measures have proven effective:

- Check the drawer slides for dirt and damage. Dust and particles increase friction and therefore noise.
- Use an appropriate lubricant: silicone spray is preferred here, as it neither sticks nor attracts dust.
- Inspect the damping elements: if present, they should be intact and properly installed. If needed, additional self-adhesive felt pads on the back panel of the drawer can help cushion the impact when closing.
- Adjust the drawers: often the alignment is slightly off, which leads to increased noise.

These steps usually result in a significant reduction in noise levels.

Davidleo schrieb:
thoroughly clean the runners and then treat them with a silicone spray.

That is a sensible approach. From my side, I would like to add that it can also be helpful to temporarily remove the drawer completely in order to closely inspect all the guide elements. Damage or wear on the guides is often the cause of annoying noises that cannot be resolved by lubrication alone.

Additionally, for louder rattling sounds, I recommend checking the inside surfaces of the drawers for any loose or unstable parts. Sometimes internal joints are not fully secure and cause extra noise during movement.

If you use felt or rubber buffers, be careful that they are not too thick, so as not to affect the drawer’s movement. Ultimately, some patience is necessary until the optimal combination of adjustment, maintenance, and damping is found.

I hope this helps! If you like, I can also recommend suitable product ranges and accessories available at Ikea.