ᐅ Are there any tips for making IKEA BESTA drawers easier to open?

Hello everyone, I have an issue with my IKEA Besta drawers that I use daily. I’ve noticed that over time, they become increasingly difficult to open and close, which makes handling them quite unpleasant. This is especially noticeable when the drawers are fully loaded or when small dust particles accumulate in the sliding mechanism. My question is: Are there any proven tips or tricks to make the IKEA Besta drawers operate more smoothly and easily without having to replace the entire mechanism? Maintenance advice, possible modifications, or recommended care products would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!

Hi Timmy, try spraying the rails with WD-40. This often helps to lubricate the mechanism. Important: Don’t use too much, as it can attract dust. Then wipe it down with a cloth.

Hello Timmy, I am familiar with the issue of stiff-running BESTA drawers; there are several causes for this. First, you should check if the slides are clean. Even small dust particles or fibers can cause friction. I recommend the following step-by-step approach:

- Completely remove the drawer from the furniture.
- Vacuum the slides thoroughly, ideally using a small brush.
- Clean the slides with a mild detergent to remove any dirt residues, then allow them to dry well.
- Then apply a special silicone spray, which is better than oil or WD-40 because it is non-sticky and does not attract dust.
- Make sure to spray only the slides and not the surface of the furniture.
- Reinsert the drawer and test the movement.

Optionally, you can also check if the drawers are properly adjusted. Many BESTA systems allow you to adjust the height and position of the drawer, which can lead to smoother operation. Have you already checked whether the drawers are catching or if the rollers are damaged? If so, replacing individual parts can help instead of changing the entire mechanism.

Can you tell me exactly what type of slides your BESTA models have? There are several variants, which slightly affect the procedure.

Silicone spray is the best advice. Avoid using oils, as they only make it worse. Keep it clean and apply a light spray.

My tip: Completely remove the drawers and thoroughly clean the rails with denatured alcohol. Then apply silicone spray or even wax on the slides; this works very well for me.

Additionally, I would recommend checking the drawers for any damage. Sometimes small foreign objects get stuck in the track or the mechanism is slightly bent. This is especially worth examining closely with older furniture.