ᐅ Are there any tips for making Ikea BESTA drawers slide smoothly and quietly?

Hello everyone,

I have several Ikea Besta cabinets with drawers that unfortunately move somewhat stiffly and make noise. They are not heavily loaded, so I suspect the issue lies with the drawer slides or rollers. Are there any proven tips on how to make Besta drawers operate smoothly and quietly? I am especially interested in whether there are specific lubricants that work well and if simple cleaning or adjustments to the slides themselves can help. Ideally, I’m looking for a solution that is not too complicated and doesn’t require replacement parts. Thanks in advance for any advice!

A lubricant that is not too thick, such as silicone spray, can help. First, clean the rails thoroughly to remove dust and dirt. It is best to use a dry cloth and possibly some rubbing alcohol.

I’m happy to give you a simple step-by-step guide on how to make the BESTA drawers easier to open and quiet:

- Fully extend the drawers and remove them.
- Inspect the rails and rollers carefully: dust and lint often build up, causing friction.
- Clean the rails with a dry cloth; for stubborn dirt, a little rubbing alcohol is sufficient.
- Use a silicone-based lubricant, not oil, because oil attracts dust and becomes sticky.
- Spray the lubricant sparingly onto the sliding surfaces and rollers.
- Reinstall the drawer and gently open and close it several times to evenly distribute the lubricant.

Common mistake: using too much or the wrong lubricant, which then causes rapid re-soiling. It’s better to use it sparingly. With this method, most BESTA drawers become quiet and smooth again.

I recommend a special PTFE spray. It is drier than silicone and lasts longer. Clean as described and apply only a thin layer.

maflo schrieb:
Typical mistake: using too much and the wrong lubricant, which then quickly causes renewed contamination.

Thank you, that sounds very helpful! Are there any differences between silicone spray and PTFE spray that I should consider when buying? I've heard that silicone can sometimes damage coatings on rails or rubber parts. Is that true? How about compatibility? Also—are the guide rails made of metal or plastic? That could affect the lubrication.

The running rails in Ikea BESTA units are usually made of metal, while the rollers are mostly plastic. Therefore, choosing the right lubricant is important. Silicone spray works well, provided it does not come into contact with rubber parts, as it can damage rubber. PTFE sprays are chemically neutral and create a dry layer that leaves no residue and is safe for both plastics and rubber.

Summary:
- Metal on metal: both sprays are suitable
- Metal on plastic/plastic rollers: PTFE is preferable
- Rubber parts nearby: avoid silicone or use it with great caution

To be sure, test on an inconspicuous area before applying extensively.