ᐅ Is it possible to remove and clean the drawers in the IKEA BRIMNES furniture?

Hello everyone, I recently purchased the IKEA Brimnes chest of drawers and would like to know if the drawers can be fully removed for thorough cleaning of the inside.

I’m particularly interested in whether any special mechanisms need to be disengaged to do this, or if the drawers can simply be pulled out without damaging them.

It would also be great to hear any general tips for cleaning without harming the surface of the furniture or the drawers.

Has anyone had experience with removing and maintaining the BRIMNES drawers? Thanks in advance for any helpful advice!

The drawers in the IKEA BRIMNES can be fully pulled out without any problems. At the end of the runners, there is a small lever or plastic catch that you need to press or lift in order to completely remove the drawer.

You can then clean them with a damp cloth and mild detergent; avoid using harsh cleaning agents.

I’d be happy to explain in more detail how to properly remove and clean the drawers of the BRIMNES chest of drawers.

1. Pull the drawer out completely until you feel it stop.
2. On the inside of the drawer slides, you will usually find a small flap or lever. For the BRIMNES, this is typically a plastic tab that you either press down or lift up to unlock the drawer.
3. After that, you can fully remove the drawer.

It is important not to damage the drawer slides by pulling too hard or forcing the drawer at an angle.

For cleaning, I recommend:
- Wiping the inside with a soft, slightly damp cloth
- Avoiding abrasive or harsh cleaning agents, as they can quickly dull the surfaces
- Using a mild dish soap for dried-on stains and wiping thoroughly

Also, be sure to check the drawer slides and rollers, clean and lubricate them if necessary to keep the drawers running smoothly. This can save you a lot of trouble.

If you like, I can also provide tips on assembly and how to properly reinsert the drawers.

refinar schrieb:
For cleaning, I recommend:
- Wipe the interior with a soft, slightly damp cloth
- Do not use abrasive or aggressive cleaning agents, as the surfaces can quickly become dull

I would like to add here that removing the BRIMNES drawers involves a mechanically sensitive area on the runners. These are usually made of metal with small white plastic guides/stoppers, which can be removed but should be handled carefully.

When you press the tabs or levers on the side, you should lift and pull out the drawer evenly with both hands to avoid tilting. If the drawer is removed at an angle, the guide rails may bend or the plastic stoppers may break. This will prevent smooth operation later.

My advice: proceed carefully and slowly.

Additionally, you can lightly maintain the runners themselves with a lint-free cloth and a little silicone spray to prevent squeaking or sticking. Avoid using oil-based products, as these can attract dust.

May I ask how you plan to clean the drawers? Are you dealing with heavy dirt that needs to be removed, or is it just routine maintenance? This could influence the recommended approach.

kibutar schrieb:
May I ask how you plan to clean the drawers? Are you dealing with heavy dirt that needs to be removed, or is it just routine maintenance?

Thank you for the detailed advice; it’s already very helpful!

Regarding your question: I mainly want to clean off dried dust and minor stains that have accumulated over the past few months. So this is more of a thorough cleaning rather than just quick maintenance.

However, I definitely don’t want to damage the surfaces or affect the drawer slides. If there are any common pitfalls or mistakes during disassembly/reassembly, I would also appreciate hearing about those to avoid them.