Hello everyone, I have an issue with the IKEA MALM dressers—my drawers keep getting stuck, which makes opening and closing quite frustrating. I’ve already made sure the slides are clean, but the problem persists. My question is: How can I prevent MALM drawers from sticking? Are there any design-related tips or proven methods to avoid this issue permanently? I would like to know if there are any specific adjustments, lubricants, or other practical tricks that might help. Thanks in advance!
Hello Lejan,
I have also experienced the MALM issue and can offer a few tips that usually help:
1. Check alignment: Often, the drawers are not properly installed. Compare the position of the slides; sometimes loosening and slightly repositioning them makes a difference.
2. Cleanliness: Dust and crumbs in the slide tracks can cause sticking. Clean them thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
3. Lubricant: A dry silicone or PTFE spray is ideal because it doesn’t attract dirt. Grease or oil, on the other hand, can cause dust to build up and worsen the problem.
4. Load: Check if the drawer is overloaded, as this can cause sticking.
5. Sliding rollers: If there are rollers installed, make sure they turn freely.
In summary: adjust the alignment, keep the slides clean, and maintain them with a suitable lubricant. Following these steps should significantly reduce the sticking.
Good luck!
I have also experienced the MALM issue and can offer a few tips that usually help:
1. Check alignment: Often, the drawers are not properly installed. Compare the position of the slides; sometimes loosening and slightly repositioning them makes a difference.
2. Cleanliness: Dust and crumbs in the slide tracks can cause sticking. Clean them thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.
3. Lubricant: A dry silicone or PTFE spray is ideal because it doesn’t attract dirt. Grease or oil, on the other hand, can cause dust to build up and worsen the problem.
4. Load: Check if the drawer is overloaded, as this can cause sticking.
5. Sliding rollers: If there are rollers installed, make sure they turn freely.
In summary: adjust the alignment, keep the slides clean, and maintain them with a suitable lubricant. Following these steps should significantly reduce the sticking.
Good luck!
Guyju schrieb:
Check adjustment + Use cleaning and silicone spray – nothing else. Oil is counterproductive.
Hello Lejan,
It is very helpful to completely remove the drawers first and then carefully inspect the runners. Sometimes there are small burrs or deformations on the metal parts that, under tension, can push the drawers off their tracks.
If you are handy, you can also slightly loosen the screws and realign the runner a little. Especially if the floor or wall is not perfectly straight, this can cause the drawer runners to misalign.
In addition, you should pay attention to the tips mentioned by Guyju. I would add that when inserting the drawer, you should ensure that all the rollers sit cleanly and evenly, so the drawer is not pulled crooked.
If that doesn’t help, there are also replacement runners available online with better quality, which can be installed instead of the original ones.
It is very helpful to completely remove the drawers first and then carefully inspect the runners. Sometimes there are small burrs or deformations on the metal parts that, under tension, can push the drawers off their tracks.
If you are handy, you can also slightly loosen the screws and realign the runner a little. Especially if the floor or wall is not perfectly straight, this can cause the drawer runners to misalign.
In addition, you should pay attention to the tips mentioned by Guyju. I would add that when inserting the drawer, you should ensure that all the rollers sit cleanly and evenly, so the drawer is not pulled crooked.
If that doesn’t help, there are also replacement runners available online with better quality, which can be installed instead of the original ones.
Ianlau schrieb:
It is very helpful if you first completely remove the drawers and then carefully inspect the slides. Thank you, that’s a good tip. I haven’t taken the drawers out yet, but have only tried to fix them while still in the dresser. I will completely remove the drawers and then take a close look at everything again.
Guyju schrieb:
Use dry silicone or PTFE sprays Do you have any recommendations on where to get good PTFE spray for furniture, or what I should particularly look for when buying?
One more question: Would it be harmful to the wood if I apply lubricant to the outside of the drawer slides?
Thanks in advance for the help!
R
RonJarrett29 Oct 2021 08:17Regarding lubricants: For MALM drawers, I recommend using only dry lubricants, as they are non-sticky and do not attract dust. PTFE spray from a hardware store (e.g., WD-40 Specialist or similar) works well.
Lubricants can cause the wood to discolor or swell over time. Therefore, always apply them only to the metal slides or rollers, not to the wood itself.
If the dresser is very old, also check the wooden edges, as they may warp from moisture and cause the drawers to catch.
Lejan schrieb:
Would it be harmful to the wood if I apply lubricant to the outside of the drawer runners?
Lubricants can cause the wood to discolor or swell over time. Therefore, always apply them only to the metal slides or rollers, not to the wood itself.
If the dresser is very old, also check the wooden edges, as they may warp from moisture and cause the drawers to catch.
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