Hello everyone,
I have relatively new IKEA Malm drawers and have noticed that over time they become a bit "loose," meaning they no longer fit tightly and sometimes wobble or don’t slide as smoothly in the runners as they did initially.
I’m interested in how I can tighten or firm up these Malm drawers myself without having to completely disassemble the drawer or the cabinet. Are there ways, for example, to tighten screws or special tricks to adjust the drawer slides or runners?
Has anyone experienced this issue and can share practical tips on how to restore the drawers to good condition?
I’m looking forward to your knowledgeable responses!
I have relatively new IKEA Malm drawers and have noticed that over time they become a bit "loose," meaning they no longer fit tightly and sometimes wobble or don’t slide as smoothly in the runners as they did initially.
I’m interested in how I can tighten or firm up these Malm drawers myself without having to completely disassemble the drawer or the cabinet. Are there ways, for example, to tighten screws or special tricks to adjust the drawer slides or runners?
Has anyone experienced this issue and can share practical tips on how to restore the drawers to good condition?
I’m looking forward to your knowledgeable responses!
Hello lovin :-)
Your description sounds like the drawer slides might be slightly worn or a bit dirty. Malm drawers are generally sturdy, but after some use, a little play can develop.
My tip: A small amount of silicone spray on the tracks often restores smooth movement and better stability immediately. Also, it can help to check all screws with a Phillips screwdriver – sometimes they just need tightening.
Sometimes the drawers feel loose because of adjustable stops on the slides. If there is an option to adjust them, give it a try.
Give it a try and let us know how it goes! 🙂
Your description sounds like the drawer slides might be slightly worn or a bit dirty. Malm drawers are generally sturdy, but after some use, a little play can develop.
My tip: A small amount of silicone spray on the tracks often restores smooth movement and better stability immediately. Also, it can help to check all screws with a Phillips screwdriver – sometimes they just need tightening.
Sometimes the drawers feel loose because of adjustable stops on the slides. If there is an option to adjust them, give it a try.
Give it a try and let us know how it goes! 🙂
Hello lovin,
to tighten your Malm drawers again, I recommend a step-by-step approach:
1. Remove the drawer: Pull the drawer out completely. Usually, Malm drawers have a release mechanism on the sides that you can easily press to take the drawer out.
2. Inspect the runners: Check the runners for any deformation, dirt, or damage. Dust and fine particles are often a main cause of stiff or loose movement.
3. Cleaning: Clean the tracks with a dry cloth. Do not use oil, as it can be counterproductive on plastic sliders. Silicone spray on metal runners works better.
4. Tighten screws: Tighten the screws on the drawer and the cabinet frame (careful not to overtighten to avoid damaging the particleboard).
5. Check sliding strips: If your Malm drawers have sliding strips at the front or back (small plastic friction pieces), check if they are worn and replace them if necessary. This greatly improves stability.
6. Reinstall: Put the drawers back in and test the movement. It should now run noticeably tighter and more precisely.
Can you also say if your drawers, besides being loose, make unusual noises or get jammed? That might indicate another issue.
If you want, I can provide more details on each step.
to tighten your Malm drawers again, I recommend a step-by-step approach:
1. Remove the drawer: Pull the drawer out completely. Usually, Malm drawers have a release mechanism on the sides that you can easily press to take the drawer out.
2. Inspect the runners: Check the runners for any deformation, dirt, or damage. Dust and fine particles are often a main cause of stiff or loose movement.
3. Cleaning: Clean the tracks with a dry cloth. Do not use oil, as it can be counterproductive on plastic sliders. Silicone spray on metal runners works better.
4. Tighten screws: Tighten the screws on the drawer and the cabinet frame (careful not to overtighten to avoid damaging the particleboard).
5. Check sliding strips: If your Malm drawers have sliding strips at the front or back (small plastic friction pieces), check if they are worn and replace them if necessary. This greatly improves stability.
6. Reinstall: Put the drawers back in and test the movement. It should now run noticeably tighter and more precisely.
Can you also say if your drawers, besides being loose, make unusual noises or get jammed? That might indicate another issue.
If you want, I can provide more details on each step.
sanjon schrieb:
Tighten the screws and clean/lubricate the guide rails. That’s usually enough.Thank you for the clear summary. I had expected it to be more complicated.
kibutar schrieb:
If you want, I can provide more detailed steps for each part.That sounds very helpful. I would appreciate a detailed guide on how to remove the drawers, as I’m unsure how to locate the release mechanism correctly without causing any damage.
And yes, there is sometimes a slight creaking noise when I pull the drawer out.
Regarding the topic "making Malm drawers less loose," it should be noted:
Loose drawers usually result from worn rollers or loose connecting screws.
First, check the fastening screws on the drawer bottom and on the sides of the runners. Tighten them with the appropriate tool.
If applicable, inspect the plastic side rollers for wear. These rollers can be ordered as replacement parts from IKEA.
Depending on the model, replacing the rollers can significantly improve stability and smooth operation.
For plastic glides, cleaning with isopropanol can help, followed by a thin layer of silicone spray to reduce static friction and minimize wobbling.
Avoid using WD-40 or oil, as these attract dust and cause the runners to become dirty quickly.
Several users in other forums report success by readjusting the screws and replacing the rollers.
Loose drawers usually result from worn rollers or loose connecting screws.
First, check the fastening screws on the drawer bottom and on the sides of the runners. Tighten them with the appropriate tool.
If applicable, inspect the plastic side rollers for wear. These rollers can be ordered as replacement parts from IKEA.
Depending on the model, replacing the rollers can significantly improve stability and smooth operation.
For plastic glides, cleaning with isopropanol can help, followed by a thin layer of silicone spray to reduce static friction and minimize wobbling.
Avoid using WD-40 or oil, as these attract dust and cause the runners to become dirty quickly.
Several users in other forums report success by readjusting the screws and replacing the rollers.
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