ᐅ What to do if Ikea Hemnes drawers stick or do not slide smoothly?

Hello everyone, I currently have a problem with my Ikea Hemnes dressers: the drawers stick or no longer slide smoothly. Sometimes it feels like the runners are not working properly or something is misaligned. The dressers have been in use for nearly two years and have not been excessively loaded. I have already tried lubricating the runners, but that didn’t really help. Does anyone have an idea how to fix this permanently? Are there any special maintenance tips or tricks one should know? I would appreciate a detailed explanation, preferably with advice on disassembly, cleaning the runners, or replacing parts. Thanks in advance!

nicholas39 schrieb:
The drawers stick or no longer slide smoothly. Sometimes it feels like the runners are not working properly or something is misaligned.

Hello nicholas39, this issue is quite common with Hemnes dressers and is often caused by metal runners that become dirty or bent over time. The first step is to completely remove the drawer and clean the runners thoroughly. You can use a damp cloth with some mild soapy water to remove dust and residue. Then make sure to dry everything well!

If the runners still stick after cleaning, I recommend applying a little silicone spray or a special furniture glide lubricant (not oil, as it attracts dust) to the runners. It’s important to use it sparingly and avoid spraying directly onto wooden parts.

If the runners are bent, you can gently reshape them with pliers. Also check if any of the drawer guides are loose. Tightening screws can help as well.

If you want, I can provide a step-by-step guide. Good luck!

To address issues with sticking or hard-to-operate Ikea Hemnes drawers, a systematic approach is recommended.

- First, the drawers should be completely removed to better inspect the running rails.
- Both the rails attached to the cabinet and the guide tabs on the drawer itself need to be checked for damage or dirt.
- Dust, fabric scraps, or similar foreign objects can significantly obstruct smooth movement within the guide rails.
- For cleaning, avoid oil-based substances. Instead, dry lubricants like silicone spray are preferable as they don’t cause stickiness.
- After cleaning and lubricating, the drawer should be opened and closed several times to evenly distribute the lubricant.
- If any deformation of the running rails is visible, replacing the affected parts is advisable. Ikea usually offers spare parts directly.

It is also important to ensure proper alignment: if the dresser is not level or stands unevenly due to an irregular floor, this can cause uneven operation. Checking the furniture legs and, if necessary, placing a wooden plate or furniture glides underneath can help stabilize and properly align the unit.

Fareo65 schrieb:
After cleaning and lubricating, the drawer should be opened and closed several times to evenly distribute the lubricant.

I agree. Additionally, check all screws on the drawer slides, as they often loosen and cause sticking.

In short: remove the drawer, clean the sliding rails, treat them with silicone spray, tighten the screws. If problems persist, check whether the rails are bent.

erikpu schrieb:
The first step is to completely remove the drawer and thoroughly clean the slides. You can use a damp cloth with some mild soapy water to remove dust and residue.

Thank you for the detailed answer! I just wanted to make sure that ordinary soapy water won’t damage the slides. Are the metal tracks rust-resistant? After cleaning, is there anything specific I should keep in mind, for example when drying, to prevent rust?

Fareo65 schrieb:
Ikea usually offers spare parts directly.

Can someone tell me if the slides are easy to order as spare parts and whether installation is complicated? The drawers are quite heavy, so I want to avoid damaging anything.