ᐅ How do I fix squeaky drawers in Ikea Brimnes furniture?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Ikea Brimnes drawer chest: some of the drawers squeak loudly and unpleasantly when they are pulled out or pushed back in. It gets quite annoying over time, and I would like to repair it myself or at least significantly improve the situation.

I understand that the issue often comes from the drawer slides or rollers, maybe also due to dryness or dirt. However, I would like to know exactly how to best address this with the Brimnes model, which steps make sense, and which tools or products I should use for maintenance or repair.

Has anyone had experience with squeaky Brimnes drawers and can offer tips on how to fix this permanently?

Thanks in advance!

Hi, usually it helps to clean the drawer slides and spray them with silicone spray or a special lubricant. Make sure not to use oily substances that attract dust. Remove the drawer, clean it, lubricate, and reassemble – that should be enough.

The cause of squeaking in Ikea Brimnes drawers is usually due to the combination of plastic rollers and metal runners. The friction resistance occurs because of wear or lack of lubrication.

I recommend the following procedure:
- Completely remove the drawer from the furniture.
- Clean the runners and rollers with a clean, lint-free cloth, removing dust and debris.
- Use a silicone-based spray or dry lubricant to lightly coat the runners and rollers.
- Reinsert the drawer and test its movement.

The use of oily lubricants is not recommended, as they attract dust, which could worsen the problem over time.

I am happy to add some technical details:

When drawers squeak, it is usually due to insufficient lubrication of the sliding rails. The Brimnes model from Ikea uses plastic rollers and metal track rails. Over time, these plastic rollers can deform or develop small grooves due to dirt.

Here is my approach:
1. Carefully remove the drawer completely from the cabinet. Pay attention to the side tabs, as they often block the drawer from being pulled out.
2. Thoroughly clean all sliding rails and rollers with isopropanol or a mild cleaning agent to remove grease, dust, and other residues.
3. After drying, spray a silicone-based lubricant onto the sliding rails. Use a thin, even layer; avoid applying too much.
4. If possible, treat the plastic rollers with a drop of silicone oil or a dry lubricant.
5. Carefully reinsert the drawer and check by sliding it in and out several times.

Warning: Do not use WD-40 or similar multipurpose oils! These leave residues that attract dust.

In short: cleanliness and proper silicone-based lubrication are the key.

TEBILO schrieb:
Carefully remove the drawer completely from the cabinet. Pay attention to the side tabs, as they often block the drawer from being pulled out.

Thanks for the detailed instructions! Could you briefly explain how exactly I can release the side tabs? Do I need to press or pull something? I'm worried I might damage the drawer if I force it out.

Here is a brief explanation: The Brimnes drawers have small plastic hooks or tabs on the sides that snap into the runners to securely hold the drawer in place.

To remove the drawer, you usually need to do both of the following at the same time:
- Press the tab on one side downward (or inward)
- Pull the tab on the other side upward

This means you need to operate both sides slightly differently at the same time to release the locking mechanism, after which the drawer can be pulled out easily without much force.

It’s best to try this slowly and carefully, not abruptly, to avoid any damage.