ᐅ What to do if Malm drawers get stuck?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my Malm dressers from Ikea – the drawers sometimes get stuck and are difficult or impossible to open properly. I suspect that either the drawer slides are damaged or the drawers have warped, but I want to understand this better before I send anything in for repair or try to fix it myself. Are there common causes or proven methods to resolve this issue? I would appreciate any advice on the best steps to make the drawers work smoothly again without having to take the entire dresser apart. Thanks in advance!

First, check if anything is stuck in the drawer slides or if dirt has accumulated. Often, it helps to completely remove the drawer and clean the guide rails. Afterwards, lubricate lightly, preferably with silicone spray.

The issue with Malm drawers getting stuck is more common than you might think. It’s important not just to apply lubricant but to check whether the drawers are installed correctly. Especially with heavy loading or irregular use, components can shift and change the load distribution, which may cause blockages. Anyone who claims that silicone spray alone is enough should explain how they prevent misalignments.

Tause schrieb:
Anyone who claims that silicone spray alone is sufficient should please explain how they avoid misalignments.

Good point, I haven’t tested that yet because I’m afraid I might misadjust the runners when reinserting the drawers. Is there a guide on how to properly remove and reinstall drawers without damaging the slide mechanism?

Hello Angelo, I’m happy to help you with a step-by-step guide: 1. Pull the drawer out completely, until it is almost about to come out. 2. Lift the front slightly so the drawer comes off the runners. 3. Carefully clean the runners from dust and dirt. 4. Check the plastic or metal guides for any visible damage. 5. Feel free to use a silicone-based lubricant, as it does not attract dust. 6. Reinsert the drawer by lifting the front and sliding it into the runners until it clicks into place. If you feel the runners are a bit loose, check whether all the screws on the furniture are still tight.

Additionally, I recommend paying attention to the load capacity of the drawers. Malm drawers typically have a maximum weight limit of around 13 kg (29 lbs) per drawer. Overloading often causes the bottom panel to warp and leads to jams. Also, check the alignment of the furniture, as uneven floors can make the drawers shift more easily. A spirit level can be used to easily verify if the dresser is standing straight.