ᐅ What can I do if the Malm drawers are no longer sliding smoothly?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my Malm drawers from IKEA. Lately, they do not slide properly; they get stuck repeatedly and can only be opened or closed with a lot of force. I have already tried checking the drawer slides but could not find any obvious damage. Is there a way to adjust or repair the drawers, or are there special maintenance products I could use? I believe the hardware and slides are the main issue, but I am unsure what exactly to do to make the drawers run smoothly again. Thanks in advance for your advice!

Basically, with Malm drawers, it is common for dirt or dust to accumulate on the runners over time. This can cause them to stick or jam. My first tip would be to thoroughly clean the runners with a dry cloth. After that, you can use a special silicone spray or dry lubricant to lubricate the runners. I would avoid grease-based products, as they tend to attract dust. If the drawer is not sitting perfectly straight, you can adjust the side screws of the runners; often, there are small adjustment options on the brackets. It is also important to check the plastic rollers or wheels, as they can be worn out and should be replaced if necessary.

Samir schrieb:
My first tip would be to thoroughly clean the rails with a dry cloth. After that, you can use a special silicone spray or dry lubricant

That’s absolutely correct! 😊 I had the same issue with my Malm drawers, and a little silicone spray worked wonders. Just a quick wipe with the cloth, a bit of lubrication, and suddenly everything was running smoothly again. A little maintenance really helps with this classic from Ikea. Also, sometimes warping of the drawer frames or overloading the drawers can cause problems—so don’t pack them too full 😉 Good luck!

Remove dirt, apply silicone spray, check the rollers, and replace them if worn. Usually, that’s all that’s needed.

Samir schrieb:
The side screws of the slides can be adjusted

I would not generally recommend this without knowing the exact slide models installed. Not all Malm-style drawers allow adjustment of the side guides. Additionally, wear on the rollers is often a symptom rather than the root cause. I think it is important to determine whether the drawers are overloaded or if the structure itself is already showing signs of material fatigue. Some users overlook that the wood or the fasteners may be warped. My question to KAJDA: Has the furniture been subjected to prolonged or unusual stress? This can affect the guide components.

MATHIASDO schrieb:
My question to KAJDA: Has the piece of furniture been subjected to heavy or unusual stress for a long period or in unusual places?

Thanks for your follow-up! As far as I know, the drawers were used normally – so no excessive or unusual load. However, I moved the furniture a few months ago, and the drawers might have become slightly misaligned during that process. They are loaded with clothing, nothing excessively heavy. Warping of the wooden panels is possible since there is a heater nearby. Could this have a lasting impact on the drawers’ function?