ᐅ IKEA Malm drawers won’t open – any tips?

Created on: 18 Feb 2021 10:03
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DAPAU44
Hello everyone, I have several IKEA Malm dressers and I’m currently facing an issue where some of the drawers either do not open or are very difficult to open. It feels like the rails or mechanisms are sticking or blocking, but visually there is nothing unusual to see. I have already tried lifting the drawers slightly or applying more force, but that only causes them not to move at all or eventually to become misaligned. Are there any known causes for this behavior with Malm drawers? And most importantly: What tips or tricks do you have to get the drawers working properly again without having to completely remove them or cause any damage? I would really appreciate concrete advice!
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Gino38
19 Feb 2021 09:33
Good morning everyone. I’d like to add a brief note: With Malm drawers, especially older models, problems often occur if the runners are slightly bent or if the drawers are packed too tightly inside, causing them to rub against the side walls. What helped me was completely emptying the drawers and cleaning the inner walls with a fine, dry cloth. After that, everything opened smoothly again. It is also important to make sure that no screws are sticking out and that no hidden parts are loose, as these could cause misalignment.
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DAPAU44
19 Feb 2021 11:27
Gino38 schrieb:
With Malm drawers, especially older models, problems often occur when the runners are slightly bent

Thanks for the tip! I’ve had these dressers for about 5 years now, so that fits. Is there a trick to straighten the runners without having to remove or replace them entirely? Or is a small manual adjustment often enough? I definitely want to proceed as safely as possible.
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JAMESONB41
19 Feb 2021 11:53
With slight bending, small adjustments can often be made using flat pliers or firm thumb pressure. Be careful not to break anything! If the rail is made of metal, it is usually thin and can be reshaped with some patience and a gentle touch. For removal: pull out the drawer, release the locking mechanism, carefully remove the rail, adjust it, and then reinstall it.
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Declan55
20 Feb 2021 08:16
Great, it’s fantastic to see so much shared here already! 🙂 A quick tip from me: I once read that silicone spray can work wonders for improving the glide of Malm drawers. It’s important to apply it sparingly and precisely to avoid it spreading to other areas. This makes opening the drawers much smoother and reduces sticking! So it’s always a great, gentle alternative to oils, which can often damage plastic parts. Wishing you all the best of luck, and I’ll share more tips if I find any! 🚀