ᐅ Is there a guide for repairing Malm drawers?

Hello everyone,

I have an issue with the drawers of my IKEA Malm chest of drawers. The drawers have not been sliding smoothly on the rails for some time now; they stick in places and can be difficult to open or close. My question is: Is there a guide or reliable repair instructions on how to properly restore the Malm drawers? I have only found general furniture repair advice online, but nothing specifically related to the Malm model.

I am particularly interested in tips for disassembling the drawers, cleaning and maintaining the drawer slides, replacing or adjusting faulty parts, and possibly where to find spare parts for the Malm drawers.

Does anyone have experience or know of good sources for a repair guide? I would appreciate structured and practical advice so I can fix the problem without having to hire a carpenter right away.

Hello eliottdi,

Regarding your question about instructions for repairing the drawers on the Malm dresser model, here are some detailed tips that should help you. Malm drawers are quite common, and self-repair is definitely possible if you follow a systematic approach:

First, disassembly:
1. Pull the drawer out completely and, if possible, lift it slightly, as the runner mechanism often has a locking feature.
2. Some models have small spring clips or catches on the sides that you need to press or lift to fully release the drawer from the runners.

For cleaning:
- The runners and wheels are often made of plastic and can get hindered by dust and dirt.
- Clean the runners using a dry brush or compressed air.
- A light silicone spray can help lubricate the runners, but avoid grease-based lubricants as they tend to attract dust.

In case of broken parts:
- For broken plastic guides or wheels, replacements are usually available directly from IKEA or through third-party suppliers.
- Check platforms like eBay or specialized furniture spare parts shops for "Malm drawer runner replacement".
- Sometimes buying a complete runner set as a replacement is worthwhile.

Adjustment:
- If the drawer sticks, check whether the runners are mounted parallel and straight.
- Slight adjustments on the mounting screws can improve the running direction.

If you want, you can describe in more detail what exactly is sticking or not working properly—then it will be easier to address the specific issues.

Good luck with the repair!

Laukau5 schrieb:
Light silicone spray can make the drawer slides glide more smoothly, but you should avoid grease-based lubricants

This is an important tip. Malm drawers usually have metal or plastic drawer slides with plastic rollers. Greasy lubricants quickly attract dust during everyday use and worsen the functionality again.

Regarding instructions: IKEA itself does not offer separate repair manuals on their website or in the product information. They recommend replacing the entire dresser, but that is not a real option for minor issues.

I therefore recommend carefully removing the drawers, as described by Laukau5, inspecting and cleaning the parts. Spare parts are easiest to obtain through official IKEA spare parts services or third-party vendors. Some online communities have also published guides and videos demonstrating the repair.

If screws are loose or the slides are bent, these should be corrected directly. Usually, that alone is enough to solve the problems.

If you like, I can prepare a short checklist with the main steps.

Hello eliottdi,

I would like to add to the discussion with a structured mini-guide, as I have repaired several Malm dressers myself due to issues like these. Here is a step-by-step approach:

1. Preparation
- Prepare tools: Phillips screwdriver, flathead screwdriver if needed, cloth, fine brush, silicone spray (no oil)
- Clear your workspace

2. Removing the Drawer
- Carefully pull the drawer out completely.
- Hold the drawer gently and press the small catches on the sides of the runners or carefully lift them up to release the drawer from the runner tracks.

3. Cleaning
- Use a dry brush to loosen dirt in the runners and on the rollers.
- Gently remove dust.

4. Inspecting the Runners and Rollers
- Check for cracks, age-related deformation, or wear.
- If the rollers run stiffly, they can be lightly treated with silicone spray.

5. Adjustment and Reassembly
- Check that the drawer runners are clean and mounted straight.
- Tighten screws if necessary.
- Insert the drawer back into the runners until it audibly clicks into place.

6. Test
- Open and close the drawer several times to check for smooth operation.

Common mistakes:
- Using too much oil on the runners (attracts dust)
- Drawer not fully engaged in the runners
- Bent or loose screws

Conclusion: With some patience, repairs are quite doable. Replacement parts can be ordered through IKEA Parts or specialized shops.

I hope this guide helps you. If you encounter specific problems, feel free to write here!