ᐅ Are there any tips for cleaning the rollers on Ikea BESTA drawers?

Hello everyone,

I recently noticed that the rollers on my Ikea Besta drawers are squeaking more and the drawers don’t slide as smoothly as they did at first.

I assume that dust, dirt, or even small particles may have accumulated in the rollers, affecting how they operate. Since I don’t want to remove the drawers completely, I’m wondering if there are any specific tips or recommended methods for cleaning and maintaining the rollers to restore smooth movement.

Does anyone have experience with this? What cleaning products work well, and is there a particular order or tools that have proven effective?

Thanks in advance for your advice!

Hello arek67,

first of all, you make a good and very understandable point. The rollers of Ikea BESTA drawers are quite sturdy, but with frequent use, dust and dirt can indeed accumulate inside, which then affects the smooth movement.

From my experience, I would recommend the following:
- Carefully pull out the drawers and, if possible, partly slide out the entire track or roller system—but be gentle to avoid bending anything.
- Use a dry, lint-free cloth to remove coarse dirt first. For hard-to-reach areas, a cotton swab or a small brush (e.g., an old toothbrush) can help.
- If dust and residues are firmly stuck, a mild cleaner (no harsh solvent cleaners!) works well. Alternatively, isopropanol can be used as it evaporates quickly and leaves no residue.
- After cleaning and drying, I strongly recommend lightly treating the rollers or track with a silicone-based lubricant, which does not attract dust and ensures smooth operation.

It is important not to apply too much to avoid gumming up the rollers.

Hope this helps you out!

You should fully extend the drawer and then use a damp cloth to remove the dirt from the rollers. After that, apply a few drops of silicone spray to the rollers to keep them running smoothly.

arek67 schrieb:
Does anyone here have experience with this? Which products work well, and is there a particular order or tools that have proven effective?

Hello arek67, I’m happy to provide you with a more detailed step-by-step guide for cleaning the rollers on Ikea BESTA drawers to help you solve the problem permanently.

- First, fully pull out the drawer. It’s best to place it on a soft surface to avoid scratches.
- The rollers should come off easily if possible; otherwise, handle them gently. For most Ikea drawer slides, you can release the rollers from the track by applying slight pressure or pulling carefully.
- Ideal cleaning tools include a lint-free cloth, small cotton swabs, or a soft toothbrush to reach into corners.
- For removing dust and light dirt, use isopropyl alcohol or a mild alcohol-based cleaner—it cleans without leaving grease and dries quickly.
- Avoid harsh solvents like acetone or turpentine, as these can damage plastic parts.
- After thorough cleaning, let everything dry completely.
- For lubrication, use a silicone-based spray or a special plastic-compatible lubricant that does not stick or attract fine dust.

A common mistake is to apply too much grease or oil, which then attracts dirt again. Less is more.

If the rollers don’t come off easily, gently use a small flathead screwdriver or toothpick to assist without damaging the mounting.

I hope this helps. If you have any more questions, feel free to ask!