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!
Donar34 schrieb:
Malms have a maximum load capacity, usually around 13 kg (29 lbs) per drawer. I wasn’t exactly sure about that, as some of my drawers are quite full. I will check that right away – can overloading really cause such jams? At least I often had the feeling that the drawer becomes somewhat harder to open when it’s full.
I looked into this again yesterday. After removing and cleaning, I was actually able to see rust spots on the drawer slides – even though the dresser is not kept in a damp area. I wonder if it makes a difference to use Teflon spray instead of silicone spray? Or maybe regular oil? I’ve heard that oils attract dust.
Hello Angelo 🙂 Teflon spray is actually very good for running rails because it is very slippery and attracts little dust. Silicone spray is also effective but often only provides a protective film that wears off more quickly. I wouldn’t recommend regular oil, such as machine oil, as it attracts dust and becomes sticky. So: it’s better to use a bit more Teflon spray and spread it well – then it will run smoothly. And don’t worry, it’s easy to do! 😉
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Demetrius14 Jun 2020 09:40That sounds like good progress. I guess many people here know how frustrating stuck furniture can be. The important thing is not to give up in frustration right away, but to take it step by step – clean, inspect, lubricate. And if the drawers are older, worn parts might need to be replaced. Sometimes ordering a replacement rail from the manufacturer helps as well. I hope you find an easy solution!
angelo50 schrieb:
I have heard that oils attract dust. That’s exactly the key point – oils can attract dust and create greasy residues that, overall, cause more obstruction than help. What also interests me: How well are the drawers connected to the frame? If the connection is not stable, the drawer can twist and get stuck. Therefore, a visual inspection of all screw connections is definitely recommended.
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