ᐅ Malm Drawers Difficult to Open – What Can Be Done?

Hello everyone,

I installed the drawers on my Ikea Malm bed to create more storage space underneath. Unfortunately, the drawers are very stiff and require quite a bit of force to pull out and push in, which is quite frustrating. It’s especially noticeable that not all the drawers behave the same; some are much harder to move than others.

I have already checked if the rails are properly aligned and if there are no obvious blockages or deformations. They also seem to be clean, as far as I can tell. The furniture store or the manual only offer general advice, it seems.

Does anyone here have experience with Malm drawers and can explain what might be causing this? Are there any special tips for installation or readjustment that I should know about?

I would really appreciate detailed tips or suggestions, and I’m also open to alternative solutions or tools you might recommend. Thanks in advance!

LEVI2 schrieb:
My Ikea Malm bed drawers are hard to open

Hello LEVI2,

Your issue with the Malm drawers is actually quite common. The main causes usually lie in the alignment of the drawer slides, material quality, the weight of the drawer contents, or the accuracy of the assembly.

1. Check assembly accuracy: If the slides are not installed perfectly parallel and straight, the drawers may rub or get stuck. A spirit level can help here. Also make sure the slides on the bed frame are mounted at exactly the same height.

2. Dirt and debris: Dust and small wood chips can significantly hinder the movement on plastic or metal runners.

3. Lubrication: Many recommend graphite powder or silicone spray for Ikea drawers, but the latter should be used sparingly to avoid dust sticking.

4. Load check: Heavy items inside the drawers noticeably increase resistance.

5. Inspect the drawer slides: It’s not uncommon for some series to have damaged or bent plastic rollers or metal tracks.

My recommendation: First, remove all slides and check for damage. Then, carefully sand all the running areas where the drawer slides glide using fine sandpaper (grit 400 or finer). Afterwards, clean thoroughly, lightly dust with dry graphite, and reassemble. If this doesn’t help, please post the exact dimensions of the installed slides, and I might be able to give more specific advice.

Best regards!

Johnathon schrieb:
Check installation accuracy: If the rails are not installed perfectly parallel and straight

Good morning,

I’d like to build on John’s comments and offer a small step-by-step tutorial on the best way to proceed:

1. Remove the drawers: Pull the drawers out completely and, if necessary, carefully lift them off the runners.

2. Visual inspection: Check the rails for any damage or glue residue. Especially on softwood, you might find glue or adhesive buildup.

3. Compare measurements: Measure the distances between the rails and check if they are absolutely parallel. Deviations of 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 inch) can already cause stiffness.

4. Cleaning: Clean all sliding paths with a small brush or a lint-free cloth to remove dust.

5. Check runners: Some Malm models have small plastic rollers or gliders that can come loose. Replace them if necessary.

6. Lubrication: Water-based silicone spray is recommended. Avoid oil-based lubricants, as they tend to attract dust and dirt.

7. Adjusting: Slightly loosen the screws on the rails, realign the rails, then tighten the screws again.

Conclusion: Precise alignment and proper lubrication are essential; this should significantly reduce stiffness.

If you like, send photos of the runners and I can take a closer look at the details.

Hello LEVI2,

I am also familiar with this issue with Malm drawers. The most important thing is that the slides are not only clean but also free from damage.

Difficult movement often occurs when small chips or dust get into the tracks—especially if the floor under the drawer is not cleaned regularly.

I recommend completely emptying the drawer and wiping the runners with a damp cloth (not wet!). You might also try carefully cleaning the narrow gaps with a dry cotton swab.

If you’re unsure, try pressing the drawer gently against the side where it sticks and then carefully slide it back in. Sometimes the track is slightly warped on one side.

Also, have you checked whether the drawer itself is straight and not warped? A material defect or warped wood can also cause difficulty sliding.

Don’t get discouraged—with a bit of patience, this can usually be fixed! 🙂

harold schrieb:
Compare dimensions: measure the distances between the rails and check whether they are perfectly parallel.

I find this topic particularly interesting because the assembly is often done manually, which can lead to minimal deviations.

Another aspect is the tolerance of the hardware used. Ikea carcasses are standardized, but the drawers can be affected by production variations, as well as the wood itself behaving differently depending on moisture levels.

So the question is: Does anyone have measurement data for Malm drawer runners in use? Especially regarding the maximum allowable alignment tolerance and patience required when tightening the screws.

By the way: Would using rubber-mounted smooth-running rails help with this kind of issue, or would that defeat the concept of affordable IKEA furniture?

Hi everyone!

That was exactly my experience when I installed my Malm drawers – they were really hard to move at first! But I carefully sanded, oiled, and lubricated them, and now they slide like butter!

Pro tip: I used very fine sandpaper (grit 600) and lightly worked on the guide surfaces. Then I applied graphite powder. Not too much, though, because it can attract dirt again!

Don’t give up! If you keep at it, it will get easier eventually 🙂

Fingers crossed for you!!!