Hello everyone,
I have an IKEA Malm bedside table with drawers that have increasingly been sticking lately. This means the drawers no longer open or close fully; often the closing mechanism jams or the drawer gets stuck at a certain point. I don’t use them with heavy loads, and at first glance, the runners appear undamaged.
Has anyone experienced this issue? I’m wondering if there is any kind of maintenance, adjustment, or repair option that doesn’t require completely replacing the drawer runners or even the entire bedside table. Tips or detailed repair instructions would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance!
I have an IKEA Malm bedside table with drawers that have increasingly been sticking lately. This means the drawers no longer open or close fully; often the closing mechanism jams or the drawer gets stuck at a certain point. I don’t use them with heavy loads, and at first glance, the runners appear undamaged.
Has anyone experienced this issue? I’m wondering if there is any kind of maintenance, adjustment, or repair option that doesn’t require completely replacing the drawer runners or even the entire bedside table. Tips or detailed repair instructions would be very helpful.
Thank you in advance!
Drawer jamming in IKEA Malm nightstands often results from dirt or warped drawer slides. My first advice is to remove the drawers completely and thoroughly clean the slides, both on the drawer and the cabinet. Dust and small particles can cause interference.
Additionally, please check the mounting screws of the slides. Over time, they can loosen and cause misaligned slides.
If this does not help, a light application of silicone spray or a suitable lubricant on the slides can help the drawers move more smoothly. However, be careful to apply sparingly to avoid contaminating the inside of the furniture.
Additionally, please check the mounting screws of the slides. Over time, they can loosen and cause misaligned slides.
If this does not help, a light application of silicone spray or a suitable lubricant on the slides can help the drawers move more smoothly. However, be careful to apply sparingly to avoid contaminating the inside of the furniture.
That's great that you’re tackling the repair right away! 🙂 I had exactly the same issue with my Malm nightstand. Sometimes the rails weren’t sitting properly because a screw was loose. Just tightening it again got everything working perfectly!
Sometimes it also helps to remove the drawers and then carefully put them back in place. Good luck – you can do it! :-)
Sometimes it also helps to remove the drawers and then carefully put them back in place. Good luck – you can do it! :-)
Hello Zhibo,
I am familiar with your problem, as I also have several pieces of furniture from the Malm series. I would like to add a few suggestions in addition to the tips you have already received:
1. Pull the drawer out completely until it stops sliding. Then take a look at the metal or plastic runners. Are they warped or broken?
2. Sometimes the drawer sticks because the bedside table is not standing evenly against a wall, causing the drawers to become misaligned. For me, slightly adjusting the furniture legs with shims often helped.
3. The sliding rails should be mounted parallel. If you have a spirit level, you can check the alignment.
4. If the rail is damaged, replacement parts are available directly from IKEA, which you can order individually.
If you like, I can also provide you with a step-by-step guide.
I am familiar with your problem, as I also have several pieces of furniture from the Malm series. I would like to add a few suggestions in addition to the tips you have already received:
1. Pull the drawer out completely until it stops sliding. Then take a look at the metal or plastic runners. Are they warped or broken?
2. Sometimes the drawer sticks because the bedside table is not standing evenly against a wall, causing the drawers to become misaligned. For me, slightly adjusting the furniture legs with shims often helped.
3. The sliding rails should be mounted parallel. If you have a spirit level, you can check the alignment.
4. If the rail is damaged, replacement parts are available directly from IKEA, which you can order individually.
If you like, I can also provide you with a step-by-step guide.
Raymond schrieb:
Sometimes the sticking is caused by the bedside table not sitting flush against the wall, which causes the drawers to jam.That’s an interesting point, since my bedside table is indeed standing on a slightly uneven laminate floor. I will check it with a spirit level and, if necessary, use shims.
tra_nina schrieb:
A minimal amount of silicone spray or a suitable lubricant on the runners...Which lubricant would you recommend? I want to avoid any residues or damage to the material.
Thanks in advance to everyone for the quick and helpful responses!
To address the drawer issues with IKEA Malm nightstands, I recommend the following:
- Use a silicone-based lubricant, as it is safe for plastics and metals and does not leave residues.
- Avoid oil-based products, which attract dirt.
- Before applying, thoroughly clean the rollers and guide rails from dust and debris, preferably with alcohol or a similar cleaning agent.
This will reduce friction and rule out mechanical causes. If the mechanism still sticks, check the structural fit of the drawers—an adjustable shim can help here, as mentioned.
- Use a silicone-based lubricant, as it is safe for plastics and metals and does not leave residues.
- Avoid oil-based products, which attract dirt.
- Before applying, thoroughly clean the rollers and guide rails from dust and debris, preferably with alcohol or a similar cleaning agent.
This will reduce friction and rule out mechanical causes. If the mechanism still sticks, check the structural fit of the drawers—an adjustable shim can help here, as mentioned.
Similar topics