ᐅ IKEA Malm drawers squeak despite maintenance – why?

Hello everyone, I have a problem with my IKEA Malm drawers which continue to squeak despite regular maintenance and lubrication. I have treated the usual areas with silicone spray and PTFE, cleaned and oiled the metal runners as well as the plastic gliders. However, the squeaking remains, especially when opening and closing, which is very annoying. Does anyone know the cause of this? Could it be due to the materials used in the Malm series, or are there mechanical reasons that go beyond simple lubrication? I would appreciate detailed explanations so I can look for a targeted solution.

Hello, the issue with squeaking Malm drawers is unfortunately quite common. Many people forget that the noise is often caused by the combination of metal and plastic parts. Even if you have lubricated the runners, pressure marks or wear on the plastic glides can still cause squeaking. It is important that the lubricant is applied not only to the runners but especially to the moving contact surfaces. I recommend removing the drawer completely, thoroughly cleaning every contact point, and treating them again with a high-quality lubricant. If the noise persists, it is often due to very small irregularities at the interface between metal and plastic. This should be carefully checked.

To clarify the cause of squeaking in IKEA Malm drawers, it should first be noted that the problem often arises from increased friction in the roller bearing guides, which cannot always be permanently resolved despite maintenance. The Malm series uses simple metal roller tracks with plastic rollers or gliders that can wear out or become misaligned. Another factor is the load on the drawer; excessive weight can deform the rollers and thus cause squeaking, even when lubricant is applied.

laume schrieb:
Materialpaarung von Metall- und Kunststoffteilen entsteht

Exactly this can cause thermal stresses or material fatigue, which cannot be eliminated by lubrication alone. My recommendation is to check the drawer slides for damage, possibly replace the rollers, or treat the sliding bearings with a suitable PTFE spray. Alternatively, a different lubricant with better adhesion can help, as standard oils often run off too quickly.

I find it interesting that the immediate reaction here is always to reach for lubricants and maintenance, even though the squeaking sound is usually a design issue. The Malm drawers, for example, are not designed for low noise emission but follow the principle of “cheap and functional.”

elliot schrieb:
excessive weight can deform the rollers

What’s important is to question why one relies on furniture that isn’t made for long-term load-bearing or noise reduction. My provocative theory: if the squeaking bothers you, you should consider replacing the furniture rather than endlessly lubricating it. There are definitely alternatives that avoid these problems from the start.

Just a thought ;-)

Thank you for your previous contributions and assessments!

@laume
I will try your method of assembly and targeted lubrication again, paying special attention to the contact surfaces.

@elliot
Your advice on the material and thermal-induced stresses is helpful. I will also check whether the weight of the drawers is too high.

@karlau
I find your point about design-related weaknesses quite understandable. However, I would expect even affordable furniture to maintain a minimum quality in terms of noise performance—especially since Malm is so common. Perhaps we can also focus on practical tips for those who want to keep the furniture.

Do you have any experience with specific lubricants or alternative gliders that are effective on Malm? Or methods to reduce the load without limiting functionality? Thanks!