ᐅ Are there any tips for making Ikea BESTA drawers slide smoothly and quietly?

Hello lomo65,

I can relate to your situation well, as I own several Besta cabinets myself. In addition to the previous tips, I would like to point out the importance of cleaning the outer sides of the drawers. There are often small irregularities or deformations there that can cause slight resistance when inserting the drawers.

Also:

- Check if the drawer slides are properly aligned and securely mounted.
- Sometimes loose installation causes noise.
- The drawers must be guided straight when being inserted; slight tilting can lead to friction.

Finally, if you haven’t done so yet, you should check the rolling direction of the rollers. Some rollers have ball bearings and can get stuck slightly; these can be gently moved with the tip of a knife.

If you like, I can also explain how to briefly remove the slides for a more thorough cleaning.

Enrico4 schrieb:
The sliding rails in Ikea BESTA units are usually made of metal, while the rollers are mostly made of plastic.

Very helpful, thanks for the precise distinction!

Svenja7 schrieb:
Check if the sliding rails are properly aligned and securely installed.

That sounds reasonable. I’ll check the alignment and firm fit over the weekend.

One more question for you: Is it better to clean the rails with a microfiber cloth, or should a lint-free cotton cloth be used instead? I want to avoid scratching.

Also: Could dusting the rails with talcum powder help? I’ve sometimes seen that recommended for other drawer slides.

Regarding your question about the cloth: A microfiber cloth is very suitable for cleaning because it effectively captures dust and fibers without scratching. Cotton cloths are often less soft and can leave behind tiny fibers.

About talcum powder:
- Talcum powder is a dry lubricant and can temporarily improve sliding.
- It absorbs moisture and can pick up dirt.
- However, its effect doesn’t last long because the powder is often pushed out during movement.

My tip: Use a microfiber cloth for cleaning, then apply a suitable PTFE spray sparingly; this avoids side effects and achieves a lasting result.

Be careful using talcum powder on rails with metal parts, as it could clump when exposed to moisture. It’s okay for occasional use but is no substitute for a proper lubricant.

One more quick tip: If you find small irregularities, lightly sand the rails with fine sandpaper. Then clean them thoroughly and lubricate. This will remove minor rust spots or burrs that often cause noise during operation.