ᐅ Drawers in KALLAX units start sticking after several years – any experiences?

A few years ago, I bought a KALLAX shelving unit from IKEA and have been using the matching drawers extensively to store various items. Recently, I noticed that some of the drawers stick or require noticeable force to open and close. I am interested to know if others in this forum have had similar experiences with the material or construction, especially regarding the durability of the drawer mechanism or the plastic components after several years of use. Are there any tips for maintenance, potential design flaws, or known weak points that could explain the sticking over time? Thank you in advance for any advice or shared experiences.

I am familiar with this problem. Often, the running rails or guide rails are dirty or slightly damaged. Cleaning them with isopropanol followed by silicone spray always helps me.

Basically, the KALLAX drawer consists of plastic inserts within a particleboard frame. After several years, it may deform due to moisture or stress. Additionally, the drawers are not equipped with high-quality metal runners on ball bearings but use plastic guides that can wear out or warp under continuous use. Jamming often occurs due to dirt, lack of lubrication, or warped guides. Regular cleaning and occasional re-lubrication of the guides significantly extend the lifespan. If this does not help, replacing the drawer or individual components is worthwhile.

Haha, I know that problem all too well! Who would have thought that a simple box with drawers could be so frustrating? 😉 For me, it helped to completely remove the drawers and clean the tracks with a damp cloth. Then I rubbed a bit of wax (just candle wax) on them, and everything ran smoothly afterward. Sometimes it’s the little tricks that make all the difference. I think the KALLAX is really sturdy, but when it comes to these small annoyances, IKEA could definitely improve a bit.

Hello Florianko,

to answer your question in more detail: The KALLAX drawers are designed and made with simplicity in mind to keep the price low. The drawers are usually made from particleboard with a melamine-coated surface and glued-in plastic runner rails. The described problem of sticking can have several causes:

1. Moisture affecting the particleboard: Even with a melamine coating, prolonged exposure to high humidity can cause slight swelling over the years, which leads to warping.

2. Wear of the plastic runner rails: These are not designed for continuous heavy use. Microdeformations or small cracks can impair smooth movement.

3. Dirt and debris: Dust, lint, or small particles accumulate in the rails and increase friction.

4. Installation or seating issues: If the drawers are not mounted exactly centered or if the frame is warped, this increases the forces causing sticking.

Measures to improve the situation:

- Clean the runner rails thoroughly, using a mild detergent and a cotton swab if needed.

- Use a silicone-based lubricant instead of oil-based greases, as those attract dirt.

- Check the contact points and realign the shelving unit if necessary.

- If possible, replace the plastic runner rails with similar but higher-quality ones available at hardware stores.

I’m curious: Do these problems occur with all drawers or only some? And in what environment is the shelving unit placed (living room, kitchen, damp area)? These factors greatly affect durability.

Best regards!

FAZAR schrieb:
I’m curious: Do the problems occur with all the drawers or only with some of them?

Good question. If only some are affected, it is usually due to load or misalignment.