ᐅ How can I make Ikea BESTA drawers quieter?

Hello everyone,

I use several Ikea Besta drawers for storage in my living room, but I have noticed for some time now that opening and closing them is quite loud and sometimes a bit jerky. This bothers me during daily use, and I would like to know how to make the drawers quieter.

I have already checked whether the drawer slides are dirty or bent – that does not seem to be the case. The drawers are also not overloaded.

I am interested in specific tips – for example, technical modifications to the sliding rails, lubricating certain parts, or replacing components. What practical and lasting solutions are there to reduce the typical creaking or squeaking of Ikea Besta drawers?

Thanks for your support!

For BESTA drawers, it often helps to thoroughly clean the rails and then treat the guide rails with silicone spray or Teflon spray.

Avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can attract dust and make the problem worse.

Basically, squeaking in Ikea BESTA drawers is usually caused by a lack of lubrication or dust buildup in the sliding tracks.

A sensible approach is:
- Cleaning the tracks with a dry cloth
- Using an appropriate lubricant such as silicone spray, which does not attract dust
- Checking that all screws are tightened properly, as loose components can also cause noise

Additionally, soft felt or foam rubber pads at contact points that would otherwise rub against each other can help reduce noise.

It can be really annoying when drawers creak loudly, especially if you need to grab something at night! 😊

I simply attached felt pads to the inside sides of my BESTA drawers, where the drawer slides along the cabinet frame. This greatly reduces the noise and makes the sliding much smoother.

I would also recommend silicone spray – it makes the drawers glide almost on their own and eliminates the squeaking. Just be careful not to get it everywhere, or it can get messy quickly.

Hello, I would like to provide a more detailed guide for anyone who wants to proceed systematically:

1. Fully pull out the drawer and relieve any load.
2. Visually inspect the slides for any deformations or dirt.
3. Clean the slides with a dry, lint-free cloth (optionally with isopropanol) to remove greasy residues.
4. Spray silicone lubricant precisely onto the metal guides, not directly onto the wooden panels.
5. Open and close the drawer several times to ensure the lubricant spreads evenly.
6. If the drawer remains unusually stiff, check the screws and tighten them if necessary.
7. Optional: Attach small rubber or felt pads at the contact points between the drawer sides and the cabinet to prevent rubbing.

A common mistake is applying too much lubricant, which attracts dust and increases friction over time. Less is more in this case.

In addition to the points already mentioned, I recommend choosing a solvent-free lubricant. Silicone-based sprays work well because they are water-repellent and do not become sticky.

If the running rails are made of plastic, using a dry PTFE spray is also an option.

Important: Avoid contact with wood surfaces, as the lubricants can discolor or damage the finish.