ᐅ How can I make Malm drawers quieter?

Created on: 31 Mar 2024 08:27
K
keoelisha
Hello everyone,

I have the common Malm dressers from IKEA at home, specifically the drawers, which unfortunately are quite noisy and a bit rough when opening and closing. The noise is not only annoying, but I also suspect that the mechanism might suffer over time due to the friction.

My question is therefore a bit more detailed: What specific options are there to make Malm drawers quieter? I am interested in mechanical improvements (e.g. lubricants, dampers, modifications to the drawer slides) as well as possible replacement of worn parts or other practical tips that work long-term.

I would also like to know if different types of lubricants have varying effects on the noise and durability, or if it is better to use dampers for shock absorption.

I look forward to your well-informed advice and experiences!
W
warrenka57
31 Mar 2024 15:33
Hello,

I am also familiar with this problem, especially at night when loud slamming has already caused some issues with my family ;-)

What helped me was a combination of some felt tape on the inside bottom of the drawer and a silicone oil instead of silicone spray. The oil has the advantage that it spreads better and does not get dirty as quickly.
Fitigu schrieb:
A dry silicone spray is ideal because it doesn’t become sticky and doesn’t attract dust.

For me, the oil worked better in the long run since I had to keep reapplying the spray, and the dust buildup became annoying over time.
andre3 schrieb:
Soft-close systems basically work with dampers that slow down the drawer at the endpoint.

These dampers are great, but sometimes just sanding the drawer slightly or roughening the edges with sandpaper is enough to slow it down – that also softens the impact.
L
Leote
1 Apr 2024 08:04
Check screws. Looseness causes rattling.

Apply felt or foam rubber pads.

Use silicone oil or spray, not WD-40.
K
KNUTGI
1 Apr 2024 09:27
Hello everyone!

I can only agree – silicone spray is essential, but it should be applied evenly. Sometimes I also stick a thin felt strip on the back of the drawers to prevent them from slamming hard against the cabinet when closing. It works well and is inexpensive.

Here’s a little tip as well: try putting a few drops of baby oil into the drawer slides, it helps them glide smoothly too 😉

Happy cushioning 🙂
C
CHENFAR
2 Apr 2024 11:16
Hello,

for technical accuracy: Malm drawers usually use standard full-extension ball bearing slides. To minimize noise, the first step is to ensure the ball bearings are well lubricated. A silicone-based lubricant is ideal because it does not harden and does not attract dust.

For the soft-closing effect at the end of the drawer, retrofit kits from IKEA and third-party suppliers are available. These are typically clipped onto the bottom of the slide rail, effectively reducing the typical slamming noise and extending the drawer’s lifespan.

When retrofitting, please make sure the dampers are compatible with the length of the slide rails. If in doubt, a quick trial installation is worthwhile.

Good luck!