Hello everyone, I have several Malm dressers from IKEA, and the drawers are getting increasingly difficult to open and close. This is especially noticeable with the larger drawers, which sometimes stick or don’t slide as smoothly as they did initially. I suspect it might be due to the drawer slides or possibly wear on the materials. I’m interested in knowing: What practical methods or tools do you use to make Malm drawers run more smoothly again? Are there reliable maintenance products, adjustable mechanisms, or simple tricks that work without having to disassemble the drawers? I look forward to your experiences and suggestions, thank you!
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filippok5521 Feb 2023 09:12Thanks already for the helpful tips so far! While cleaning, I noticed that some of the slides are slightly bent. I will take a closer look at them this evening.
One more question: If I completely remove the drawer and take off the runners, how can I best determine whether they are still straight enough or if I can carefully bend them back myself? I don’t want to damage anything. Are there any guidelines or tools that can help with this?
One more question: If I completely remove the drawer and take off the runners, how can I best determine whether they are still straight enough or if I can carefully bend them back myself? I don’t want to damage anything. Are there any guidelines or tools that can help with this?
A ruler or spirit level is often helpful for aligning the guide rails straight. Place the tool against the surface of the rail to check if it sags or is bent. If the rail is slightly bent, it can be carefully adjusted with pliers, using gentle pressure without applying too much force. It is important not to exert excessive pressure to avoid breaking the metal.
Hello everyone 🙂
I just wanted to add that the drawer boxes themselves should also be inspected. Especially with Malm, there is a risk that small wood splinters can come loose or the edges may slightly swell, particularly in more humid environments.
A bit of fine sandpaper on the edges can work wonders and also prevents pinching. This keeps the movement smooth and makes opening and closing enjoyable again 😉
I just wanted to add that the drawer boxes themselves should also be inspected. Especially with Malm, there is a risk that small wood splinters can come loose or the edges may slightly swell, particularly in more humid environments.
A bit of fine sandpaper on the edges can work wonders and also prevents pinching. This keeps the movement smooth and makes opening and closing enjoyable again 😉
Finally, here is my tip: Feel free to use a silicone spray with a fine nozzle and apply it sparingly to the sliding rails – too thick a layer can actually impair the function. Then open and close the drawer several times to ensure even distribution.
Also check the rollers or ball bearings if your Malm version has them installed. Replacing these when worn out is often cheaper than buying a new dresser, so it’s worth checking.
Also check the rollers or ball bearings if your Malm version has them installed. Replacing these when worn out is often cheaper than buying a new dresser, so it’s worth checking.
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