ᐅ How do I fix defects on the MALM bedside table?

Individual plastic rollers are difficult to obtain. Usually, the entire track is replaced since the rollers are integrated into it.

Wood glue can help with swollen wooden fronts if you lightly sand the surface and carefully work the glue in. Then apply firm pressure and allow it to dry thoroughly.

fuelnau schrieb:
If the plastic rollers are damaged, can you get them individually somewhere? Or do you have to buy a complete drawer slide rail?

Most Malm drawer slides are sold as complete sets. Individual rollers are often not available separately, as they are integrated into the slide profile. Replacing the entire drawer slide rail is usually a more durable solution.

fuelnau schrieb:
What about the glue spots on the drawer front? Is it effective to use special wood glue for that, or is it rather counterproductive?

Wood glue is generally helpful for small localized detachments. Swelling usually occurs due to moisture, so make sure to dry the area thoroughly beforehand. Low-viscosity glue (e.g., Ponal Express) works well to avoid overflow and prevent damage to the surface.

I would like to add that my drawer eventually operated smoothly again after I completely removed the slides, cleaned them thoroughly, and treated them with silicone spray.

The key is to approach everything calmly. Sometimes, simply reinserting the drawer helps the slides to "settle in" a bit. So don’t get discouraged.

I hope this helps fuelnau and others following this discussion.

One more tip: If the drawer is misaligned, check whether the plastic stoppers at the bottom of the slide are positioned correctly. They can shift and cause the drawer to stick. Simply remove, adjust, and reinstall them.

fuelnau schrieb:
A question about the plastic rollers: If they are damaged, can you get individual replacements somewhere? Or do you have to buy a complete guide rail?

To replace individual rollers: Often, the rollers are mounted in plastic or metal clips that are pressed directly into the rail. IKEA itself does not sell replacement rollers separately, but there are third-party suppliers or dealers offering repair kits, although these are usually only partially compatible and vary in quality.

If you decide to replace the entire rail, I recommend noting the exact dimensions of your rail and searching specifically for replacements in the IKEA online shop or at a specialist retailer.

For repairing swollen doors or panels, you can carefully peel off the affected areas with a flat spatula if possible, then smooth the surface with fine sandpaper. It is important afterward to press down the wood fibers with a damp cloth and then retouch the surface with a suitable touch-up marker.

Securing glued points with wood glue is sensible, but only after the moisture has fully dried, otherwise the wood will continue to swell.