ᐅ How do I fix IKEA Hemnes drawers that are sticking?

Hello everyone, I have an issue with the drawers of my IKEA Hemnes chest of drawers. The drawers keep sticking when pulling out or closing, causing them not to slide smoothly. I am particularly interested in how to easily restore the glide rails or wooden runners to smooth operation, and whether there are common material or design flaws I should be aware of to ensure long-lasting functionality. Also, is it necessary to completely remove the rails and re-lubricate them, or is there a better approach? I want to avoid having to disassemble the entire chest. Thanks for any helpful advice, especially on how to repair and maintain Hemnes drawers with minimal hassle.

The simplest solution is to pull the drawers out, check the sliding rails, and clean them with a dry cloth. Then apply some silicone spray to the metal rails and to the wooden edges on the sides. Avoid using oil-based products, as they may cause the wood parts to swell. After that, slowly reinsert the drawer and move it back and forth slightly. This usually resolves the sticking issue.

Hello gimanfre56, I’d like to give you a brief guide on how to systematically repair your IKEA Hemnes drawers and ensure they run smoothly in the long term. First, fully remove the drawer from the cabinet. If the slides are metal, check them for damage or any major dirt buildup. It often helps to lightly roughen the sliding rails with fine sandpaper (grit 400) to smooth out worn scratches. Then, clean all contact surfaces thoroughly, including the wooden edges of the drawer, as this area is often covered with lacquer or dust. Avoid aggressive cleaning—a damp cloth is sufficient. For lubrication, I recommend silicone spray or dry Teflon spray, as these do not attract dirt and won’t damage the wood. Avoid grease or oil, since these can cause the wood to swell, which may warp the drawer. Carefully reinstall the drawer and test how smoothly it runs. If sticking continues despite these steps, a slight tolerance issue with the frame or slides may exist, possibly requiring replacement of the slides. Almost always, cleaning combined with silicone spray significantly improves the running performance. Good luck!

Hello, I would like to explain the issue of sticking Hemnes drawers in more detail, especially because this furniture uses wooden sliding rails that can change due to moisture and use. Basically, Hemnes drawers work with a simple tongue-and-groove system and wooden side rails, often equipped with plastic or metal strips as sliding elements.

If a drawer sticks, it is usually caused by a slight deformation of the wood due to moisture or dirt buildup in the sliding rails.

Step 1: Remove the drawer completely by pulling it out until it disengages, then carefully lift it slightly from the top and bottom to release it.
Step 2: Check the wooden rails for cracks or worn areas. A small unevenness or a cracked layer of finish can cause significant sticking.
Step 3: If present, remove the plastic or metal sliders and clean these parts separately with a lint-free cloth and some alcohol (isopropanol). Caution: avoid heavily wetting the wood during this process.
Step 4: Next, lightly sand the sliding rails—preferably with very fine sandpaper (600 grit or higher). Sand only minimally, as the wood should not become too thin.
Step 5: Then apply a dry lubricant such as Teflon spray to all contact surfaces. Alternatively, you can use a thin paraffin wax stick. Avoid oily or greasy substances.
Step 6: Make sure the drawer is mounted so that it moves freely, which means the clearance to the sides of the cabinet should be minimal but even. A difference of as little as one centimeter (0.4 inches) can already cause sticking.
Tip: Also check that the chest of drawers is standing on a level surface, as a slight tilt can also cause sticking.

If the drawer still sticks despite all these measures, the wood may be warped. In such cases, replacing the rails or purchasing new spare parts is usually the only solution.

If you can provide me with the dimensions of your drawers, I would be happy to suggest possible alternative solutions.

Best regards!

Hey, this topic is really interesting! 🙂 I had the same issue with my Hemnes dresser, and with a bit of patience, it works out really well. Important: Don’t get discouraged; it’s a step-by-step process. First, as mentioned several times, pull out the drawers and clean everything thoroughly. Then I lightly sanded the drawer slides and used silicone spray, which made a big difference! You should always test whether the drawer slides better after each step. Sometimes it takes a little while for the spray to take effect. And don’t forget, the dresser must be perfectly level; otherwise, the drawers will still stick. You can do this – stay calm and keep trying! 👌