M
MERGIMKLA7 Feb 2023 09:04Hello everyone,
I have several MALM dressers from IKEA in my apartment that I find very practical. However, I have noticed that over time the drawers tend to lose functionality: they stick more often, the runners seem unstable, and the load capacity appears to decrease the longer they are used.
My question is: How can I best improve the durability of my MALM drawers? Are there proven methods to maintain the runners or possibly replace them with better alternatives? And what should I generally keep in mind to preserve the drawers’ lifespan both mechanically and visually?
I would appreciate any concrete tips, including advice on maintenance products, assembly tweaks, or replacement parts.
Thank you in advance for your support!
I have several MALM dressers from IKEA in my apartment that I find very practical. However, I have noticed that over time the drawers tend to lose functionality: they stick more often, the runners seem unstable, and the load capacity appears to decrease the longer they are used.
My question is: How can I best improve the durability of my MALM drawers? Are there proven methods to maintain the runners or possibly replace them with better alternatives? And what should I generally keep in mind to preserve the drawers’ lifespan both mechanically and visually?
I would appreciate any concrete tips, including advice on maintenance products, assembly tweaks, or replacement parts.
Thank you in advance for your support!
Hi MERGIMKLA,
first of all, a friendly hello – I understand your problem, these MALM drawers are so popular, but unfortunately, they don’t grow with age 😉 😄
A quick tip upfront: I find that regular maintenance of the drawer slides really makes a difference. You can lubricate the slides with some silicone spray or special furniture glides – this ensures smooth opening and closing.
It’s also worth checking the screws: they tend to loosen after a while, so tightening them occasionally helps! And if the drawers are loaded with too much weight, they would run better with sturdier slides. IKEA offers some upgrades, but other soft-close slides from hardware stores are also compatible.
Just give it a try and open the drawers with a big smile. 😉 Good luck!
first of all, a friendly hello – I understand your problem, these MALM drawers are so popular, but unfortunately, they don’t grow with age 😉 😄
A quick tip upfront: I find that regular maintenance of the drawer slides really makes a difference. You can lubricate the slides with some silicone spray or special furniture glides – this ensures smooth opening and closing.
It’s also worth checking the screws: they tend to loosen after a while, so tightening them occasionally helps! And if the drawers are loaded with too much weight, they would run better with sturdier slides. IKEA offers some upgrades, but other soft-close slides from hardware stores are also compatible.
Just give it a try and open the drawers with a big smile. 😉 Good luck!
Hello MERGIMKLA,
regarding your question, I would like to provide a brief step-by-step guide on how to improve the durability of the MALM drawers:
1. Cleaning the drawer slides: Sometimes dust and small particles accumulate, which can negatively affect the sliding performance. Thoroughly clean the slides with a dry cloth or a brush.
2. Lubrication: Use a suitable lubricant, such as a silicone-based spray. This will make the drawers glide much more smoothly.
3. Check the assembly: Make sure all screws are tight and that there is no damage to the drawer slides.
4. Adjust the load: MALM drawers are designed for light to medium loads. Avoid overloading them to prevent strain on the mechanism.
5. Replace parts if necessary: If the slides are damaged or rusted through, it is worth replacing them. IKEA offers replacement slides, but universal models from specialized retailers often work well too. Pay attention to the dimensions and mounting options.
In summary: maintenance, careful use, and replacement parts when needed are key. If you want, I can provide links to suitable products.
Good luck!
regarding your question, I would like to provide a brief step-by-step guide on how to improve the durability of the MALM drawers:
1. Cleaning the drawer slides: Sometimes dust and small particles accumulate, which can negatively affect the sliding performance. Thoroughly clean the slides with a dry cloth or a brush.
2. Lubrication: Use a suitable lubricant, such as a silicone-based spray. This will make the drawers glide much more smoothly.
3. Check the assembly: Make sure all screws are tight and that there is no damage to the drawer slides.
4. Adjust the load: MALM drawers are designed for light to medium loads. Avoid overloading them to prevent strain on the mechanism.
5. Replace parts if necessary: If the slides are damaged or rusted through, it is worth replacing them. IKEA offers replacement slides, but universal models from specialized retailers often work well too. Pay attention to the dimensions and mounting options.
In summary: maintenance, careful use, and replacement parts when needed are key. If you want, I can provide links to suitable products.
Good luck!
I can fully understand how frustrating it can be when drawers no longer slide smoothly. For me, it really helped not only to work on the technical details but also to consciously pay attention to how often and how forcefully I use the drawers.
Sometimes it also reminds me to slow down and avoid slamming the drawers open and closed – this helps everything last longer. It might sound simple, but I believe that careful use combined with proper maintenance is very important for durability.
Feel encouraged to keep at it. It’s worth the effort because a well-functioning chest of drawers makes everyday life much easier.
Sometimes it also reminds me to slow down and avoid slamming the drawers open and closed – this helps everything last longer. It might sound simple, but I believe that careful use combined with proper maintenance is very important for durability.
Feel encouraged to keep at it. It’s worth the effort because a well-functioning chest of drawers makes everyday life much easier.
klo40 schrieb:
Installation check: Make sure all screws are tightened properly and that the drawer slides are free of any damage.I can only agree with this, but in my experience, it’s often handled too leniently – what’s the use of “well-intended” maintenance if the drawers are not installed correctly from the start?
I wonder if MALM generally has a design issue here: the thin wooden sides and basic metal slides don’t seem very sturdy. Perhaps the long-term durability is limited, and it might make sense to switch to higher-quality drawer systems if true longevity is the goal.
So, anyone aiming for maximum durability should consider an upgrade, not just lubrication or tightening screws. I’d be interested if anyone has experience with alternative drawer slides on MALM.
Similar topics