ᐅ How can I prevent wobbling in Malm drawers?

Hello everyone, some time ago I bought an IKEA Malm drawer chest and noticed that some of the drawers are a bit loose or wobble. This causes them to be unstable when pulled out and sometimes slightly misalign. My question is: How can I best prevent the wobbling in Malm drawers? Are there simple tricks or technical solutions to adjust the drawer slides or drawer components so that everything fits more firmly? I would also appreciate tips on maintenance or occasional readjustment in case the wobbling cannot be completely eliminated right away. Thanks in advance!

Check the drawer slide to see if all screws are tight. Loose screws are usually the cause of wobbling. If there are plastic glides, you can also replace them.

It often helps to attach felt strips or thin foam rubber to the sides of the drawer so that the drawer doesn’t rub directly against the wood or plastic, allowing for some clearance.

umberto schrieb:
Check the drawer slides to make sure all screws are tight.

Thanks, I will definitely check that carefully again. Could it also mean that the slide rails have become slightly bent or deformed?

RABLA schrieb:
Attach felt strips or thin foam rubber to the sides of the drawer

That sounds reasonable, especially to reduce noise rather than wobbling, right? But does that really help with loose slides? Has anyone had experience with how well that holds up in the long term?

The wobbling often results from slight play in the drawer slides or rails. Malm drawers have side rollers or plastic glides that can wear out over time or become slightly wider. First, I recommend tightening all screws, as already mentioned. If that is not sufficient, you can fill the gap with thin plastic strips or felt. Some also suggest lightly sanding the inner edges of the drawer sides if they fit too tightly, to prevent sticking, but this is a modification that should be done with caution.

For better stability, it’s also worth checking the drawer slides – if they are bent or damaged, they should be carefully replaced. Replacement parts specifically for Malm are also available online, if needed.

I fully support JAPLO’s argument. Many people underestimate how important the maintenance of the guide rails is for Malm.

Another simple tip: Check whether the drawers are correctly inserted. Sometimes they are not hung perfectly parallel, which immediately causes noticeable wobbling.

If the rails are still in good condition, applying a small drop of silicone spray can help the rollers move smoothly again and prevent them from sticking or wobbling in certain positions.

Finally, regarding your comment bayram33, regular readjustment can definitely be necessary, as wood expands and contracts slightly over time. A bit of routine maintenance does no harm.