ᐅ How can I reduce noise in IKEA Hemnes drawers?

Good morning everyone,

I have an issue with the drawers of my IKEA Hemnes dresser making quite loud creaking and squeaking noises when opening and closing. The sound is especially bothersome when using the drawers quickly or trying to take something out at night. I suspect it has something to do with the drawer slides or the wooden edges.

I’m interested in how to specifically reduce these noises in the Hemnes drawers, which methods or materials have proven effective, and whether there are any particular care or maintenance tips that could help minimize the sounds not only temporarily but also long-term. I would appreciate any practical advice!

Hello,

for the Hemnes drawers, you should clean and lubricate the drawer slides. Silicone spray or graphite powder usually helps. Wooden strips can be easily treated with furniture wax, which reduces friction and noise.

klaolaf schrieb:
I suspect it has something to do with the runner rails or the wooden edges.

Hello klaolaf,

your approach is completely correct. Many Hemnes models use wooden drawers with simple wooden runners that can dry out over time or be affected by dust and moisture. To reduce noise, I recommend the following steps:

- First, remove the drawers completely and lightly sand all running surfaces with fine sandpaper to eliminate small uneven spots.
- Then, thoroughly dust off all surfaces.
- Next, apply special furniture wax to the sliding areas, which sustainably reduces friction.
- If possible, you can attach thin felt strips or foam rubber at the contact points to further minimize creaking.

It is also important to maintain the drawers regularly and keep them free from dirt. If the wood is very dry, occasionally rubbing it with a wood care product helps.

I attached felt pads to the sides of the drawers on my Hemnes dressers. This has almost completely eliminated the squeaking. Simple, inexpensive, and effective.

batabe schrieb:
First, completely remove the drawers and lightly sand all the running surfaces with a fine sandpaper to eliminate small irregularities.

This is an important point that some people overlook. Wood naturally deforms slightly over time, which can lead to rough spots or edges that cause noise when sliding.

Additionally, I would like to add that the runners in Hemnes furniture are often made from simple wooden strips on the inner sides. To further reduce friction, these surfaces can also be treated with beeswax.

I have also had good experiences using PTFE-based lubricants; they are safe for wood and long-lasting. It is important to apply them sparingly and rub them in well to avoid any residue.

Permanent noise reduction is mainly achieved through a combination of mechanical preparation (sanding) followed by lubrication or cushioning (felt, wax, lubricant).

Hello everyone,

I can definitely confirm the tip about the felt pads. I even used small furniture gliders, which are normally attached under chairs, and fixed them to the sides of the drawers. This works great because the box contact is no longer direct wood on wood.

A little anecdote: The squeaking at night was so loud that my partner thought I was secretly moving things around. After applying the felt pads, there was finally peace and quiet.

Joking aside – the solution is really simple and costs almost nothing.