ᐅ How do I fix drawer slides on Malm dressers?

Hello everyone, I noticed that the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm dresser are not working properly – they often stick or the drawer can only be pulled out with a lot of force. My question is: what is the best way to repair the drawer slides on Malm dressers without having to buy completely new rails? I suspect that dirt or wear on the plastic sliders might be the problem, but I’m wondering if it’s possible to just adjust or replace them. Are there any proven tricks or special maintenance products? Thanks in advance for your tips!

If the drawer slides stick, first thoroughly clean all the slides and rails. Dust and dirt often accumulate and block the movement. Then check for visible cracks or broken parts. Usually, the plastic slides can be replaced if they are damaged. Otherwise, use a light lubricant (not oil) to help the slides run smoothly again.

Hello San_chas42, your idea about dirt or wear sounds plausible. For the Malm dressers, the drawer slides are usually made of metal with integrated plastic runners, which can wear down over time with regular use. It is important to remove the drawer carefully: pull it straight out to avoid bending the rails. You can often lightly sand the runners with fine sandpaper if they feel uneven or rough. After that, clean the rails thoroughly to remove dust and spray them with a suitable lubricant (e.g., silicone spray) – this makes sliding much easier and helps prevent further wear. Be careful not to use oil, as it attracts dirt. However, if parts are really damaged, IKEA offers replacement parts that can be ordered online relatively cheaply.

zartra schrieb:
Usually, you can replace the plastic glides

That is often the best solution, but I think it's important to first check whether the metal profile is bent or worn. Sometimes the drawer sticks because the guide rail is no longer straight or the screws have loosened. Have you checked the screws? Especially with Malm dressers, parts tend to come loose, which can cause the drawer to go off track.

Even if you replace the plastic components, it won’t help much if the metal is unstable. Therefore, I recommend a thorough inspection including proper adjustment before just fiddling with the glides.

neo59 schrieb:
I therefore recommend a comprehensive inspection including proper adjustment

Exactly, that’s a good tip! Additionally, you should avoid overloading the drawer, as this speeds up the wear of the slides. If you remove the drawers, also check whether the sliding rails are still properly seated in the guides and not bent. Often, a slight bending by hand or with a tool is enough to improve their function. Regular cleaning and lubrication also greatly extend the lifespan of the drawer slides.