ᐅ How do I repair Malm dressers?

Hello everyone,

I own several Malm dressers from IKEA, which I find very good in terms of price and functionality, but they have developed some common issues that I would like to repair myself. Mainly, I am looking to tighten or replace the cam locks, fix crooked or sagging drawers, and replace or repair damaged drawer runners.

My question is quite specific: What steps would you recommend to permanently repair the drawer slide mechanisms on Malm dressers? Are there particular replacement parts, tools, or tips that are especially useful?

I have read a bit about cleaning and lubricating the drawer slides, but I would like to hear experiences on how often that is really enough or when a complete replacement makes more sense. Also, any advice on how to open the dresser without causing damage would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your help!

tilelu schrieb:
What steps would you recommend to permanently repair the drawer slide mechanics on Malm dressers?

Hello tilelu,

First of all: Good and very precise question! With Malm dressers, the sliding systems actually consist of plastic and metal parts that can wear out over time.

I would recommend starting by removing the drawers and thoroughly cleaning all the slide rails – this means removing all dust, lint, or old grease buildup. The best way is to use a lint-free cloth and a mild cleaner.

After that, you should lubricate all moving metal parts with a suitable lubricant – for example, silicone spray or special furniture hardware oil. Avoid using WD-40 as a permanent solution, since it tends to attract dirt over time.

If the slide rails are damaged (e.g., bent or broken), it is usually more cost-effective and sustainable to replace them completely. You can often get spare parts directly from IKEA or from online stores specializing in furniture hardware.

To open the dresser: tilt the drawer slightly upwards at the front, then you can release the slides on the sides, which usually works with a simple press of a small latch or lever on most Malm systems. This requires some care to avoid tearing anything.

I hope this helps! If you have any further questions, feel free to ask.

Best regards,
Raymond

Raymond schrieb:
You can often get replacement parts directly from IKEA or from online stores specializing in furniture fittings.

I wanted to add that I once made the mistake of installing replacement parts from poorly fitting third-party suppliers – this only worsened the problems with the dresser and caused frustration. Therefore, it is better, if possible, to use genuine parts or at least parts that fit exactly.

I also felt that re-lubricating helps in the short term, but if the drawer slides are older or have carried a lot of weight, replacement is the only real solution.

I think it’s important to take your time and not try to fix the issue too quickly, to avoid causing further damage.

Ps: In my Malm dresser, carefully leveling the dresser itself also helped, as furniture that is not level can cause drawers to stick easily.

Good luck! Overall, with a bit of patience, repairing can even be enjoyable 🙂

tilelu schrieb:
What steps would you recommend to permanently repair the mechanics of the drawer slides on Malm dressers? Are there special replacement parts, tools, or tricks that are particularly helpful?

Regarding the question of a permanent repair:

First, it’s important to differentiate whether the issue is mechanical or due to material fatigue. The Malm drawer slides are simple ball-bearing runners secured with plastic clips.

Recommended steps:

1. Remove the drawer and inspect for wear: damaged plastic rails or clips should be replaced.
2. Use original replacement parts (IKEA offers replacement runners; alternatively, parts from hardware stores can be used, but check compatibility carefully).
3. Tools: Phillips screwdriver, possibly a small lever to release the clips.
4. Clean with residue-free cleaning agents; do not use oil—apply light silicone spray instead.
5. Adjustment after reinstallation: insert the drawer with slight play; do not apply force to correct alignment.

Regarding overall long-term durability: since Malm dressers are designed to be cost-effective, permanent repairs are often only a temporary solution.

If breakdowns occur frequently, it is recommended to switch to more robust slides (e.g., full-extension metal slides, available from furniture hardware suppliers).

The repair is possible within these limits and requires good preparation.

If you need replacement parts, it’s best to contact IKEA service directly, as they often supply these.

Best regards,
RETRAVIS

RETRAVIS schrieb:
As an alternative, for frequent defects, switching to more durable drawer slides (e.g., full-extension metal slides, possibly from furniture hardware suppliers) is recommended.

I agree with this and would like to add some details: The standard slides on Malm furniture are simple roller or plastic guides, which tend to wear out quickly under heavy use.

For a truly long-lasting repair, it is worth replacing them with high-quality metal rails, which can often be retrofitted yourself. These usually have a higher load capacity and operate more smoothly.

However, you should pay attention to the following:
- The internal dimensions of the drawer need to be measured precisely,
- The depth of the dresser determines the required length of the metal slide.

During installation, it is often necessary to modify the drawer slightly (e.g., adjust drill holes or remove drawer fronts) to make the system compatible.

If you have decent DIY skills, this is worthwhile; otherwise, the original Malm parts are more recommendable.

And: The simplest repair, such as tightening the felt strips, generally does not work with modern slides. Usually, a replacement or cleaning with lubrication is required.

Best regards,
Gino