ᐅ How can uneven closing of Malm drawers be prevented?

Hello everyone,

I have an issue with some drawers in my IKEA Malm dressers—they close crookedly. This means the drawer sticks on one side, doesn’t close properly, or doesn’t sit level at the bottom. It seems to happen mainly with loaded drawers, so maybe it’s related to alignment or assembly?

In my opinion, the problem could have several causes: bent drawer slides, incorrect assembly, an uneven dresser, or everyday wear and tear.

How do you prevent Malm drawers from closing crookedly? Are there any proven adjustment methods, specific tools, or tricks to make the drawer close level and smoothly?

I’m looking forward to your experiences and advice!

If drawers close at an angle, first check the drawer slides. Often, they are not installed correctly or are dirty. Cleaning and proper installation usually resolve the issue.

Basically, I recommend checking the drawer slides and fronts carefully for proper alignment. Malm drawers use side-mounted ball-bearing or roller slides that need to be installed precisely. A common issue is that the screws securing the slides are not tightened enough or loosen over time with daily use, causing the drawer to tilt.

Additionally, the dresser itself can become slightly warped, which often happens if it’s placed on an uneven floor. A quick level check on site is therefore very useful.

Here’s how I proceed:
1. Place the dresser on a flat surface.
2. Check that the slides are firmly seated and adjust them if necessary.
3. Open and close the unloaded drawer to test its movement.

If problems persist after that, it’s worth replacing the slides with a higher-quality model, as the original parts are not always durable.

What exactly is the condition of your dresser? Does it stand stable and level, or have you already noticed any issues?

sobau schrieb:
If drawers close unevenly, first check the runners. Often they are not installed correctly or are dirty.

That’s a good tip, thanks. I have already removed and cleaned the runners once, which improved the situation somewhat but didn’t completely solve the problem.

bapar schrieb:
Place the dresser on a level surface. Check that the runners are firmly secured and, if necessary, readjust them.

The floor is mostly level where I have it, but I will check again more precisely with a spirit level. Some of the screws on the runners are still tight, but the mounting doesn’t seem very stable.

One question: What is the best way to adjust these runners? On Malm drawers, they are only mounted with a few screws. Are there any tips to achieve a more precise alignment?

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

For Malm drawers, it often helps to slightly loosen the screws of the drawer slides and realign the slide. Then tighten the screws again. This way, you can make small adjustments to the position.

Misalignment when closing often occurs due to minor inaccuracies during assembly or material deformation.

I also recommend carefully checking all screws on the drawer front, as a loose front panel can affect the appearance of the drawer and its smooth operation.

The lateral clearance of the drawer in the slides is also important. It should be minimal but not too tight, allowing the drawer to move freely without sticking.

A tip: When tightening the screws on the drawer slides, it helps to slightly move the drawer so it locks into the correct position.