ᐅ How should you proceed if Ikea Hemnes drawers are difficult to open and close?

Hello everyone,

I am currently having an issue with the drawers of my Ikea Hemnes dresser model. The drawers are very stiff to operate and often only open with a lot of force or in a jerky motion. The furniture is not new, but I suspect the problem could be either with the drawer slides or a missing or dried-out lubricant. It could also be that the drawers are misaligned or that a component is damaged.

What would be a systematic approach to identify the cause of the stiff drawers and then fix it? What steps do you recommend that avoid completely disassembling the furniture or buying new parts? Are there any tips for cleaning, adjusting, or lubricating that could improve the smoothness of operation?

I would appreciate hearing about your experiences so that I can keep the effort low and restore the proper function of my dresser. Thanks in advance for your help!

Hello,

regarding your issue with the stiff drawers on the Ikea Hemnes dresser, I recommend the following systematic approach:

- Completely pull out the drawers and carefully inspect the runners or slides. These usually consist of metal or plastic rails on which the drawer moves.
- Visually check for dirt such as dust, small wood chips, or foreign objects that could get stuck.
- Clean the runners with a dry cloth; for stubborn dirt, gently use a mild cleaning agent and then dry thoroughly.
- Check the drawer slides for any deformation, cracks, or damage.
- It is common to treat sliding rails with a special lubricant (e.g., silicone spray or Teflon spray). Avoid oil-based lubricants as they attract dust.
- Inspect the screws that secure the slides and tighten them if necessary.
- Finally, a precise adjustment of the drawer can help. This is usually done on the sides or at the back of the slides, depending on the model.

This ensures that no mechanical defect exists and that the runners can glide smoothly. A complete removal and replacement of the slides is generally not necessary if these steps are followed.

If the problem persists, the misalignment of the drawer itself or a warped front panel could also be the cause.

I hope these tips help you.

Siflo schrieb:
- It is common practice to treat glide rails with a special lubricant (e.g., silicone spray or Teflon spray).

Although this is the standard advice, honestly – Ikea drawers are often designed in a way that dust and dirt tend to attract each other almost magnetically when combined with lubricants. That’s why I’ve seriously questioned the idea that "occasional cleaning is enough."

In my opinion, you almost always need to remove the entire sliding rail system and clean it thoroughly rather than just lubricating the surface. And yes, an expensive specialized product from a workshop is usually overkill – WD-40 or a simple silicone spray usually works fine, even if some craftsmanship purists don’t want to hear that.

Also, don’t forget that sometimes the drawers themselves are slightly warped. Especially with wood, moisture can have a big impact, making the sliding more difficult. Try lifting or tilting the front panel slightly when sliding it in – sometimes this helps it move more smoothly.

Overall, I think the answer "just spray it and you’re done" is too simplistic. The problem is often more complex.

jotisi schrieb:
In my opinion, you almost always need to completely remove the entire track system and clean it thoroughly instead of just lubricating it superficially.

Hello PRAFRA,

I am very familiar with the problem of stiff Hemnes drawers from Ikea, so I would like to share a few additional, well-structured tips that, in my experience, work best:

- First: Remove the drawers and tracks completely.
- Check if the running tracks are clean – especially with wooden furniture, fine dust often accumulates, which should be removed with a soft brush.
- Avoid using wet cloths or aggressive cleaning agents, as they can cause the wood to swell.
- Lubrication: Silicone spray is recommended; apply a thin layer to the sides of the tracks that rub against each other when opening and closing.
- If the problem persists, adjusting the drawer might help – most drawers have small screws or mounting clamps at the back that allow you to slightly align the front. This can make a significant difference, especially with wood.
- Make sure that screws are not loose, both on the guide rails and on the drawer itself.

The Hemnes series is made of solid wood. The material changes over time, especially with humidity or temperature fluctuations, which can affect the fit. I have this dresser myself and reapply silicone spray annually to maintain smooth operation.

If none of these measures improve the situation, there could be a defect in the track system, although this is less common.

I hope these practical tips help you. Good luck!