ᐅ How to Make IKEA Malm Drawers Slide More Smoothly – Any Tips?

Hello everyone,

I recently bought an IKEA Malm dresser and overall I’m quite happy with it. However, after some time the drawers have become a bit stiff to open, which is especially annoying when they are fully loaded. I’m wondering how to make the Malm drawers slide more smoothly without having to remove the entire drawer or track system, or buy completely new rails.

Are there any proven tips, such as specific lubricants, adjustments, or simple maintenance steps that can improve this issue in the long term? Or do you have experience with a particular trick to make pulling the drawers much easier?

I look forward to your ideas and hope to get a variety of suggestions here. Thanks in advance!

Basically, the Malm drawers are equipped with simple metal runners that often become a bit stiff with frequent use, especially if dust or small particles get into the tracks.

My tip: First, completely remove the drawer and thoroughly clean the runner rails. Then I recommend using a dry PTFE spray (Teflon spray), as it improves sliding without attracting dirt.

Alternatively, silicone spray can be used, but it should be applied sparingly since it can become sticky over time. Liquid oils are not recommended due to the risk of attracting dirt.

Also, be sure to check the runner rails for visible damage—bent or worn parts can reduce smooth operation.

Thank you for the first helpful reply! I had also considered PTFE spray but was uncertain about its long-term effects.

What annoys me most is that the drawers sometimes "creak" or stick slightly, especially when I open or close them quickly. Has anyone had experience with whether such a spray can reliably eliminate the creaking, or would it be better to take other measures for this?

Squeaking usually occurs due to dry metal contacts or friction caused by dirt in the guide rails.

RETRAVIS schrieb:
Thoroughly clean the guide rails and treat them with PTFE spray

is the correct approach. The spray reduces friction and usually stops the squeaking reliably.

In addition, you should check whether the drawer is properly aligned. A slight misalignment can also cause clicking noises. Adjust the drawer slightly to the left or right if possible.

A small tip: some users report that cleaning with soapy water and wiping with a dry cloth before lubricating improves the surface of the rails.

I would like to add that the load capacity is an important factor for IKEA Malm drawers.

If the drawers are heavily loaded or used to store heavy items, it can cause a slightly stiff feeling when opening or closing. Therefore, it is worth distributing the load across several drawers or at least avoiding overloading them.

In addition, from my experience with a Malm unit, the installation position of the drawer slides (how symmetrically they are mounted) affects the friction resistance. Small adjustments to the screws can noticeably improve the smoothness of operation.

Hello everyone,

I find the exchange here very valuable. For those who are not yet very skilled in DIY: When removing the drawers, loosen the screws of the runners, then carefully pull out or unclip the runners. This is usually possible without tools for the Malm model.

For cleaning, a dry cloth is suitable, possibly with some isopropanol to remove stubborn dirt. Afterward, be sure to check the guide rollers or rails for visible wear.

When applying PTFE or silicone spray, spray a thin layer and move the drawer in and out several times so the lubricant distributes evenly.

Caution: Some sprays contain solvents that can damage plastic parts. Therefore, test on an inconspicuous area first.