ᐅ IKEA Besta: How can the drawer slides be lubricated and maintained?

Hello everyone,

A few months ago, I bought an IKEA Besta sideboard, which I find very practical. However, I have recently noticed slight friction noises coming from the drawers, and their movement is no longer as smooth as it was initially. Now my question is: What is the best way to lubricate and maintain the drawer runners on the IKEA Besta to preserve the mechanism without causing damage by using the wrong products or methods?

Are there specific recommendations for suitable lubricants or procedures that have proven effective? I would appreciate tips that include not only lubrication but also cleaning or maintenance suggestions, ideally without voiding the warranty or causing parts to wear out quickly.

Thank you in advance!

erjon40 schrieb:
How can you best lubricate and maintain the drawer slides on IKEA Besta to preserve the mechanism without causing damage through incorrect products or methods?

Hi erjon40!

I had the same issue. The best options are actually silicone spray or special lubricants designed for furniture and drawer fittings. Important: use only a small amount, then open and close the drawer a few times so the lubricant spreads evenly and leaves no residue.

Some people also recommend dry lubricants, but from my experience, these work better in dusty environments.

Oh, and avoid WD-40 – it’s more for cleaning than long-term lubrication and can attract dust over time.

So, don’t be afraid to lubricate; just do it carefully, and you’ll enjoy your drawers for a long time. 😎

vin_leo schrieb:
Oh, and stay away from WD-40 – it’s more for cleaning than for long-term lubrication

I’d like to gently disagree here: WD-40 is a versatile product and actually works better in practice than its reputation suggests. Sure, it attracts dust, but in a dry home environment, that risk is low.

Also – do you really need to spend extra money on silicone spray? Many professionals use mineral oil, which works very well and is more affordable.

But back to the topic: I think all these “specialized” products are often overrated. Regular cleaning and avoiding overloading drawers usually benefits the mechanics more than any lubrication.

For factual clarification: IKEA Besta cabinets are equipped with metal runners that are best maintained using light lubricating oils. Silicone spray has the advantage of not attracting dirt and not hardening. Teflon-free lubricants designed specifically for furniture fittings are also suitable.

Before applying lubricant, the runners should be cleaned of dirt (e.g., with a dry cloth or, in very stubborn cases, with a mild cleaning agent). Afterwards, apply the lubricant sparingly and open and close the drawer several times to ensure an even distribution.

The risk of losing the warranty is generally minimal, as long as no severe damage occurs due to improper maintenance. IKEA does not require the use of their original oil.

Summary:
- Clean runners before lubricating
- Use silicone spray or light lubricating oil
- Apply sparingly and evenly
- Open and close drawer multiple times

WD-40 is more of a cleaning oil than a long-term lubricant.

Simply remove the drawers completely, then clean the metal slides with a lint-free cloth.

Afterwards, spray a thin layer of silicone spray and slide the drawers in and out several times.

This is enough to eliminate the noise.

I would also recommend silicone spray. Be careful not to use too much, as it can run off and attract dirt.

Clean the surface with a brush or cloth before applying the oil to remove dust.