ᐅ IKEA MALM drawer slides are difficult to operate – which lubricant should I use?
Created on: 8 Oct 2022 08:47
N
napeni
Hello everyone,
I have been experiencing an issue with the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm chest of drawers for some time now. Specifically, I mean the side metal or plastic runners that the drawers slide on – they are quite stiff, and the resistance is noticeable, especially when the drawers are fully loaded. My question is whether anyone has experience with suitable lubricants to make the movement easier without causing long-term disadvantages such as contamination, dirt buildup, or even damage to the surface materials?
I have already considered a few household remedies (e.g., silicone spray, WD-40), but I am unsure what is recommended or works well specifically for MALM models. If anyone also has tips on maintenance or how to remove the drawers, that would be helpful. Thanks!
I have been experiencing an issue with the drawer slides on my IKEA Malm chest of drawers for some time now. Specifically, I mean the side metal or plastic runners that the drawers slide on – they are quite stiff, and the resistance is noticeable, especially when the drawers are fully loaded. My question is whether anyone has experience with suitable lubricants to make the movement easier without causing long-term disadvantages such as contamination, dirt buildup, or even damage to the surface materials?
I have already considered a few household remedies (e.g., silicone spray, WD-40), but I am unsure what is recommended or works well specifically for MALM models. If anyone also has tips on maintenance or how to remove the drawers, that would be helpful. Thanks!
I understand how frustrating it is when something you use daily doesn’t work as smoothly as it used to—especially with furniture pieces like your Malm.
I want to encourage you that the issue can usually be fixed quite easily with proper care. What feels stiff at first might seem like a serious defect, but most of the time, cleaning followed by lubricating with a suitable product is all it takes.
If you want, you can try using silicone spray—I’ve had good experiences with it. It helps the glides move smoothly again without the risk of damage. Sometimes, a small adjustment of the sliding rails might be necessary if the wood has warped slightly.
Keep at it—it might seem bothersome at first, but it’s a small effort with great results!
I want to encourage you that the issue can usually be fixed quite easily with proper care. What feels stiff at first might seem like a serious defect, but most of the time, cleaning followed by lubricating with a suitable product is all it takes.
If you want, you can try using silicone spray—I’ve had good experiences with it. It helps the glides move smoothly again without the risk of damage. Sometimes, a small adjustment of the sliding rails might be necessary if the wood has warped slightly.
Keep at it—it might seem bothersome at first, but it’s a small effort with great results!