Hello everyone,
I have owned an IKEA Malm dresser set for some time now, and I have recently noticed an annoying issue: the drawer slides squeak quite loudly when opening or closing the drawers. This is not only unpleasant but also seems like it could damage the mechanism over time.
I have already tried cleaning the slides a bit, but unfortunately, that did not help. Does anyone have experience with this problem? Are there specific lubricants or tricks that can be applied without damaging the drawer slides?
I would appreciate any detailed advice – including explanations of the factors that typically contribute to this issue.
Best regards,
Dijapin
I have owned an IKEA Malm dresser set for some time now, and I have recently noticed an annoying issue: the drawer slides squeak quite loudly when opening or closing the drawers. This is not only unpleasant but also seems like it could damage the mechanism over time.
I have already tried cleaning the slides a bit, but unfortunately, that did not help. Does anyone have experience with this problem? Are there specific lubricants or tricks that can be applied without damaging the drawer slides?
I would appreciate any detailed advice – including explanations of the factors that typically contribute to this issue.
Best regards,
Dijapin
Hey, I was also searching last year for THE perfect solution to stop squeaking Malm drawers. Trust me, the squeaking really gets annoying after the third time you open the drawer.
I recommend silicone spray, but not just any from the automotive section—this one is designed specifically for plastic on metal, doesn’t attract dust, and isn’t sticky. And very important: after applying, slide the drawer out and back in to distribute the spray evenly.
Alternatively, a fine brush can help reach spots that are hard to access. And please, never use WD-40! It only makes things worse.
Good luck! 🙂
I recommend silicone spray, but not just any from the automotive section—this one is designed specifically for plastic on metal, doesn’t attract dust, and isn’t sticky. And very important: after applying, slide the drawer out and back in to distribute the spray evenly.
Alternatively, a fine brush can help reach spots that are hard to access. And please, never use WD-40! It only makes things worse.
Good luck! 🙂
I would like to briefly join the discussion, especially regarding the use of lubricants.
It is very important to choose the right product and apply it sparingly. Using too much lubricant can attract excess dirt, which worsens the problem.
My tip:
- First, thoroughly clean the guide systems, preferably with isopropanol or a strong but non-aggressive cleaner.
- Then, spray very small amounts of PTFE spray or silicone oil on the moving parts.
- Operate the mechanism several times to ensure even distribution.
If you have allergies or sensitivities, you should opt for odorless products.
If you like, I can also provide an overview of recommended products.
It is very important to choose the right product and apply it sparingly. Using too much lubricant can attract excess dirt, which worsens the problem.
My tip:
- First, thoroughly clean the guide systems, preferably with isopropanol or a strong but non-aggressive cleaner.
- Then, spray very small amounts of PTFE spray or silicone oil on the moving parts.
- Operate the mechanism several times to ensure even distribution.
If you have allergies or sensitivities, you should opt for odorless products.
If you like, I can also provide an overview of recommended products.
I find benon’s post very helpful, but I would also like to point out critically that a common mistake is to simply apply lubricants without first checking whether the guide rail is actually the cause of the squeaking.
Sometimes the plastic roller area gets stuck or deformed, or the guide rails become warped. This results in localized pressure and squeaking.
My recommendation:
1. Completely remove the drawer and inspect the guide.
2. Test smooth movement by hand and check if anything catches or blocks.
3. Only then clean and lubricate carefully.
Exactly right.
Sometimes the plastic roller area gets stuck or deformed, or the guide rails become warped. This results in localized pressure and squeaking.
My recommendation:
1. Completely remove the drawer and inspect the guide.
2. Test smooth movement by hand and check if anything catches or blocks.
3. Only then clean and lubricate carefully.
Filippo schrieb:
Check the mechanics: squeaking is not only caused by lack of lubrication but also by increased friction on dirty or slightly bent parts.
Exactly right.
In addition to the very good recommendations already given, I would like to point out that mechanical stress caused by incorrect or too forceful handling can also contribute to squeaking. This means drawers should be moved smoothly and with minimal effort.
If the squeaking returns after being treated twice, the material may be fatigued or the slides worn out. In that case, replacement parts should be obtained directly from IKEA rather than permanently masking the squeaking with lubricants.
I fully agree with that.
If the squeaking returns after being treated twice, the material may be fatigued or the slides worn out. In that case, replacement parts should be obtained directly from IKEA rather than permanently masking the squeaking with lubricants.
Josefane schrieb:
My recommendation: 1. Completely remove the drawer and check the slide.
I fully agree with that.
One more note from me regarding durability and wear:
Because Malm drawers are opened and closed quite frequently, the drawer slides undergo significant cyclic stress. Over time, this leads to wear on plastic rollers or slight deformation of metal components. A common sign of this is a clicking or squeaking noise.
It’s worth spending a few euros on replacement rollers or new drawer slides and swapping them out preventively before a major fault occurs. Spare parts are usually easy to find through IKEA or third-party suppliers.
A well-maintained, smoothly operating system protects the materials and prevents unpleasant noises.
What do others think? Who has experience with replacement parts for Malm?
Because Malm drawers are opened and closed quite frequently, the drawer slides undergo significant cyclic stress. Over time, this leads to wear on plastic rollers or slight deformation of metal components. A common sign of this is a clicking or squeaking noise.
It’s worth spending a few euros on replacement rollers or new drawer slides and swapping them out preventively before a major fault occurs. Spare parts are usually easy to find through IKEA or third-party suppliers.
A well-maintained, smoothly operating system protects the materials and prevents unpleasant noises.
What do others think? Who has experience with replacement parts for Malm?
Filippo schrieb:
How do others see this? Who has experience with spare parts from Malm?I have already ordered replacement rollers, which went smoothly through IKEA directly. They don’t cost much, and installation only takes a few minutes.
You should check them regularly anyway. For the price, it’s definitely worth it if you want to enjoy the dresser for a longer time.
In the meantime, silicone spray and cleaning always help well until the rollers are truly worn out.
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