ᐅ IKEA Malm Drawers Are Hard to Open – How Can I Make Them Slide More Smoothly?

Hello everyone,

I have an issue with my IKEA Malm dressers where the drawers are quite stiff to open. They are hardly easy to pull out and don’t slide back in as smoothly as I expected. The drawer slides look fine visually, but they don’t run smoothly.

I have considered whether I should clean or lubricate the drawer slides, but I’m not sure what would be the best approach. Also, I’m wondering if there are any particular features of the IKEA Malm drawer slides that I should be aware of to make the drawers run more easily without damaging them.

In short: How can I adjust or maintain the IKEA Malm drawers to make them slide more smoothly and evenly? Are there any proven tips, tools, or specific care products?

Thanks in advance for your experiences and advice!

fargi schrieb:
I was already considering whether to clean or oil the guide rails

Hey, that’s a good starting point! A bit of lubricant can work wonders with these Malm drawers.

I recommend first gently cleaning the sliding rails with a dry cloth to remove dust and lint. Sometimes small particles build up there, which can block the movement.

After that, you can use a silicone spray – it’s ideal because it doesn’t become sticky and keeps things clean. Just spray a little on, then open and close the drawer several times to distribute it evenly. I would rather advise against using regular oil, as it often gets sticky and attracts even more dirt.

A quick tip: sometimes the screws on the drawer are a bit loose or the rails are not installed completely straight. A quick check and, if necessary, a slight tightening can really make a difference.

Good luck! 🙂

Hello fargi,

here’s a brief guide on how you can proceed:

1. Pull the drawer out completely and remove it; this makes working easier.

2. Clean the drawer slides thoroughly. Especially with Malm, dusty wood particles and small fibers are often overlooked inside the runners. A vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle and a microfiber cloth work really well here.

3. Inspection: Take a close look at the slides. IKEA Malm typically has simple telescopic ball-bearing slides. If any balls are missing or damaged, it can significantly affect the smoothness of operation.

4. Lubrication: It’s best to use silicone spray since it repels water and doesn’t become sticky. You can also use graphite powder, which is very dry but is mostly recommended for lock mechanisms.

5. Check screws: A slightly loose slide can impair the movement. Tighten the screws if necessary, but not too much to avoid damaging the material.

6. Test run: Reinstall the drawer and open and close it several times so the lubricant distributes evenly.

7. If it’s still difficult to operate, check whether the drawer or the furniture carcass is slightly warped – this can sometimes happen with Malm over time and affect the movement.

putan schrieb:
A little lubricant can work wonders on these Malm drawers.

Exactly – cleaning and then gently lubricating usually does the trick.

Hope this helps you optimize your Malm drawers!

fargi schrieb:
How can I adjust or treat the IKEA Malm drawers so that they slide more smoothly and evenly?

Clean them, apply silicone spray, and tighten the screws. That usually does the trick.

Don’t use too much oil, as it can become sticky. If the ball bearings are damaged, replace them.