ᐅ IKEA Malm drawers are difficult to open – what maintenance can help?
Created on: 29 Sep 2022 18:37
M
Matra0
Hello everyone, I have noticed that the drawers of my IKEA Malm dressers become very stiff and hard to open over time. This not only affects usability but also increases the strain on the drawer slides. Before attempting a complex repair, I would like to know: What is the most effective way to maintain Malm drawers to make them easier to pull? Are there any recommended lubricants or treatments for the drawer slides that won’t damage the mechanism? And what is the best way to apply them? I appreciate any tips and experiences you can share.
Summary based on my experience:
- Empty the drawers
- Clean the runners with a damp cloth (use soapy water for stubborn dirt)
- Clean the plastic rollers with a mild detergent, avoid alcohol
- Apply a thin layer of silicone spray
- Slowly open and close the dresser drawers several times
This keeps the IKEA Malm drawers running smoothly.
If you feel that something is mechanically misaligned, you can lightly tighten and adjust the screws on the runners.
- Empty the drawers
- Clean the runners with a damp cloth (use soapy water for stubborn dirt)
- Clean the plastic rollers with a mild detergent, avoid alcohol
- Apply a thin layer of silicone spray
- Slowly open and close the dresser drawers several times
This keeps the IKEA Malm drawers running smoothly.
If you feel that something is mechanically misaligned, you can lightly tighten and adjust the screws on the runners.
Thank you for the many tips and clear instructions! I have now cleaned the drawers with dishwater and applied silicone spray sparingly. The drawers are definitely running much more smoothly today. I will definitely plan to follow the recommendation for biannual maintenance.
I am also interested to know if anyone has experience with alternative lubricants – for example, liquid waxes or Teflon sprays? Or are these generally unsuitable for the Malm drawer slides?
I am also interested to know if anyone has experience with alternative lubricants – for example, liquid waxes or Teflon sprays? Or are these generally unsuitable for the Malm drawer slides?
Matra0 schrieb:
I am also interested to know if anyone has experience with alternative lubricantsTeflon sprays are generally usable and provide good wear protection. However, there is a risk that they can become quite sticky over time, which attracts dust in the long run. Liquid waxes work well on wooden surfaces but are less suitable for sliding rails, as they harden into a sticky layer.
Therefore, silicone-based sprays remain the preferred choice for metal-plastic sliding rails, such as those used in Malm furniture, due to their cleanliness and durability.
toril schrieb:
Teflon sprays are generally also usableAdditionally: Although Teflon is very slippery, not every manufacturer recommends using it on plastic parts. Since the rollers are often made of polypropylene or similar plastics, Teflon can chemically react with some materials. Silicone spray is usually the safer choice in these cases.
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JAMESONB413 Oct 2022 11:45Silicone is the best compromise. No other materials are necessary.
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