ᐅ IKEA Malm drawers opening by themselves – how to prevent it?
Created on: 28 Nov 2020 19:03
R
Radovanbla
Hello everyone,
I have an issue with my IKEA Malm dressers: the drawers sometimes suddenly open by themselves without being touched. This mainly happens when the dresser is placed on a slight incline or when a drawer is only slightly closed. It’s quite annoying because the drawers always pop open and sometimes even open partially again.
My question is: What practical options are there to prevent these Malm drawers from opening automatically? I’ve read about magnetic catches and non-slip mats, but I’m not sure what actually works or if there is, for example, an adjustment on the drawer itself that can be changed to increase resistance.
It’s important for me to find a solution that is easy to implement, preferably reversible, and does not require visible modifications. Has anyone had experience with this? Tips on effective tricks or specific IKEA accessories would also be great.
Thanks in advance!
I have an issue with my IKEA Malm dressers: the drawers sometimes suddenly open by themselves without being touched. This mainly happens when the dresser is placed on a slight incline or when a drawer is only slightly closed. It’s quite annoying because the drawers always pop open and sometimes even open partially again.
My question is: What practical options are there to prevent these Malm drawers from opening automatically? I’ve read about magnetic catches and non-slip mats, but I’m not sure what actually works or if there is, for example, an adjustment on the drawer itself that can be changed to increase resistance.
It’s important for me to find a solution that is easy to implement, preferably reversible, and does not require visible modifications. Has anyone had experience with this? Tips on effective tricks or specific IKEA accessories would also be great.
Thanks in advance!
PRA64 schrieb:
Install magnetic catches, which are quite affordable and easy to retrofit. I can definitely confirm that! I specifically attached small magnets to my dresser and drawers, and they keep them closed 99% of the time.
One more insider tip: Sometimes the ugly little metal plates are visible – you can put a thin strip of double-sided tape underneath, which adds a bit of extra holding strength.
tolokau schrieb:
Attach a small stopper made of felt or rubber on the inside at the back of the drawer to slightly slow down the pull-out. That really helps. The rubber needs to be soft, otherwise you’ll have trouble pulling the drawer in and out 😉
Hello Radovanbla,
I understand your problem well. I recommend taking a systematic approach first:
1. Check if the dresser is level. Even slight tilting can cause the drawers to open on their own.
2. Inspect the drawer slides and runners. Sometimes they are not installed correctly, or dust and crumbs may have accumulated.
3. To prevent sticking, you can attach small felt strips or self-adhesive rubber bumpers where the drawer meets the dresser.
4. If you’re comfortable with DIY, a magnetic catch can be a good addition, requiring little effort and remaining visually unobtrusive.
For all steps: make sure the drawers are not damaged and their functionality is maintained.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
I understand your problem well. I recommend taking a systematic approach first:
1. Check if the dresser is level. Even slight tilting can cause the drawers to open on their own.
2. Inspect the drawer slides and runners. Sometimes they are not installed correctly, or dust and crumbs may have accumulated.
3. To prevent sticking, you can attach small felt strips or self-adhesive rubber bumpers where the drawer meets the dresser.
4. If you’re comfortable with DIY, a magnetic catch can be a good addition, requiring little effort and remaining visually unobtrusive.
For all steps: make sure the drawers are not damaged and their functionality is maintained.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask!
In summary: The issue is usually not caused by a defect but by the physical conditions under which the Malm drawers were designed.
Therefore, I recommend a combination of:
- Precise leveling of the dresser (using a spirit level!)
- Adjusting the drawer slides, if possible
- Using felt or rubber pads to increase friction
- Optional magnetic catches
There is no universal solution that works everywhere. Test these methods step by step to see what works best in your situation.
This way, you can effectively reduce unwanted self-opening.
Therefore, I recommend a combination of:
- Precise leveling of the dresser (using a spirit level!)
- Adjusting the drawer slides, if possible
- Using felt or rubber pads to increase friction
- Optional magnetic catches
There is no universal solution that works everywhere. Test these methods step by step to see what works best in your situation.
This way, you can effectively reduce unwanted self-opening.
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