ᐅ IKEA Malm drawers slide open – how can this be prevented?

Hello everyone, I have an IKEA Malm dresser with several drawers that often pull out unexpectedly or even come all the way out if I open them too far. This is not only annoying but also somewhat unsafe, especially with small children in the house.

My question is: What practical and durable methods do you know to prevent the drawers of the IKEA Malm dresser from sliding out? I have already considered a mechanical stop but would also like to know if there are any original or third-party solutions that work effectively.

Additionally, I am interested in whether this issue occurs more frequently with certain models (e.g., older versions versus newer ones) and if there is a way to make the drawers safer afterward without compromising the design or functionality.

Pinpeo schrieb:
What practical and sustainable methods do you know to prevent the drawers of the IKEA Malm dresser from sliding out?

Try removing the drawers completely and check the small locking clips on the drawer slides. They are often bent or not properly engaged, which limits how far the drawer can be pulled out. Also, IKEA drawer slides have a built-in stop mechanism—if that is broken, replace the slides.

Pinpeo schrieb:
if there is a way to make the drawers safer afterwards without restricting the design or functionality

The issue of Malm drawers slipping out is usually related to the slide mechanisms and the stoppers. Most Malm dressers are equipped with metal slides and plastic stoppers. When the stoppers are worn out, the locking mechanism no longer works reliably.

Here are a few tips:

1. Check and replace the stoppers: The stoppers are located on the slide and prevent the drawer from slipping out. They can be purchased from IKEA or third-party suppliers and are often easy to replace.

2. Install a drawer lock: There are original IKEA safety clips or universal stops that can be attached behind the drawer, making it impossible to pull the drawer out completely while still allowing it to open.

3. Inspect the slides’ wear and maintenance: Old slides can become loose, causing the entire mechanism to lose its tight fit. Applying lubricant spray to the slides can help, but be careful: too much lubricant can attract dust and cause more damage in the long run.

4. Alternatively: Self-adhesive felt pads or small metal stops inside the drawer compartment can create a mechanical limit without affecting the dresser’s appearance.

I haven’t noticed a clear difference between older and newer models, but often models with wooden guides (instead of metal) tend to be a bit more prone to this issue. Which type do you have exactly?

Are there any visible signs of wear on the slides or stoppers in your case?

Taubi schrieb:
Try removing the drawers completely and checking the small locking clips on the runners.

That sounds reasonable at first, but I believe the issue can have different causes depending on usage and load. It’s not just a matter of bent locks, but also the general design of Malm drawers: especially when storing heavy items, the lever forces acting on the runner increase – which also raises the risk that the drawer stop no longer functions properly.

Gafiel schrieb:
Installation of a drawer lock: there are original IKEA safety clips or universal stops

That’s a good approach, but it’s important to critically assess whether these additional parts actually extend the drawer’s lifespan or might cause other wear problems, for example if they are too bulky.

Furthermore, I have not seen evidence that older models are more frequently affected. My impression is that user errors (e.g. opening too quickly or pulling the drawer too far out) are more often the reason for drawers falling out than a low-quality component.

In summary: the best prevention is careful use of the drawers combined with regular checks of the stopper function.