ᐅ IKEA Malm Drawers Squeaking – What Solutions Work?

Created on: 13 Nov 2020 09:37
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Leanosau
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Leanosau
13 Nov 2020 09:37
Hello everyone, I have the drawers on my IKEA Malm bed, and for some time now, they have been squeaking quite unpleasantly when pulled out or pushed back in. I’m particularly interested in which products or lubricants truly help eliminate the squeaking without damaging the drawer slides or affecting the mechanism. I’ve read that some people use WD-40, while others advise against silicone spray. Does anyone have practical experience with making the Malm drawers run smoothly? Are there perhaps any home remedies that have proven effective? I would appreciate any advice, especially regarding how you approached it and what results you observed.
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rickey
13 Nov 2020 09:55
I’m very familiar with the squeaking in Malm drawers too; it can be really annoying in everyday use. Thanks for the detailed question—it makes things easier! I initially tried a bit of silicone spray, which helped at first, but after a few weeks the noise came back. The trick that worked for me was to thoroughly clean the rails dry, removing dust and lint, and then carefully apply a small drop of sewing machine oil. It’s important to use it very sparingly, otherwise it attracts dirt again. In my opinion, patience and proper preparation are key.
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Luciandi
13 Nov 2020 10:23
I completely understand the issue; those small everyday noises can really be annoying and affect the enjoyment of your furniture. I’ve had good results in the past with a mixture of baby oil and talcum powder, which makes the tracks smooth without leaving an oily residue. However, I would be cautious with Malm furniture, as the tracks often combine metal and plastic. I also like rickey’s approach: thoroughly clean first and then use only a small amount of lubricant. It might also help to check the rollers for any damage.
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Ixfu2
13 Nov 2020 10:45
WD-40 is not ideal because it attracts dust and can cause the tracks to stick. I recommend using dry silicone spray or graphite powder. Always clean before lubricating.
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laume
13 Nov 2020 11:18
Hello Leanosau, your concern is completely understandable, as a squeaky piece of furniture can be quite annoying in everyday life. To address the problem of squeaky Malm drawers, I recommend starting with some basic steps. Remove all the drawers and clean the sliding rails carefully with a lint-free cloth and possibly some vinegar water to break down grease and dust. Let everything dry thoroughly. After that, proper lubrication is crucial – silicone spray works well because it doesn’t stick and won’t damage plastic or metal. Apply it sparingly and slide the drawers in and out several times. If the rails have rollers, check them for dirt or defects. I have had very good experiences with this method, and the squeaking usually disappeared completely after a short time.
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Gere5
13 Nov 2020 11:55
Briefly: Clean the sliding rails, apply a thin layer of silicone spray, move the drawers several times. Avoid WD-40.