ᐅ IKEA Malm dresser squeaks – smart use of lubricant?

Created on: 17 May 2022 10:23
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xhevdet64
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xhevdet64
17 May 2022 10:23
Hello everyone,

I have had an IKEA Malm chest of drawers for some time now, and unfortunately, it has started to squeak when I open and close the drawers. It’s quite annoying, and I want to fix the problem using a suitable lubricant.

My question is: Which lubricant works best to effectively and permanently eliminate the squeaking of the IKEA Malm chest of drawers—especially on the metal runners or wooden parts—without damaging the plastic components or the surface? Is there anything important to keep in mind to avoid unpleasant residue or impairing the drawer mechanism?

Thanks very much for your tips and experiences!
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nonere
17 May 2022 10:47
Hello,

for squeaking Malm drawers, special silicone sprays or dry PTFE sprays are recommended. These are advantageous because they do not become sticky and protect the plastic parts. It is very important to apply these lubricants sparingly and precisely to the metal rails or moving parts, as otherwise dust accumulation can occur, which may actually increase the squeaking.

Alternative oils, such as WD-40, are less suitable because they are sticky and attract dirt. In general, the tracks should be cleaned before lubricating to remove old residues.
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leguson
17 May 2022 11:05
Silicone spray is the best choice. Apply sparingly, and avoid using it on wood or paint to prevent stains.
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Matthewt48
17 May 2022 11:27
Hello xhevdet64,

I’m familiar with this issue – Malm dressers tend to wear down over time, and the squeaking can be annoying. The first step is to completely remove the drawers and then clean the runners with a damp cloth. This helps remove dust, which is often the cause of the noise.

After that, you can apply silicone spray to the metal parts. Be careful to spray only on the designated rails and avoid the plastic components. Silicone is water-repellent and provides long-lasting smooth movement.

It’s generally not recommended to use grease or oil, as these attract dust and dirt and can make the problem worse over time.

Good luck, and feel free to reach out if you have any issues.
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Rhett
17 May 2022 11:59
leguson schrieb:
Silicone spray is the best choice.

I completely agree. Silicone spray is clean, long-lasting, and does not damage anything.
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xhevdet64
17 May 2022 14:16
Thank you for the quick responses so far.

A quick question: Does anyone have experience using graphite powder on drawer slides? I’ve read that it can be used to prevent squeaking because it is dry. However, I’m unsure whether the powder might clump or cause issues in the narrow guide rails of the Malm dresser.

Also: What about DIY solutions like a bit of candle wax or talcum powder? I want to avoid anything sticky or that leaves marks.