ᐅ Is there a solution to stop the squeaking in Ikea Besta drawers?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Ikea Besta drawers that is increasingly bothering me: the drawers creak quite loudly when I open or close them. It’s not just a slight squeaking, but a really annoying creaking sound, probably caused by the runners or the sliding components.

Does anyone have experience with this issue or maybe even a solution? I have already tried cleaning the runners, but that didn’t help. I’m especially interested to know if there are any specific lubricants or technical tricks to eliminate the creaking permanently and with little effort.

I look forward to your tips or explanations on why this happens in the first place and whether this is a typical weak point of Besta drawers.

Thank you in advance!

The creaking usually comes from dry guide rails. Simply apply a little silicone spray, not too much. This should reduce the noise.

Be careful with oil, as it can attract dust and make the problem worse.

For better understanding: The squeaking in Ikea Besta drawers usually results from the combination of metal runners and plastic sliders, which wear down over time due to friction or can slightly swell or deform from moisture. This can cause audible noise when opening or closing.

To fix this permanently, I recommend the following step-by-step approach:

- First, remove all drawers completely.
- Then, thoroughly clean the runners with a lint-free cloth and a mild cleaner to remove dust, dirt, and old residues.
- After that, check the plastic sliders for wear or damage; slight deformation can cause squeaking.
- If everything is fine, apply a PTFE-based lubricant (Teflon spray), as it does not stick and keeps friction minimal.

It is important to apply the lubricant sparingly to avoid attracting dust. Also, patience is required, as immediate improvement may not always occur and you might need to repeat the process.

Could you also mention if your drawers move stiffly or slide smoothly? Is there moisture or large temperature fluctuations nearby? These factors influence the cause and help find the right solution.

Noahlu schrieb:
The creaking in Ikea Besta drawers usually comes from the combination of metal runners and plastic slides, which wear down over time due to friction or can slightly swell or deform because of moisture.

You explained that well! Additionally, I can say: Sometimes adjusting the drawers helps. Ikea Besta often has small screws on the sides that allow you to slightly move the rails so the guide fits better and creates less friction.

Also, simple household remedies can be effective if a specialized lubricant spray is not available, for example, applying graphite powder, which lubricates dry and doesn’t stick.

If the wear is more severe, it’s worth checking if replacement parts are available. Often, the sliding rails at a hardware store are cheaper than buying entirely new drawers.

Renla47 schrieb:
Sometimes it also helps to adjust the drawers. With Ikea Besta, there are often small screws on the sides that allow you to slightly shift the rails

Exactly, adjusting the screws often saves replacing the rails.

And I agree, graphite is a very good alternative if you don’t want to use spray.

I wonder if the creaking in Ikea Besta drawers is really a technical issue or rather an inherent weakness of the system that you just have to accept.

Ikea is known for focusing on cost-effective construction methods, and compromises in materials or design affect durability and functionality. The creaking could simply be a result of the budget-friendly sliding mechanisms, which use lightweight plastic components that wear out quickly.

Of course, there are temporary fixes like lubricants or adjustments, but these are more patchwork than real repairs.

My suggestion: if the creaking really bothers you, consider upgrading to higher-quality drawer systems, which are now available at relatively affordable price points. You will pay more, but you will get significantly better sliding performance and more durable materials.

Just a thought before investing too much time and effort into endless lubrication and tinkering!