ᐅ Is there a solution for squeaky IKEA Besta drawers?

I have been having an issue for some time with the drawers of my IKEA Besta shelves squeaking every time they move. This is especially annoying as the noise is quite loud and bothersome when opening and closing. I have already checked whether the drawers are properly aligned and if the runners are clean, but that didn’t help. Is there a proven solution for squeaky Besta drawers that can be done easily without much effort? If lubrication is necessary, I would appreciate advice on which products work best and if there are any important considerations. Thank you in advance for your experiences and suggestions!

The issue with squeaking IKEA Besta drawers is often caused by insufficient lubrication of the metal slides. To fix this, I recommend the following steps:

- Fully pull out the drawer to expose the runners.
- Clean the runners thoroughly to remove dust, hair, or dirt.
- Use a dry lubricant, ideally silicone or Teflon spray. These reduce friction and do not attract dust.
- Apply the lubricant sparingly to the moving parts only.
- After reinserting the drawer, open and close it several times to distribute the lubricant.

Oil-based products or grease are not recommended, as they attract dirt and can impair the mechanism over time.

vinli schrieb:
For a solution, I recommend the following approach:

It all sounds nice and well, but I find the whole idea of using lubricants on IKEA cabinets somewhat questionable. These pieces are designed for affordable mass-market use – maybe the squeaking is simply a design flaw that you can't really fix.

It might be more realistic to accept the noise as part of the furniture or, alternatively, consider more extensive modifications – for example, installing different rails. But who does that for an IKEA shelf?

I also wonder: how many others constantly deal with this issue? Maybe it’s a ‘too cheap to last’ phenomenon that can only be solved by replacement.

Sausin schrieb:
Is there a proven solution for squeaky Besta drawers, ideally something that can be done easily by yourself?

From my experience with various IKEA metal drawers, I recommend a more thorough examination of the mechanism:

- First, please check if all screws on the runners and drawer fronts are tightened properly. Looseness can cause uneven stress and lead to noises.

- The type of lubricant used is very important. Silicone spray works well, but you should first remove any old lubricant (or dirt) with a suitable cleaner (e.g., alcohol or a special contact/metal cleaner). This prevents residue mixing that can cause squeaking.

- Check if any plastic gliders are damaged or worn. These are often inconspicuous on Besta drawers but can have a significant impact on smooth operation.

- Finally, after cleaning and lubricating, it helps to move the entire drawer system for a while, as the lubricant needs time to settle in.

One more question: How old are your Besta drawers and how heavily are they used? Wear and tear might already be present that simple maintenance cannot fix.

leebi7 schrieb:
Please first check if all screws on the runners and drawer fronts are tightened.

This is an important point. Often, readjusting the drawers can help – IKEA also provides an adjustment option for the drawer fronts in connection with the Besta series.

- A practical approach is to remove the drawer and clean the runners.
- After that, you can apply a thin layer of graphite powder to the runners; it is quiet and attracts less dust compared to liquid lubricants.

Don’t forget to regularly check if the issue occurs again.

For long-term quiet operation, it’s essential to ensure that no dirt remains in the moving parts.

Cleaning and lubricating with silicone spray helps in almost all cases.

- Remove the drawer
- Clean the runners
- Apply a thin layer of silicone spray
- Reinsert the drawer and move it several times

Do not use oils or heavy grease, as they attract dust.