ᐅ KALLAX drawer inserts squeak when pulled – how to fix it?

Hello everyone,

I have a somewhat specific issue with my IKEA KALLAX shelf unit: the drawer inserts (especially the black plastic ones) squeak unpleasantly and quite loudly when I pull them out and push them back in. The noise seems to result from friction on the rails or guides, and I suspect the plastic surfaces do not slide smoothly.

Has anyone else experienced this problem? Are there any proven methods to eliminate the squeaking? I am considering lubricating the parts but am unsure which product would be suitable (silicone spray? WD-40? something else?) and whether it might affect the durability.

I am also interested to know if the design of these drawer inserts is prone to noise, and if there might be any structural improvements I could make myself (such as felt strips or rubber bumpers).

I look forward to your tips and experiences. Thank you in advance!

Squeaking in plastic guides almost always comes from dry friction. I would recommend silicone spray because it provides good lubrication and does not leave residues that attract dirt. WD-40 is less suitable, as it is mainly intended as a rust remover and can become dirty and sticky after a short time.

It is important to clean the guides beforehand, ideally with a lint-free cloth and isopropanol or denatured alcohol. Then apply the silicone spray sparingly. This prevents excess lubricant and dirt buildup.

Regarding felt strips: yes, they can help when metal or plastic parts rub against each other, but for KALLAX drawers they are usually not practical because the space is limited and the drawer tends to stick more.

Silicone spray, clean beforehand. Do not use WD-40.

Alternatively, Teflon spray.

I am very familiar with that noise, and it can be really annoying. Sometimes it helps to fully remove the drawer and check the runners for dirt or small particles that might be causing the squeaking. Cleaning them has often worked wonders for me.

I understand being unsure at first about which product to use. I was also worried that lubricants might damage the drawers, but a little silicone spray has always been safe and trouble-free so far.

Maybe some people still feel uncomfortable applying something to the plastic parts? In my opinion, silicone is safe and leaves no residue.

Regarding the mechanism: KALLAX drawer inserts typically use simple plastic edges and molded guides that are not equipped with ball bearings or metal roller slides. This results in relatively high friction, especially when dust or fibers accumulate on the sliding surfaces.

The suggested solutions are:

1. Systematic cleaning of the guides with appropriate cleaning agents (isopropanol, denatured alcohol)
2. Using a dry lubricant such as silicone spray or Teflon spray to improve sliding performance
3. Avoiding greasy or oily products that can cause the surface to become sticky

Structural modifications (felt strips or seals) can negatively affect the fit and cause increased resistance. Therefore, caution is advised.

In the long term, switching to other drawer systems with metal guides may be recommended if noise reduction is particularly important.

Clean the surface and then apply silicone spray. Saves a lot of frustration.