ᐅ Malm Drawer Slides Squeaking – Which Lubricant Should I Use?
Created on: 11 Jun 2021 10:23
J
JuanatolHello everyone,
I have several IKEA Malm dressers at home, and recently I’ve noticed that the drawer slides squeak when I open or close the drawers. This is not only annoying but also makes me doubt the long-term functionality of the drawers.
My question is: which lubricant works best to eliminate the squeaking of the Malm drawer slides? I have considered silicone spray, graphite powder, or perhaps a classic multipurpose grease, but I’m unsure because I want to avoid dirt sticking to the rails or the slides becoming stiff over time.
I would really appreciate if anyone could share experience or recommendations on suitable lubricants or the correct application. Many thanks in advance!
I have several IKEA Malm dressers at home, and recently I’ve noticed that the drawer slides squeak when I open or close the drawers. This is not only annoying but also makes me doubt the long-term functionality of the drawers.
My question is: which lubricant works best to eliminate the squeaking of the Malm drawer slides? I have considered silicone spray, graphite powder, or perhaps a classic multipurpose grease, but I’m unsure because I want to avoid dirt sticking to the rails or the slides becoming stiff over time.
I would really appreciate if anyone could share experience or recommendations on suitable lubricants or the correct application. Many thanks in advance!
Hello Juanatol,
Your question is very precise, which makes finding a solution easier. For Malm drawer runners, I generally recommend a dry lubricant, as liquid or oily substances often attract dust and dirt, which can cause more problems in the long run.
Silicone spray is a good choice because it doesn’t stick and reliably eliminates squeaking. Graphite is also suitable, but it’s a bit more difficult to apply since it comes as a powder and may potentially dirty the surrounding area.
Therefore, I would prefer silicone spray—apply it sparingly and remove any excess material immediately.
Your question is very precise, which makes finding a solution easier. For Malm drawer runners, I generally recommend a dry lubricant, as liquid or oily substances often attract dust and dirt, which can cause more problems in the long run.
Silicone spray is a good choice because it doesn’t stick and reliably eliminates squeaking. Graphite is also suitable, but it’s a bit more difficult to apply since it comes as a powder and may potentially dirty the surrounding area.
Therefore, I would prefer silicone spray—apply it sparingly and remove any excess material immediately.
Hello Juanatol,
From experience, I can confirm that silicone spray is often the best solution for squeaky drawer slides, especially with IKEA furniture like the Malm series. The spray creates a smooth surface and dries quickly, allowing the drawers to glide easily again.
Alternatively, I have also used graphite powder, which works well too. However, you should be careful not to spread it on the inner surfaces, as it can cause dirt to appear on the outside.
I would also recommend cleaning the drawer runners with a dry cloth before lubricating to remove dust and old residues. This significantly improves the effectiveness of the lubricant and prevents new dirt from sticking.
Best regards!
From experience, I can confirm that silicone spray is often the best solution for squeaky drawer slides, especially with IKEA furniture like the Malm series. The spray creates a smooth surface and dries quickly, allowing the drawers to glide easily again.
Alternatively, I have also used graphite powder, which works well too. However, you should be careful not to spread it on the inner surfaces, as it can cause dirt to appear on the outside.
I would also recommend cleaning the drawer runners with a dry cloth before lubricating to remove dust and old residues. This significantly improves the effectiveness of the lubricant and prevents new dirt from sticking.
Best regards!
PULAU schrieb:
Silicone spray is a good choice because it doesn’t stick and reliably eliminates squeaking.I find this general recommendation for silicone spray a bit too uncritical. Where does the confidence come from that silicone spray will have a lasting beneficial effect on plastic glides? Some silicone sprays contain additives that could increase friction over time.
At this point, I would also consider the exact material combination of the drawer slides – are they metal on plastic or entirely plastic?
GiRoyce schrieb:
…before lubricating, clean the drawer runners with a dry cloth to remove dust and old residues.This tip is always sensible, in my opinion, and should be the first step before applying any lubricant.
There is quite a lot to say about Malm drawer runners and squeaking noises. First of all: Most IKEA furniture, including Malm dressers, uses coated metal runners with plastic sliders – usually a thermoplastic, such as polyamide, which provides good sliding properties.
The cause of squeaking is usually increased friction due to contamination or drying out of the plastic surfaces.
My recommendation for choosing and applying a lubricant is:
1. Thoroughly clean all sliders and tracks with isopropanol or a mild cleaner to remove dirt and deposits.
2. Use only a dry lubricant. Silicone spray based on PTFE is preferred here. Advantages: It ensures long-lasting glide, does not attract dust, and does not alter the plastic structure.
3. Avoid biodiesel-based or oil-containing lubricants, as these could damage or contaminate the plastic sliders.
4. Apply the spray evenly and sparingly, preferably with a short burst along the running path.
5. Let everything dry well; afterward, the squeaking should disappear, and the movement should become noticeably smoother.
Important: If manufacturer instructions are available, these should be followed, as IKEA sometimes uses different versions for certain models.
One more question for you, Juanatol: How old are the dressers, and are the drawers heavily loaded? That can also influence the material behavior.
The cause of squeaking is usually increased friction due to contamination or drying out of the plastic surfaces.
My recommendation for choosing and applying a lubricant is:
1. Thoroughly clean all sliders and tracks with isopropanol or a mild cleaner to remove dirt and deposits.
2. Use only a dry lubricant. Silicone spray based on PTFE is preferred here. Advantages: It ensures long-lasting glide, does not attract dust, and does not alter the plastic structure.
3. Avoid biodiesel-based or oil-containing lubricants, as these could damage or contaminate the plastic sliders.
4. Apply the spray evenly and sparingly, preferably with a short burst along the running path.
5. Let everything dry well; afterward, the squeaking should disappear, and the movement should become noticeably smoother.
Important: If manufacturer instructions are available, these should be followed, as IKEA sometimes uses different versions for certain models.
One more question for you, Juanatol: How old are the dressers, and are the drawers heavily loaded? That can also influence the material behavior.
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