ᐅ Malm drawers don’t close properly – what can be done?

Created on: 11 Feb 2015 09:17
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Blagamalie
Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Ikea Malm dressers: some drawers do not close properly; they get stuck or do not sit flush within the frame. I have already checked if something is blocking the drawer slide, but everything looks clean. Sometimes the drawer catches when closing, and I have to adjust it several times before it fully closes. The dressers are not old and have not been overloaded. Could this be due to the assembly or the slides? What could be the cause, and especially: how can the problem be fixed without completely removing the drawers or buying new slides? Thanks for any tips and experiences!
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erikpu
12 Feb 2015 08:23
If the drawer still does not close properly, you should check whether the drawer itself is installed straight and not warped. Sometimes the issue is caused by the drawer’s side panels being slightly worn out, which can happen with frequent use.

Another troubleshooting option is to inspect the rollers for wear. Especially if they are made of plastic, they can become cracked or brittle over time. Replacement is then advisable.
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Ianlau
12 Feb 2015 09:45
MELANIE41 schrieb:
Just remove the drawer and check all the slides for damage and deformation.

I agree with that. In addition, I have often noticed that the drawer slides in Ikea furniture are sometimes designed with a slight clearance. This can cause drawers to stick a bit during short-term use, especially if they are not adjusted regularly.

I have also found it helpful to apply a small amount of suitable lubricant to the drawers – for example, silicone spray for plastic parts. This improves smoothness without leaving greasy residues that attract dust.
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baelku
12 Feb 2015 10:17
Check if the drawers are installed correctly. Some Malm models require that the drawer is not inserted at too steep an angle, as the rails may not engage properly and can jam.

Otherwise, you can also check the front adjustment to ensure the front is properly aligned.
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chenlen
12 Feb 2015 12:39
parpeo schrieb:
...Ikea offers replacement parts.

Additionally, I would like to point out that Ikea may even offer goodwill support for defective rails if the furniture is not too old and the damage was not caused by improper use. A quick contact with customer service is worthwhile.

It is also advisable to review the assembly instructions for Malm again to ensure that no steps are missed. For example, there are points during assembly where the rail must be properly snapped into place – if this is missed, it can cause jamming.