ᐅ Malm drawers are sticking – how can I make them slide smoothly again?
Created on: 7 Feb 2023 08:23
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Gregorreo
Hello everyone, I noticed that some drawers in my Malm dressers are starting to stick and no longer slide as smoothly as they did initially. I don’t mean they are completely stuck, but the sliding feels rough and requires more effort than before. I suspect it might be due to the wooden sides or the metal slides, but I’m not sure about the best way to fix it. Are there any recommendations on how to make the drawers glide more easily and smoothly again, without having to remove or damage the entire mechanism? Maybe you have tips on lubricants, adjustment techniques, or general best practices? Thanks in advance!
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Gregorreo8 Feb 2023 07:50Thanks to everyone so far for the detailed advice!
Yesterday, I cleaned the drawers, wiped the runners with a soft cloth to remove dust, and sprayed them with a silicone spray from the hardware store. After opening and closing the drawers several times, the movement did improve, but it’s still not perfect.
Following Genevieve’s suggestion, I also checked if the wooden edges had swollen. Indeed, the two lower drawers feel slightly bulkier in the wood texture, which could indicate moisture.
Therefore, I will carefully sand those areas with very fine sandpaper and then try the silicone spray again. If anyone has tips on how to better prevent or reduce the natural swelling of wood, I would appreciate it.
Also, a question for the experts: Is it advisable to regularly oil the drawers, or should they be kept completely dry? I want to avoid mold or any further damage.
Yesterday, I cleaned the drawers, wiped the runners with a soft cloth to remove dust, and sprayed them with a silicone spray from the hardware store. After opening and closing the drawers several times, the movement did improve, but it’s still not perfect.
Following Genevieve’s suggestion, I also checked if the wooden edges had swollen. Indeed, the two lower drawers feel slightly bulkier in the wood texture, which could indicate moisture.
Therefore, I will carefully sand those areas with very fine sandpaper and then try the silicone spray again. If anyone has tips on how to better prevent or reduce the natural swelling of wood, I would appreciate it.
Also, a question for the experts: Is it advisable to regularly oil the drawers, or should they be kept completely dry? I want to avoid mold or any further damage.
Gregorreo schrieb:
Is it advisable to regularly oil drawers, or is it better to keep them completely dry?Hello Gregorreo,
I recommend keeping the drawers as dry as possible. While wood oil can help maintain the surface, it also changes how the wood absorbs moisture and may cause it to swell more.
It is important to ensure good air circulation and consistent humidity levels in the room, as fluctuations are more stressful for wood than a steady presence of some moisture.
If you want, you can try applying a thin layer of a water-repellent but breathable wood treatment on the surface. This will protect the surface without completely sealing it.
Usually, regular cleaning is sufficient, and direct oiling inside the drawers is not necessary.
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