ᐅ Malm drawers squeak when closing – which lubricants are effective?
Created on: 20 Jul 2022 18:27
J
josue59Hello everyone,
For some time now, I have been experiencing an issue with my IKEA Malm dressers where the drawers squeak when closing. The noise is quite annoying and seems to come from the drawer slides or runners. I would like to know which lubricants work best for this type of furniture to make the closing quiet and smooth again.
I prefer something suitable for both plastic and metal parts, that doesn’t stick or attract dust, and is not too aggressive, as I want to avoid damaging the furniture. Does anyone have experience with products like silicone spray, PTFE spray, or specific grease lubricants for this purpose?
Tips on how to prepare and apply the lubricant would also be very helpful. Thanks in advance for your support!
For some time now, I have been experiencing an issue with my IKEA Malm dressers where the drawers squeak when closing. The noise is quite annoying and seems to come from the drawer slides or runners. I would like to know which lubricants work best for this type of furniture to make the closing quiet and smooth again.
I prefer something suitable for both plastic and metal parts, that doesn’t stick or attract dust, and is not too aggressive, as I want to avoid damaging the furniture. Does anyone have experience with products like silicone spray, PTFE spray, or specific grease lubricants for this purpose?
Tips on how to prepare and apply the lubricant would also be very helpful. Thanks in advance for your support!
Hello josue59,
Regarding your question about squeaking in Malm drawers: the noise usually comes from dry or dirty runners. One of the best solutions is to use PTFE spray (polytetrafluoroethylene), as it creates a dry, low-friction surface that doesn’t stick or attract dirt. You should clean the runners thoroughly before applying – ideally with isopropanol or a degreasing cleaner to remove old residues.
Silicone spray is also suitable, mainly because of its water-repellent properties, but it can attract dust faster if applied too heavily. Grease lubricants, like lithium grease, are very effective on metal parts but often attract dust and dirt on furniture, which can be counterproductive in the long run.
Application instructions:
1. Pull the drawer out completely.
2. Clean the runners with a clean cloth and isopropanol.
3. Apply PTFE spray thinly and evenly, then pull the drawer in and out several times to distribute the lubricant well.
A small tip: also check if all screws on the runners are tight, as loose parts can cause noise too.
How are the runners on your drawers constructed? Are they metal runners with ball bearings or simple plastic guides? Knowing this is important to recommend the ideal lubricant.
Regarding your question about squeaking in Malm drawers: the noise usually comes from dry or dirty runners. One of the best solutions is to use PTFE spray (polytetrafluoroethylene), as it creates a dry, low-friction surface that doesn’t stick or attract dirt. You should clean the runners thoroughly before applying – ideally with isopropanol or a degreasing cleaner to remove old residues.
Silicone spray is also suitable, mainly because of its water-repellent properties, but it can attract dust faster if applied too heavily. Grease lubricants, like lithium grease, are very effective on metal parts but often attract dust and dirt on furniture, which can be counterproductive in the long run.
Application instructions:
1. Pull the drawer out completely.
2. Clean the runners with a clean cloth and isopropanol.
3. Apply PTFE spray thinly and evenly, then pull the drawer in and out several times to distribute the lubricant well.
A small tip: also check if all screws on the runners are tight, as loose parts can cause noise too.
How are the runners on your drawers constructed? Are they metal runners with ball bearings or simple plastic guides? Knowing this is important to recommend the ideal lubricant.
PLOMA schrieb:
Silicone spray is also well suited, especially because of its water-repellent propertiesI recommend silicone spray because it is easy to apply and provides quick relief. First, clean briefly with alcohol, then use a small amount of spray and move the drawer several times.
D
draFrederi21 Jul 2022 09:14Hey josue59 and all other drawer squeakers! 😊
I had the same problem with my Malm dresser – the noise was really annoying every time I closed it. After some experimenting, I can say: silicone spray is the secret hero here! It’s clean, doesn’t leave grease stains, and quickly takes care of the squeaking. Just don’t use too much, or it will attract dust and you’ll end up more annoyed later.
Also, cleaning the tracks shortly beforehand with a damp cloth and some dish soap worked wonders for me. After applying the spray, you should move the drawer up and down a few times, as PLOMA already mentioned.
And if you still have small rubber or plastic stoppers on yours, josue59: better not spray those, as they can become brittle or come loose.
Good luck, and don’t feel alone with the Malm squeak problem 😉!
I had the same problem with my Malm dresser – the noise was really annoying every time I closed it. After some experimenting, I can say: silicone spray is the secret hero here! It’s clean, doesn’t leave grease stains, and quickly takes care of the squeaking. Just don’t use too much, or it will attract dust and you’ll end up more annoyed later.
Also, cleaning the tracks shortly beforehand with a damp cloth and some dish soap worked wonders for me. After applying the spray, you should move the drawer up and down a few times, as PLOMA already mentioned.
And if you still have small rubber or plastic stoppers on yours, josue59: better not spray those, as they can become brittle or come loose.
Good luck, and don’t feel alone with the Malm squeak problem 😉!
josue59 schrieb:
I prefer something that works well on plastic and metal parts, does not stick, and does not attract dustHi josue59,
since you specifically value these properties, I’d like to summarize the topic of lubricants here in a structured way:
1. Cleaning: Always clean before lubricating. Dust and old grease residues prevent good adhesion.
2. Silicone oil (liquid) or silicone spray: Good for plastic and metal, non-sticky, water-repellent, but as mentioned, rather temporary (renew every few months).
3. PTFE spray: Very slippery, suitable for heavy loads, creates dry surfaces. More suitable for metal sliding rails.
4. Dry lubricants based on wax (graphite or Teflon): Very clean to use, also suitable for plastic.
5. Grease (e.g., lithium grease): Very durable but attracts dust—therefore less suitable for furniture.
My tip: For Malm drawers, which often consist of a combination of metal and plastic, silicone spray is usually the best choice. Apply thinly and evenly, as described earlier.
If you want it to last longer: combine with PTFE, but make sure it stays truly dry on the surface.
Summary:
Clean the rails -> apply a thin layer of silicone spray or PTFE -> allow to run in -> repeat after a few months if needed.
Avoid oils that are very sticky (e.g., WD-40 is not a long-term lubricant but more of a cleaner).
Good luck with your project!
Jensson schrieb:
Never use oils that are very sticky (e.g., WD-40 is not a long-term lubricant, more of a cleaner).This is an important tip. Although WD-40 temporarily removes dirt, its oily residues make the guides worse over time.
Optimal lubricants for Malm drawers:
- PTFE spray: low friction, non-sticky, repels dust
- Silicone spray: easy to apply, clean, but less durable
Application steps:
1. Thoroughly clean with suitable solvents (isopropanol, denatured alcohol)
2. Apply a thin layer
3. Open and close the drawer several times
This way, you can effectively and permanently eliminate the squeaking.
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