ᐅ Malm drawers sticking – how can I fix this myself?

Hello everyone,

I have a problem with my Malm dresser where some of the drawers have started to stick. It feels like the sliding rails are either rusted or maybe the rollers are no longer properly aligned. Pulling and pushing the drawers now requires a lot of force, which is obviously not good and won’t last in the long run.

I have already checked if dirt or small objects were caught in the tracks but didn’t find anything unusual. The drawers are not overloaded, so weight is not a factor.

My question to you: How can I fix this sticking issue with the Malm drawers myself? Is there a specific trick to readjust or clean the rails? Do any parts possibly need to be replaced, and if so, which ones? I have some basic tools at home but I’m not a professional—so a step-by-step guide would be appreciated if possible.

Thank you in advance for your advice!

First, fully extend the drawers and carefully inspect the runners. Usually, it is enough to clean the runners and lightly spray them with silicone spray or lubricant (no grease).

If the rollers are damaged, you will need to remove them and get replacements. Especially with Malm, the rollers often simply click in.

telexa schrieb:
My question to you: How can I fix the sticking of Malm drawers myself? Is there a specific trick to adjust or clean the rails? Do any parts need to be replaced, and if so, which ones?

Hello telexa,

I’m happy to provide a more detailed guide on how to tackle this issue, as Malm drawers have some particular features:

1. Remove the drawer: Pull the drawer out completely. Malm drawers usually have small levers or clips on the runners that you need to press to fully remove the drawer.

2. Cleaning: Check the drawer slides—remove dust, crumbs, and any stuck debris. Use a dry cloth or brush.

3. Inspect the rollers/slides: The runners often consist of two parts—one fixed to the cabinet and one attached to the drawer. Make sure the plastic rollers spin freely and are not damaged.

4. Lubrication: Use only dry silicone spray or a lubricant suitable for plastic components. Regular oil or grease can attract dirt and worsen the problem.

5. Check alignment: Sometimes the guides on Malm drawers can be slightly adjusted. Look for small screws that allow shifting the runner slightly—this can help the drawer operate more smoothly.

6. Reinstall: Carefully put the drawer back in place. Listen for clicking sounds, which indicate the rollers are properly seated in the runners.

7. Test function: Open and close the drawer several times to ensure the sticking has been resolved.

If the problem persists after these steps, the rollers or runners might need to be replaced. You can usually order replacement parts from IKEA or look for compatible universal replacement rollers at a hardware store.

I hope this helps! 🙂

giabau schrieb:
Use only dry silicone spray or a suitable lubricant designed for plastic parts.

This is very important! Many people just use oil or WD-40, but these attract dust and cause the tracks to stick even more.

Additionally: If the drawer still doesn’t slide smoothly, check the alignment of the track. Sometimes the bracket bends, especially in older furniture, and in that case, carefully straightening it with a small screwdriver or hammer is enough.

If you need to buy completely new tracks, make sure to get the exact IKEA Malm replacement parts, as otherwise they often won’t fit properly.

I’ve been in the same situation, but it’s worth being patient – this way you can save money on a professional and even learn a bit about furniture maintenance 🙂