ᐅ Malm dresser squeaks when moved – how to lubricate it without leaving residue?
Created on: 2 Jul 2020 08:11
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Gauleif4
Hello everyone,
I have a Malm dresser from IKEA that increasingly squeaks when moved or slid around. It’s especially annoying because the dresser often needs to be repositioned or pushed against the wall. I understand that the noise usually comes from the hinges or the moving parts of the drawers, and I suspect that applying some lubricant might help.
My question is: How can I lubricate the Malm dresser thoroughly and appropriately without leaving any residue that could stain the floor or furniture? Are there specific oils or lubricants that remain discreet yet durable? What is the best way to identify the exact squeaky spots and treat them without damaging the dresser?
I would appreciate any detailed instructions, tips, or product recommendations!
I have a Malm dresser from IKEA that increasingly squeaks when moved or slid around. It’s especially annoying because the dresser often needs to be repositioned or pushed against the wall. I understand that the noise usually comes from the hinges or the moving parts of the drawers, and I suspect that applying some lubricant might help.
My question is: How can I lubricate the Malm dresser thoroughly and appropriately without leaving any residue that could stain the floor or furniture? Are there specific oils or lubricants that remain discreet yet durable? What is the best way to identify the exact squeaky spots and treat them without damaging the dresser?
I would appreciate any detailed instructions, tips, or product recommendations!
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NICOLELIS2 Jul 2020 15:20Regarding lubricant residues: If anyone wants to be on the safe side, you can use petroleum jelly or non-greasy bearing greases that do not drip and attract less dirt.
However, for furniture, silicone oil is usually the best compromise between effectiveness and cleanliness.
However, for furniture, silicone oil is usually the best compromise between effectiveness and cleanliness.
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marcosku523 Jul 2020 09:14Hey, this is a really great thread! I have a similar Malm dresser that used to squeak quite a bit as well.
From my experience, it also helps to completely disassemble the dresser and treat the drawer runners separately.
A little anecdote: I once tried Ballistol — a great multi-purpose oil, but it can be a bit too oily for furniture and leave stains. Silicone oil has remained unbeatable for me.
And of course: Protect the floor with a nice cloth or newspapers — that’s easy to do.
From my experience, it also helps to completely disassemble the dresser and treat the drawer runners separately.
A little anecdote: I once tried Ballistol — a great multi-purpose oil, but it can be a bit too oily for furniture and leave stains. Silicone oil has remained unbeatable for me.
And of course: Protect the floor with a nice cloth or newspapers — that’s easy to do.
Gauleif4 schrieb:
Could you say a bit more about how to best determine whether plastic or metal is involved?A few technical details: In the IKEA Malm dresser, the drawer slides are usually a combination of metal rails with plastic glides. The plastic is typically polyamide (nylon), which is heat-resistant and has good sliding properties. This material is sensitive to oily lubricants, which can evaporate or degrade the plastic.
When you pull out the drawer, you should carefully examine the slides. Metal can be recognized by its shiny, cool surface, while plastic is usually matte and feels warmer to the touch. If you’re unsure, you can gently wipe the surface with a fine paper towel: plastic residues usually leave no marks, whereas metal typically feels cool and may have slight oily residues.
If the glides are movable, you can also carefully test whether they move freely or feel stuck.
For lubrication, I strongly recommend a PTFE dry lubricant, as it offers a very good balance of material compatibility, smooth sliding, and cleanliness.
Thank you all for the helpful tips and for sharing your experiences!
Today, I will inspect the Malm, remove the drawers, and check the slides. The suggestion to use a paperclip or toothpick sounds great, and I will give that a try.
I plan to use a PTFE dry lubricant after thoroughly cleaning, as TYRELL and Alina67 described. The details about the material are especially important to me to avoid causing any damage.
I will be happy to report back on whether it worked.
Today, I will inspect the Malm, remove the drawers, and check the slides. The suggestion to use a paperclip or toothpick sounds great, and I will give that a try.
I plan to use a PTFE dry lubricant after thoroughly cleaning, as TYRELL and Alina67 described. The details about the material are especially important to me to avoid causing any damage.
I will be happy to report back on whether it worked.
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