ᐅ MALM dresser squeaks when moved – how to lubricate?

Hello everyone,

I have a Malm chest of drawers from IKEA, and the drawers constantly squeak when pulling them out and pushing them back in. The noise obviously comes from the drawer slides or the moving parts during gliding. Now I would like to know: how and with what should I lubricate the chest of drawers to permanently eliminate the squeaking?

I've heard that WD-40 is sometimes recommended, but that it mainly helps as a rust remover and is not necessarily ideal for lubrication. Is there a better lubricant for the metal and plastic parts that works well and doesn’t become sticky or attract dirt?

Additionally, I’m interested in whether the drawer slides need to be completely removed for this, or if there’s an easier way without fully disassembling the chest of drawers?

Thanks in advance for your tips and experience!

FOMAR schrieb:
How and with what should I best lubricate the chest of drawers to permanently eliminate the squeaking?

That’s a good question, and I think it makes sense to approach this in detail. I have a MALM chest of drawers myself, and the squeaking on the sliding rails can actually have several causes.

First, it is important to completely remove the drawers. Only then can you properly access the sliding rails and their moving parts. In the MALM, the rails are usually made of metal with plastic rollers.

You should avoid using WD-40, as it is initially oily but dries relatively quickly after evaporation and attracts dust and dirt, which can lead to worse noises over time.

A better option is a silicone-based lubricant or a special dry lubricant suitable for both metal and plastic. Silicone spray is particularly recommended here because it does not gum up and is water-repellent.

Procedure:
1. Fully pull out and remove the drawers.
2. Clean the sliding rails with isopropanol or a slightly damp cloth to remove old dirt and grease.
3. Spray a thin layer of silicone spray on the sliding track and rollers. Don’t use too much, as that can attract dust.
4. Reinsert the drawers and move them several times to distribute the lubricant evenly.

Make sure not to apply oily greases to the plastic parts, as these can become brittle.

How exactly is it with you? Can you easily remove the drawers, or is something stuck?

I would simply use silicone spray; it usually works well. Pull out the drawer, spray the running rails, let it sit for a short time, and then move it a few times. That should do the trick.

Domau0 schrieb:
You should avoid using WD-40 because it is initially oily but dries relatively quickly after evaporation, attracting dust and dirt, which can lead to even worse noises over time.

I can confirm this from experience! Especially with furniture that moves a lot, such a "miracle oil" often leaves a greasy film behind, which then becomes a permanent attractant for dirt and debris.

My tip: Get a small bottle of silicone oil for doors—it has been my secret for years to stop squeaking. Bonus: It doesn’t have a strong smell and is easy to apply.

Oh, and if you like, you can give your dresser a gentle wipe afterwards as a little pampering—this keeps everything nice and clean 🙂 🙂

FOMAR schrieb:
Is there a better lubricant for metal and plastic components that works well without becoming sticky or attracting dirt?

Silicone spray is preferable to traditional oils because it is specifically designed for sliding surfaces that include both metal and plastic. It creates a thin film that reduces friction without leaving residue.

Domau0 schrieb:
Completely remove drawers... clean the runners with isopropanol.

Cleaning with isopropanol is a good step if visible dirt or old grease has built up. Be sure to use only a small amount to avoid damaging the plastic parts.

In summary:
- Remove drawers
- Clean runners
- Apply silicone spray sparingly
- Reinsert drawers and check for smooth movement

This procedure usually eliminates squeaking in MALM dressers permanently.