ᐅ What to do if IKEA Hemnes drawers are difficult to open and close?

Created on: 10 Dec 2020 08:47
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SOLO59
Hello everyone,

I have noticed that the drawers of my IKEA Hemnes sideboard have become increasingly difficult to open and close over time. Although the sliding rails seem to be intact, the drawers still tend to stick occasionally. This raises my question: What can be done when IKEA Hemnes drawers become hard to operate?

I suspect it might be due to material friction or possibly dirt buildup, but I don’t have clear instructions on how to professionally and permanently resolve the issue.

What are your experiences with this topic? Are there any specific maintenance tips or tricks to improve the smoothness of Hemnes drawers without having to fully disassemble them?

I would appreciate any practical advice!
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Juan31
10 Dec 2020 19:42
My advice is aimed at anyone who wants to solve the problem permanently:

1. Remove the drawer and check for cracks or deformations.
2. Treat the guide rails with a fine abrasive pad to remove oxidation.
3. Clean them with an alcohol-based cleaner afterwards.
4. Apply a dry lubricant system, such as silicone spray, which improves movement without leaving sticky residues.
5. After reinstalling, the drawer usually operates smoothly again.

If this is not sufficient, replacing the runners at IKEA can also be a good option, as damaged rails can cause additional problems.
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umberto
11 Dec 2020 08:04
Pull the drawers out, clean them, apply silicone spray, put the drawers back in, done. That’s all there is to it.
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Nauman5
11 Dec 2020 10:57
I find that issues with sticking drawers are annoying but definitely solvable!

My personal favorite method is to gently rub some beeswax on the edges after cleaning them with a dry cloth. It feels very natural to apply and has the advantage of not leaving any greasy marks.
GLALEO schrieb:
I carefully sanded the wooden surfaces on the edges that rub against each other using fine sandpaper
I did that too! You really have to be careful not to remove too much material. But it definitely makes the whole thing feel smoother.

DIY furniture projects like this are fun anyway – you always feel a bit like a home improvement pro afterward! 😉
V
vinli
11 Dec 2020 13:23
Nauman5 schrieb:
After cleaning with a dry cloth, gently rub some beeswax onto the edges.

This is a practical and useful tip. I would only add the recommendation to apply the beeswax sparingly to avoid leaving residues that could attract dust.

Additionally, it is important to hygienically ensure that no wax gets into mechanical sliding parts, as this can affect their functionality.

For long-term performance, it is essential to repeat these treatments from time to time and to place the furniture in a climate-stable environment.