ᐅ What to do if MALM drawers no longer slide smoothly?

Created on: 26 Jul 2022 14:37
D
dufifo
Hello everyone,

I have a problem with an IKEA Malm chest of drawers where the drawers no longer slide as smoothly as they used to. They sometimes stick or jerk when being pulled out, especially the larger drawers with wooden or metal runners. Occasionally, it seems like the sliding rails may misalign slightly.

Has anyone had experience with what exactly can be done to restore the drawers to smooth, like-new operation? I have already considered cleaning and re-lubricating, but I would like to know precisely which lubricant is suitable and if there are any alignment issues to watch out for when adjusting the drawers.

I appreciate any helpful tips and possibly notes on known weak points of these MALM models. Thanks in advance!
D
dufifo
27 Jul 2022 16:08
Great, thanks! That helps me a lot. I will follow the cleaning and lubrication advice and, if necessary, replace the guide rails. The tips for adjusting the wooden drawers are a good addition for the next time.

If anyone has any further recommendations, feel free to share.
C
chenValeri
27 Jul 2022 16:27
Basically, I'll summarize again for anyone new here:

- Remove drawers and clean everything.
- Regularly clear rails of dust and hair.
- Use silicone spray, not WD-40.
- If there are deformations, moisten the wood and carefully straighten or reinforce it.
- Check the drawer’s load; do not overfill.
- If problems persist, replace the drawer slides.

This should ensure good performance in the long run.
J
JORGERON
27 Jul 2022 17:08
Good summary, thanks chenValeri.