ᐅ What should you do if the MALM drawer gets stuck when opening?

Hello everyone,

I hope someone here can help me, as I recently encountered a small but annoying problem with one of my Malm dressers from IKEA. Every time I open the drawer, it sticks in one spot. Sometimes it sticks so much that I have to pull it open with some force manually, which I obviously don’t want to do regularly to avoid causing any damage.

I would like to know what common causes there are for this kind of sticking. Is it often due to inaccurate drawer slides or is there perhaps an adjustment option that I have overlooked? Any tips for fixing or maintenance would be great – so far, I have only measured and carefully checked the drawer but couldn’t find any visible issues.

Has anyone had similar experiences and could share how they solved the problem? Thanks in advance!

ronopo schrieb:
Every time I open the drawer, it gets stuck in one spot.

That sounds really frustrating when you constantly have to adjust it because the drawer doesn’t slide smoothly. I know that feeling all too well from my own furniture: something like this can be quite annoying, especially when you just want to use a simple drawer without any hassle.

In my experience, sticking often happens due to slightly dirty or bent slides. With my MALM drawers, cleaning the metal or plastic rails thoroughly, lightly lubricating all moving parts (careful not to use too much), and checking if the drawer is still properly aligned always helped. Sometimes it’s just a slight warping from moisture, which means it needs to be readjusted.

Maybe you have a way to check these things already? And how is the load on your drawer – do you have too many or too heavy items in it? That can also cause problems.

ronopo schrieb:
Has anyone had similar experiences and could share how they resolved the issue?

Objectively, the most common causes for sticking MALM drawers are mechanical obstructions, dirt, or faulty adjustments of the drawer slides.

Recommendation:

1. Remove the drawer completely. To do this, pull it out all the way to the stop, then press the lever on the sides of the slides either up or down (depending on the design).

2. Check the drawer slides for visible damage, deformation, or dirt. Even small wood chips, dust, or pieces of paper can significantly block the movement.

3. Clean the drawer slides with a dry cloth and, if grease or other residues are present, use isopropyl alcohol.

4. Make sure all screws fastening the drawer and slides are securely tightened, as usage can sometimes cause slight loosening.

5. Check the alignment of the drawer when reinserting it. If the drawer is tilted, this often causes sticking.

If the problem persists after these steps, the drawer slides may need to be replaced due to wear.

JONKO schrieb:
In my experience, jamming is often caused by slightly dirty or bent guide rails.

I agree with that – sometimes it really is the small, inconspicuous things that make everyday life difficult 😊.

I had the same problem once, and spraying the sliding rails lightly with a bit of silicone spray helped me. It doesn’t damage the plastic or metal parts and ensures the drawer moves smoothly. However, I would recommend using the spray very sparingly to avoid it getting on clothing or the floor.

Also, if the drawer is overfilled, that can cause stress as well. Maybe try emptying it, rearranging a bit, and then try again. Sometimes small distortions in the wood can also be the cause – in such cases, gentle adjustment with a screwdriver can help if screws are loose.

Good luck with fixing it! And if you like, feel free to share what ultimately worked 🙂

bupar schrieb:
Remove the drawer completely.

Removing the drawer is the first step.

Then check all the runners for any damage.

Apply a thin layer of silicone spray.

If it still sticks, replace the runners.

Done.