ᐅ What to do if Malm drawers become misaligned?

Hello community, some time ago I got an Ikea Malm bed with built-in drawers. Unfortunately, one of the drawers has recently started to run crooked, causing it to jam when pulled out and not close properly. The side sliding, in particular, doesn’t seem to work correctly anymore, even though I can’t see any visible damage to the rail. Does anyone have good tips or proven methods to make Malm drawers run straight and smoothly again without having to buy replacement parts? Are there any small tricks or maintenance tips that can efficiently fix this issue? Thanks in advance for your experiences and advice!

Hello Georg37, the issue often stems from dirty or misaligned drawer slides. It is advisable to completely remove the drawer slides and check for any damage. Then thoroughly clean all guide rails—dust, fibers, or small obstructions often cause jamming.

Additionally, you can check if the screws holding the slides are still tight. Loose installation often leads to misalignment.

The running grooves on Malm drawers are often made of plastic—using a dry silicone spray (not oil) can help restore smooth movement. Avoid greasy lubricants, as they attract dust.

If black plastic rollers run in the guides, these should also be cleaned or replaced if there is visible wear. Sometimes small adjustments to the drawer’s alignment on the slides by slightly correcting the mounting points can solve the problem.

Clean the area, use silicone spray, and tighten the screws. If that doesn’t help, replace the track.

gekira schrieb:
The running grooves in Malm drawers are often made of plastic – here it is worth using a dry silicone spray (no oil)

I agree with that. I had the same problem and it was really annoying. After cleaning and applying a thin layer of silicone, the drawer ran smoothly again. Give it a try—it’s really frustrating when drawers keep sticking. 🙂

Georg37 schrieb:
Especially the lateral sliding no longer seems to work properly

Often it helps to completely remove the drawer and realign the drawer slides so they are perfectly parallel to the drawer front. This is especially common with IKEA furniture, where the slides can shift slightly due to load. Also check if the cabinet carcass is warped or if the mounting points for the slides are damaged.

If needed, you can slightly loosen the screws, precisely adjust the slide, and then retighten them. Straightening the slides can make a big difference. If you have some DIY skills, you can also attach small felt pads inside the drawer sides to reduce friction.