ᐅ Which spare parts commonly fail in Malm stoves?

Hello forum,

I am currently focusing more on Ikea furniture, specifically the Malm series. I have noticed that there are recurring issues with certain replacement parts that need to be replaced more frequently. My question is: Based on your experience, which replacement parts of the Malm series tend to fail or wear out faster than expected?

I am particularly interested in specific components, detailed reasons for the defects, and, if possible, tips for preventive maintenance or suitable replacement options. For example, are the drawer slides, screws, or perhaps the handles the main problem areas? Thanks for your support!

From a technical perspective, it is often observed with the Malm series that the drawer slides (or runners) are subject to high stress and therefore show signs of wear more quickly. The plastic and metal components tend to deform or jam with heavy use.

In addition, the metal brackets on the back of the drawers are prone to material fatigue, especially when the drawers are frequently fully extended and loaded. Screws can occasionally loosen, which affects stability.

A preventive tip: regularly tightening the screws and, if necessary, replacing the slides with more robust runners available at hardware stores can help extend the lifespan.

Lotizar schrieb:
The drawer slides (or runners) are exposed to high loads and therefore show faster wear.

Exactly, I can confirm that. I’ve had to replace the plastic drawer guides on several Malm dressers myself because they became brittle or got stuck. This often happens after just a few years when the furniture is frequently opened and closed during the day.

Sometimes you also notice the handles becoming loose, which is due to the mounting screws. If these are left loose, cracks can develop around the screw holes in the wood, so I recommend tightening the screws regularly—but not too much, to avoid damaging the wood.

One more tip: Some users report that switching to branded replacement drawer slides from other manufacturers can be helpful for damaged slides, as these tend to be more durable and improve long-term functionality.

Romicheal schrieb:
Which spare parts of the Malm series, based on your experience, tend to fail or wear out more quickly than expected?

I would like to add that, in addition to the drawer slides, the back panels of the dressers can sometimes cause issues. These are often only thinly glued and not sufficiently reinforced, which can lead to cracking or fraying under load.

Furthermore, the furniture legs should not be underestimated: over time, they can loosen or break, especially if the floor is uneven or the furniture is moved. A stable base and occasional tightening of the fixing screws can help prevent these problems.

Tommy38 schrieb:
Sometimes you can also notice that the handles become loose.

Handles can usually be tightened easily with an appropriate screwdriver. For drawer slides, if they are damaged, I recommend ordering replacement parts directly from Ikea – they fit best.