ᐅ Why does the Malm dresser squeak when opening?

Hello everyone, I have a Malm chest of drawers from Ikea that regularly squeaks when opening the drawers. Although I have lubricated the runners, the noise persists. I am particularly interested in understanding more precisely why these typical squeaking sounds occur with this type of chest, what mechanics or material friction are involved, and whether there are any recommended, sustainable solutions that can permanently eliminate the problem. Has anyone had more in-depth experience with this issue or can explain the exact cause?

The squeaking usually occurs due to friction between the runners and the plastic or metal guides, which can be worsened by dust, dirt, or a lack of lubricant. In the Malm dresser, the plastic sliders are often affected, which can cause noise due to dryness or material wear. The best solution is to clean the tracks carefully and apply an appropriate lubricant—ideally silicone oil or Teflon spray instead of regular oil to prevent dust from sticking.

Thoroughly clean everything first, then apply silicone spray. It’s best not to use too much, as it can become sticky again.

In general, squeaking indicates that two surfaces are rubbing against each other, with air being pushed out from between the irregularities, causing the noise. In the case of the Malm dresser, the interaction between wood, plastic glides, and metal results in this audible friction. If you have already applied oil, I recommend thoroughly cleaning the parts first, especially the plastic components, since oil can become sticky when mixed with dirt and might worsen the problem. After that, a light lubricant such as silicone spray usually helps. Alternatively, you can try replacing the plastic glides if they have become deformed due to wear.

The construction of the Malm dressers is quite simple, but the MDF material used reacts to moisture and temperature fluctuations with slight expansions, which can worsen squeaking. Additionally, the drawer runners are made of slightly flexible plastic that wears down over time. Therefore, besides cleaning and lubricating, it is advisable to occasionally check the alignment of the drawer. Misalignments significantly increase friction.

Avoid moisture in the room. Additionally, felt strips on the contact surfaces of the drawers often help to prevent squeaking.