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The short answer: Malm bed drawers stick most often because the drawer slides are misaligned, lack lubrication, or the wood has swollen from humidity. You can fix it in under an hour with simple tools like a screwdriver, wax, or silicone spray. Start by checking alignment, then lubricate, and adjust as needed.
Malm beds use metal drawer slides (usually a runner and a track). Over time, the screws holding them can loosen, or the slides can get knocked out of position when you push drawers too hard. If the drawer catches on one side or feels tilted, misalignment is likely.
How to fix: Pull the drawer out fully. Look inside the cabinet: you’ll see screws on the slides. Loosen them slightly (do not remove), then push the drawer back and forth a few times. The slides should self-align. Tighten the screws while the drawer is in a smooth position. If the drawer still catches, check that both slides are at the same height and parallel. Use a level if needed.
Friction is a common cause. The metal slides can dry out, especially in low humidity. Many people reach for oil, but that attracts dust and gums up over time. Instead, use a dry lubricant like a silicone spray, or better yet, a paraffin wax block (like from a candle) or a furniture wax stick.
How to apply: Remove the drawer. Rub the wax stick along the top edge of the drawer runner (the part that glides) and also on the inside of the track where it touches. If using spray, spray sparingly on a cloth and wipe the track. Reinsert the drawer and slide it a few times. The wax will reduce friction without leaving oily residue.
If your Malm bed is near a window, in a basement, or in a humid climate, the particleboard can absorb moisture and swell. This makes the drawer sides press against the frame, causing sticking. You’ll notice the drawer is hard to open all the way, and you might see slight warping.
How to fix: First, reduce humidity in the room (use a dehumidifier). Then, check the drawer sides for any rough spots or paint that might be catching. Lightly sand the edges of the drawer (just a millimeter or two) with fine-grit sandpaper. Wipe off dust, and apply a thin coat of paste wax or silicone to the edges. This will help the drawer slide without scraping.
Some Malm beds have plastic or metal rollers that can break or get debris stuck. If you hear grinding or see a wheel not turning, that’s your issue.
How to fix: Remove the drawer. Look for small rollers or wheels on the drawer bottom or on the track. Clean them with a dry cloth. If a roller is cracked or missing, you can order a replacement from IKEA (they sell spare parts for a few dollars). While you’re at it, check that the track is not bent. If it is, you may need to replace that part as well.
Malm drawers have adjustable front panels. If the drawer front is rubbing against the frame or another drawer, it can cause sticking. The adjustment is done with the screws on the inside of the drawer front (usually a cam lock or a vertical adjustment screw).
How to fix: Open the drawer. Look at the sides where the front attaches. You’ll see a vertical slot with a screw. Loosen it slightly and push the front up or down to align it with the gaps around it. Tighten. Also check the horizontal alignment: there may be a screw that shifts the front left/right. Make sure the drawer front sits evenly in the opening.
If your Malm drawers are several years old and the slides are worn out, no amount of wax will fix them. In that case, you can replace the drawer slides with new ones from IKEA or third-party options. The process is simple: unscrew the old slides, screw in new ones (matching the length). This will give you smooth operation for years.
If you’re thinking about a completely different bed with better storage features, check out our best storage beds guide for alternatives that might have more robust mechanisms.
Prevention is easier than repair. To keep your Malm bed drawers gliding smoothly, adopt a simple maintenance routine and avoid common mistakes.
Regular cleaning: Dust and debris are silent culprits. Every few months, vacuum the tracks with a brush attachment or wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth. This removes particles that can cause friction or block rollers.
Lubrication schedule: Apply a dry lubricant (silicone spray or wax) every six months, or more often in dry climates. Avoid over-lubricating; a thin film is enough. Too much wax can attract dust, so buff off any excess.
Humidity control: Keep indoor humidity between 30% and 50% if possible. Use a dehumidifier in damp basements or a humidifier in very dry homes. This minimizes wood swelling and shrinkage, which are major causes of sticking.
Proper use: Avoid overloading drawers. Malm drawers have weight limits (typically around 10-15 kg per drawer, but check your manual). Exceeding this strains the slides and leads to misalignment. Also, close drawers gently; slamming them can knock slides out of alignment.
Seasonal checks: At the start of each season, open and close all drawers. Listen for grinding or catching. Address small issues early before they become major problems.
Many DIY fixes fail because of a few avoidable errors. Here are the most common mistakes and how to steer clear of them.
Using the wrong lubricant: As mentioned, oil and WD-40 attract dust and gum up. Stick to dry lubricants like silicone or wax. Also, avoid graphite in visible areas; it can stain.
Over-tightening screws: When adjusting slides, tighten screws firmly but not excessively. Over-tightening can strip the screw holes in particleboard, making it impossible to secure the slide. If a screw hole is stripped, use a slightly larger screw or fill it with wood glue and a toothpick, then re-drill.
Ignoring humidity: If you fix alignment but the room is damp, the problem will return. Always address moisture issues alongside mechanical fixes.
Sanding too aggressively: When sanding drawer edges, use fine-grit sandpaper (120-220) and remove only a tiny amount of material. Over-sanding can create gaps or weaken the drawer.
Forgetting to check all drawers: If one drawer sticks, others may soon follow. Inspect and maintain all drawers at the same time.
Not all sticking issues are worth fixing. Consider these factors to decide whether to repair or replace.
Age of the bed: If your Malm bed is under five years old, it’s likely worth repairing. Older beds may have worn slides that are beyond lubrication.
Extent of damage: If the particleboard is swollen, warped, or crumbling, repairs may be temporary. Water damage often means replacement is the better option.
Cost of parts: Replacement slides are relatively inexpensive (budget-friendly), so if the frame is sound, replacing slides is a cost-effective fix. However, if multiple parts are broken, a new bed might be more economical in the long run.
Your DIY skills: Simple adjustments and lubrication are easy for most people. Replacing slides requires basic tools and confidence. If you’re unsure, a handyman can do it, but the cost might approach the price of a new bed frame.
Alternative storage needs: If you’re constantly fighting sticking drawers, it might be a sign that the Malm’s storage design doesn’t suit your needs. In that case, explore other storage bed options that offer better accessibility or durability.
It’s not recommended. Cooking oils go rancid and attract dust, which will make sticking worse. Use a dry lubricant like silicone or wax instead.
A sticking point usually indicates a bump or burr on the slide or wood. Inspect the track and the drawer bottom for any roughness. Sand it lightly and apply wax to that exact spot.
No, most sticking issues are fixable with alignment and lubrication. If the bed frame is structurally sound, replacing slides or adjusting should solve it. Only if the frame is warped beyond repair would you consider a new bed.
Remember, periodic maintenance is key: every six months, wipe the slides and apply a touch of wax. That will keep your Malm drawers gliding smoothly for years.
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