How to Keep Drawers From Sticking

Keep drawers sliding smoothly by lubricating them.

Sticking drawers that don't glide easily or that you have to force out are not only annoying, but they rarely get better on their own. In fact, they often just get worse, causing you to consider replacing the cabinet or dresser itself. Since stuck drawers often are caused by the natural warping that can occur from the changing temperatures within your home, you will often experience this problem in time with another cabinet. Instead, focus on assisting the drawer by giving it a little extra help by way of lubrication.

Things You'll Need

• Damp cloth
• Silicone lubricant for plastic, rubber and metal
• Hard wax

Instructions

1. Pull out the drawer from the cabinet. Turn over the drawer and rest it on a flat surface so the bottom of the drawer is upright.

2. Wipe the drawer guides or rollers with a damp cloth to remove dirt and buildup.

3. Spray the rollers, if you drawer has them, evenly with a silicone lubricant. For drawers with guides, rub hard wax either from a candle or paraffin along the bottom drawer edges and the center guide on both the bottom of the drawer and the one mounted in the cabinet.

4. Turn over the drawer and place it back in the cabinet.

References

• The Family Handyman: How to Loosen Sticking Drawers
• Accurate Building: How to Loosen Stuck Wooden Drawer
• Apartment Therapy: Making Sense of Stuck Drawers