Dirt, moisture or defects in the slide mechanism or the drawer itself may cause a drawer to stick and be difficult to open or close. You can take care of this, whether the drawer or its slides are made of plastic, metal or wood. A small amount of lubricating grease, applied properly, can make the drawers slide more easily. Substance other than grease also can help remedy the problem.
Remove the drawer completely or pull it all the way out, if removing it is not easy or possible.
Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water. Wipe this over the drawer slides to remove dust. For more stubborn dirt, apply a drop of dish soap to a warm, wet cloth and wipe it over the slides. Rinse off the soap with another damp cloth.
- Dirt, moisture or defects in the slide mechanism or the drawer itself may cause a drawer to stick and be difficult to open or close.
- Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth with water.
Wipe the slides with a dry cloth. Allow them a few minutes more to finish air-drying. Lubricating grease works most effectively on clean, dry parts.
- Wipe the slides with a dry cloth.
Coat metal or plastic drawer slides with white lithium spray grease. Point the nozzle toward the slide, holding the can just an inch or two above it. Spray along the entire length of the slide.
Rub wood slides on wood drawers with paraffin or a bar of soap. Apply the wax or soap to both the slide and the bottom edges of the drawer.
Push the drawer in and out several times to spread the lubricant around. Reapply the grease, the paraffin or the soap whenever the drawer starts sticking again.
TIP
White lithium grease is available at hardware and home improvement stores.