We’re back today with another post on drawer repair.  Sometimes you may have a sticky drawer, one that just doesn’t open and close as smoothly as you’d like.  This can sometimes be a structural issue (we talked about that in the last post), a slide needs to be repaired, the drawer is mis-aligned, etc.  But sometimes it simply needs a bit of “grease”.  

Here are 3 Surprising Tricks to get those drawers running more smoothly, and most of these you already have in your house! 

1. Candle Stick

Have a broken old candlestick?  Don’t throw it away!  You can use the wax off the stick to help you drawers run a little smoother.  

Simply rub the candlestick along the runners and allow the wax to build up.  Also do this on the bottoms of the drawers where it will meet the runners.  Easy peasy.  

2. Ivory Soap 

If you are out of candlesticks, see if you have some bars of soap laying around.  Especially Ivory.  The waxy feel of this soap works in your favor here.  Run the soap along the runners in the same way you would the candle.  It will create a buildup that will help the drawers run a little better.  

Also rub the soap along the bottom edges of the drawers.  The extra soap scent is never a bad thing when you open a drawer either.  This method does create some soap shavings, but they are easy to sweep up. 

3. Paste Wax

If you are feeling professional, grab the stuff the pros use.  Minwax Paste Wax is an old standard among furniture refinishers. It’s different than the soft creamy waxes that are so popular today.  

To use this wax, put a small ball of wax into an old t-shirt or cloth.  

Twist the rag around the wax to make a small ball, then use this to rub your drawer slides down.  

The friction will melt the wax just enough and as it comes through the old cloth will wax the runners with the perfect amount.  Also wax the bottoms of the drawers.  

4. Check for obstructions. 

Bonus!  This may be obvious, but you’d be surprised the number of times I’ve found a drawer isn’t working properly is simply because something has gotten in the way.  Maybe a splintered piece of wood, a loose runner, a nail or screw that has come loose.  Check out the inside of the piece well and see what you can find. (In this piece there was a piece of splintered wood hanging down in the drawer opening).

Try these tips and tricks next time you have a drawer that’s just a little too rough to operate, I bet one of them will help. 

I promise the final makeover of this piece is coming soon, until then here’s a sneak peek! 

Until next time, 

Jenni