8 Brilliant Methods to Make Your Wooden Drawers Slide Effortlessly

Howdy, I’m Arlene, owner of DecorGuider.com, Today, I want to share a trick I use to fix sticky drawers on old furniture.

I love repairing old furniture and giving it new life, especially pieces that have been cast aside and are destined for the dump.

In this article, I’ll show you how to make old drawers slide smoothly using some methods. Each method has its own advantages, so stay tuned to find out which one works best for you.

How to Make Wooden Drawers Slide Easier

Option 1: Using Minwax Paste Wax

Applying the Wax

When it comes to fixing old furniture with sticky drawers, I have found that Minwax Paste Wax is the perfect solution. This product is inexpensive and can be found at most hardware stores or Walmart. Here’s how I apply it:

Sand down the drawers to remove any roughness or splinters.
Apply a thin layer of the paste wax to the inside of the drawers using a paper towel or cloth.
Let the wax dry completely before putting the drawers back in.

You may need to apply a few coats of the wax to get the desired effect. I recommend doing this after painting the furniture, as the wax can repel water-based paint.

Benefits of Using Minwax

There are several benefits to using Minwax Paste Wax on old furniture with sticky drawers:

It creates a smooth finish, allowing the drawers to slide in and out more easily.
The wax is durable and long-lasting, so you won’t need to reapply it frequently.
It is an affordable solution for fixing old furniture, especially compared to expensive drawer slides or other hardware.

Overall, I highly recommend using Minwax Paste Wax to fix sticky drawers on old furniture. It’s a simple and effective solution that can save you time and money in the long run.

Option 2: Sandpaper

When it comes to fixing sticky drawers, using sandpaper is one of the simplest methods.

It involves identifying the contact points where the wooden components of the drawer and the dresser rub against each other and sanding them down to create a smoother surface.

Use a small piece of sandpaper and gently rub it against the contact points to create a smoother surface.
Avoid applying too much pressure to prevent damaging the wood.
Test the drawer by putting it back in and taking it out to check if it slides more smoothly.
Sandpaper is a simple and inexpensive option for sticky drawers.
It may not be effective for more serious issues.
Be cautious not to sand down the contact points excessively, as it can cause the drawer to become loose.

Option 3: Bar Soap

Using a bar of soap to grease up the tracks and contact points of the web frame can be an alternative method for smoother drawer sliding. While it may not be as effective as other options, it’s worth trying, especially if you have a bar of soap readily available.

Here’s how to use bar soap for improving drawer sliding:

Take a bar of soap and lightly grease the underside edge of the drawer by rubbing the soap against it.
You’ll immediately notice the surface becoming slicker, which can facilitate easier sliding of the drawer in and out of the dresser.

Keep in mind the following tips when using this method:

Avoid using an excessive amount of soap, as it can hinder the drawer’s movement.
Prioritize cleaning out any dust or debris from both the drawer and the dresser before applying any method for optimal results.

While bar soap may not be the most effective solution, it can still provide some improvement in certain cases. Give it a try if you have a bar of soap on hand and observe the results for yourself.

Option 4: Beeswax

Another effective option for improving drawer sliding is to use beeswax. Similar to using bar soap, beeswax can be applied to the contact points within the web frame of the dresser.

It works well with paraffin wax, normal candle wax, or beeswax itself. You can easily find a bar of beeswax for around three dollars at Ace Hardware, or you can use tea light candles as a suitable alternative.

Follow these steps to apply beeswax:

Take a bar or block of beeswax and rub it onto the components that will come in contact with the parts inside the web frame of the dresser.
Ensure that you coat as many surfaces as possible without leaving excessive residue.
Beeswax is a commonly recommended and frequently used solution for sticky drawers.

Using beeswax is an affordable and convenient method to restore smooth sliding to your drawers. It’s a DIY solution that can be easily done at home.

If you’re experiencing difficulties with sticky drawers, give beeswax a try and observe the results for yourself.

Option 5: Wax Paper

If you don’t have beeswax or candles available, wax paper is a great alternative for improving drawer sliding. It has a thin wax coating on parchment, which ensures you don’t apply an excessive amount of lubrication to the drawer slides and other components in the dresser.

Follow these steps to use wax paper:

Take a piece of wax paper and fold it up.
Carefully rub the folded wax paper against the center slide, the sides of the web frame, and the other side of the drawer.
Be gentle to avoid splintering the wood or tearing the wax paper. Continue rubbing until you achieve a smooth surface.

Wax paper is an excellent choice for several reasons:

It’s readily available and easy to find.
It doesn’t leave behind a significant amount of residue or gunk on your furniture.
It’s a preferable option for those who are concerned about using chemicals or harsh substances on their wooden furniture.

If you’re seeking a simple and effective way to ensure smooth sliding of your drawers, consider using wax paper. It’s an easy solution that can make a significant difference in the functionality of your dresser.

Option 6: Dry Lube with Teflon

Dry lube with Teflon is regarded as one of the best options among the methods discussed. It is available in various products, with Teflon-based options being particularly preferred due to their exceptional slickness.

What sets it apart is the convenient spray-on applicator, making it easier to use than bar soap or beeswax since you don’t have to manually work the bar around.

Follow these steps to use dry lube with Teflon:

With the spray-on applicator, direct the spray precisely where needed, including the nooks and crannies of the dresser or drawer.
The lube initially goes on wet but quickly dries out, leaving behind two slick surfaces ideal for reducing friction between wood components.

The advantages of using dry lube with Teflon extend beyond dresser drawers:

It is versatile and can be used for other purposes such as lubricating door and window tracks, metal hardware, and even rope.
When applied and allowed to dry, it forms a pale coating that is not greasy and does not accumulate dirt or grime over time, unlike oil-based lubricants.

Dry lube with Teflon excels in wood applications and is often favored as a top choice. With a cost of approximately $5 or $6, it’s a handy product to keep around the house for various projects as the need arises.

Option 7: Howard Speed and Wax Method

Another highly recommended method for improving drawer sliding is the Howard Speed and Wax method. This method utilizes a wood polish and conditioner called Howard Speed and Wax, which is composed of beeswax and orange oil. The product typically costs around $12 and can be purchased at your local hardware store.

Follow these steps to use Howard Speed and Wax:

Take a small amount of the wax and load it onto a cloth.
Rub the wax along the edges of the drawer, as well as the front surface and inside runners.
Ensure thorough application to all necessary areas.

The Howard Speed and Wax method is known for its effectiveness in making drawers move smoothly.

Option 8: Tea Light Wax Method

The tea light wax method is another effective technique for improving drawer sliding. It involves using a tea light candle from the dollar store to address specific issues.

Follow these steps to use the tea light wax method:

Take a tea light candle and rub it along the drawer glide.
This method is particularly useful for filling in any frayed or worn wood grain and building up the front lip of the drawer.

The tea light wax method offers a quick and easy fix that helps enhance the sliding performance of the drawer.

Tips for Applying the Methods:

Identify Swollen Areas:
- Check for any swollen areas in your drawers caused by humidity.
- Look for bulging or protruding wood.
- If you find swollen areas, sand them down with 120-grit sandpaper to make them flush before applying any methods.
Applying the Methods to Worn Spots:
- Feed and Wax Method:
  - Apply Howard Speed and Wax to the edges and front surface of the drawer.
- Soap Method:
  - Rub a bar of soap along the edge where the drawer runs.
  - Apply to worn spots where the drawer hits on the side.
- For worn spots on inside runners:
  - Use feed and wax or soap method along the runners.
  - Work the product in until the drawer slides smoothly.
- Apply the method to worn spots on the front lip of the drawer to improve sliding.

Remember:

These methods are quick and easy ways to make drawers slide better.
Sand down swollen areas before applying any methods.
If you have any questions or comments, leave them below.