Home Remedies to Make Wood Drawers Slide Easier

Published October 27, 2023

If you’ve ever owned a wooden drawer, you’ll understand the struggle of opening it when it’s stuck. You’ve probably let out a few curses and engaged in a one-sided shouting match with your drawer.

In that, you’re not alone. Many of us know the frustration of wanting to get something from the drawer only to find it stuck. It’s so annoying that sometimes you just want to yank the whole thing out or set it on fire. Whichever works.

But why do wooden drawers often get stuck?

Unlike metal, wood tends to warp or change shape over time. They expand during the hot summer months and shrink in winter. Changes in the environment’s humidity and moisture also affect their shape and size. This is why most old drawers are tricky to open.

But before you pull your hair out in frustration, know that sticky drawers can be easily fixed. The key to improving it might just be in your pantry!

How To Make Wood Drawers Slide Easier

1. Paraffin Wax

Used in a wide range of products, paraffin wax is readily available in your local grocery store. Pull the drawer out completely, then rub the wax on the sides, edges, and all surfaces where the drawer touches the chest.

If the drawer is stuck and pulling it out entirely is almost impossible, you must apply it by phase. Rub the wax on the inside surfaces of the drawer that are visible. Then, slowly slide them back and pull them out. The sliding motion will push the wax to the unexposed surfaces, making them slide more easily. The process will be slow, but it’s worth it if it ends your perpetual pulling game with your drawer.

2. Soap

If you can’t make that trip to the grocery store for a block of paraffin wax, you can always use that soap bar in your bathroom. Preferably, use unscented ones so they won’t attract ants and insects. If not, make sure it’s the one you wouldn’t mind smelling all the time.

Just like the paraffin wax, rub the soap all over the edges and surfaces of the drawer that touches the chest. Make sure to apply it as evenly as possible and that it’s not too thick so it will still fit when you slide it back in.

3. Candle

Candlesticks and even tea candles work well with stuck drawers, too. Just use it like you would a paraffin wax or soap. If you’re using a tea candle, ensure the scent will not attract insects. A white candle is also recommended as it won’t leave visible surface stains.

4. Sanding

Sometimes, the wood will become so bloated that it no longer fits inside the chest. In this case, a simple waxing won’t do. You will have to sand the surface of the drawer to reduce its size. After sanding, you may apply wax or any other wood coating to keep it from expanding or shrinking.

5. Wax Paper

No worries if you have no paraffin wax, candle, or soap. You can also use that wax paper at the back of your cupboard. As the name suggests, wax paper is coated with paraffin wax. When you rub it on the wood, some paraffin wax will transfer to its surface.

Using wax paper, however, can be labor-intensive. Unlike soap and candles, you must rub it many times to get the ideal amount of paraffin wax on your wood. But if you’ve got no other option, this will do.

Just remember that all these fixes are not permanent. Wax tends to rub out over time, so you must reapply it every few months.

6. Lubricant Spray

Silicone spray or silicone grease can lubricate wooden drawers. These products work well and do not stain the wood like oils would.

Related: How To Remove Heat Stains From Wood: The Ultimate Guide

7. Graphite Powder

Apply a small amount of powder on the wooden drawer slides. This acts as a dry lubricant and helps reduce friction, making the drawers slide smoothly.