What can I put on wooden drawers to stop sticking?

Having drawers that stick when you try to open or close them can be extremely frustrating. It disrupts the smooth operation of your furniture and can even lead to damage over time as you force the drawers open and closed. Fortunately, there are several things you can apply to wooden drawers to help reduce sticking and keep them sliding smoothly.

Why Wooden Drawers Stick

Before looking at solutions, it helps to understand some of the common reasons wooden drawers stick:

• Swelling/Contraction – Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity and temperature. This can cause it to swell and stick in humid conditions or shrink and loosen in dry conditions.
• Worn Out Slides – Over time, drawer slides can wear down from frequent use, causing loosening, wobbling, and sticking.
• Paint or Finish Buildup – Built up paint or thick finishes inside drawers can cause rubbing and sticking.
• Dirt and Debris – Dust, dirt, grime, and other debris can collect in drawer runners and rub points leading to sticking.
• Warping – Exposure to moisture or other environmental factors can warp the wood, leading to alignment issues and sticking.

Solutions for Sticking Wooden Drawers

There are several options you can try to get sticky wooden drawers sliding smoothly again:

Lubricants

Applying a lubricant is one of the easiest and most effective solutions for sticking drawers. The lubricant reduces friction at rubbing points so the drawers can slide in and out easier. Some good options include:

• Bar or Liquid Soap – Apply a small amount of bar soap rubbed directly on the sticking points or spray liquid soap inside the drawer runners. Avoid scented or moisturizing soaps.
• Paraffin or Beeswax – Rub a bar of paraffin or beeswax on sticking spots to lubricate the wood.
• Graphite – Use a pencil to rub graphite powder on the sticking areas.
• Candle Wax – Rub the edge of a candle along the sticking points to transfer wax.
• Vegetable Oil – Apply a small amount of vegetable oil with a clean cloth.
• Silicone Spray – Spray silicone-based lubricant on drawer slides and rub points.

Wax Polish

Wax-based polishes can provide longer-lasting lubrication and protection for wooden drawers. Apply polish to the inside of drawers per the product instructions. Buff with a clean cloth until the wax coating is smooth and even. Some good options include:

• Furniture Polish – Contains waxes to condition wood and lubricate sticking points.
• Beeswax Polish – Made from 100% beeswax to deeply condition and lubricate wood.
• Carnauba Wax – Derived from palm leaves, it provides a hard protective wax coating.

Dry Lubricant Sprays

Dry lubricant sprays like graphite or PTFE (Teflon) spray can provide an excellent lubricant coating while avoiding any oily residue. Simply spray a light coating on rubbing points and wipe off any excess. The spray dries to a thin, slippery coating that reduces friction.

Baby or Talcum Powder

Sprinkling baby powder or talcum powder inside wooden drawers can help absorb excess moisture that causes swelling. It also provides a light lubricant coating. Simply sprinkle a small amount in each sticking drawer, rub it around, then wipe away any excess powder.

Sanding

For sticking caused by paint, finish, or wood swelling issues, some light sanding may be needed. Use fine grit sandpaper (200 grit or higher) to lightly smooth sticking contact points and edges. This can remove any built up finish and reduce swelling. Be careful not to over sand, as you don’t want to create an uneven surface.

Adjust or Replace Slides

If drawer slides are damaged or worn out, sticking will persist until you replace them. Look for loose screws that need tightening or warped slides that need aligning. For complete replacement, take the drawer to a hardware store to find best matching slides.

Weather Stripping

In humid environments, apply adhesive weather stripping between drawers and the case opening to seal out moisture and prevent wood swelling. Felt or foam types work well. Make sure to only apply to surfaces that do not rub.

Beeswax Crayon

Rubbing beeswax crayon (not colored wax) along the sticking points of the wood can help fill in small uneven spots while lubricating. The wax fills in micro abrasions and provides a smooth glide. buff gently after applying.

Best Practices

Follow these best practices to keep wooden drawers sliding smoothly for years to come:

• Clean drawers periodically with a dry cloth to remove any dust and debris in runners.
• Wax wooden drawer interiors 2-3 times per year to maintain protection.
• Open and close drawers gently without forcing to limit wear.
• Lubricate any squeaks or sticking points as soon as they appear.
• Tighten loose drawer slide hardware as needed.
• Keep wood away from direct moisture that can cause swelling and warping.
• Allow air circulation so wood moisture content stays stable.

Diagnosing the Cause

To choose the best solution, it helps to diagnose the specific cause of sticking. Here are some steps to identify the issue:

1. Open the sticking drawer and tilt it upward. If it slides smoothly, worn slides may be the issue.
2. Inspect for swelling or warped wood that could rub and stick.
3. Look for paint, finish, or wax buildup, especially near the edges.
4. Remove drawer to check runners for debris, uneven alignment, or damage.
5. Try lubricating first to see if it solves the sticking. If not, further repairs may be needed.
6. Consider environmental factors like humidity and excessive dryness.

When to Call a Professional

While many sticking drawers can be fixed with simple DIY solutions, it’s best to call a professional for repair in these situations:

• Sticking is caused by underlying structural problems with the cabinet or drawers.
• Drawer slides are completely broken or unable to be adjusted.
• Sanding, planing, or extensive repairs are needed to level surfaces.
• The sticking is severe or repairs have been unsuccessful.
• There is noticeable wood damage, rot, or infestation.
• You do not have the time, tools, or DIY skills for the repairs needed.

A professional cabinet maker or carpenter has specialized skills and tools to make any structural repairs, replace damaged components, and restore sticking drawers to smooth operation. They can also provide preventive maintenance to keep drawers working properly for years.

Conclusion

Don’t tolerate frustrating, sticky wooden drawers. With some basic DIY solutions like lubricants, sanding, and slide adjustments, you can get them gliding smoothly again. Identify the underlying cause, apply the appropriate remedy, and follow best practices for care. Call on a professional for any extensive repairs or underlying structural issues. With the right fixes, your wooden drawers will provide years of hassle-free functionality.

Solution	How to Apply	Best For
Bar Soap	Rub along sticking points	Quick lubrication
Paraffin or Beeswax	Rub wax bars on sticking spots	Natural lubrication
Graphite	Rub pencil graphite on sticky spots	Dry lubricant
Vegetable Oil	Apply thin oil coat with cloth	Mild lubrication
Silicone Spray	Spray on slides and rub points	Dry silicone lubricant
Furniture Polish	Apply polish per product directions	Light lubrication and conditioning
Dry Lubricant Sprays	Apply light coat on sticking spots	Smooth glide, reduces friction
Baby or Talcum Powder	Sprinkle inside drawers, wipe away excess	Absorb moisture, light lubricant
Sandpaper	Lightly sand sticking spots with fine grit	Smoothes abrasions and finish buildup
Weather Stripping	Apply adhesive foam/felt between drawers and case	Seals out humidity to prevent swelling
Beeswax Crayon	Rub along abrasions and rough spots	Fills uneven spots and lubricates