Removing a dresser drawer sounds simple — until you encounter stuck slides, safety latches, or unfamiliar hardware. Whether you're cleaning, repairing, reorganizing, moving furniture, or replacing hardware, knowing how to pull out a dresser drawer properly prevents damage to both the drawer and the dresser frame.

This detailed guide covers how to remove:

• Standard wood-slide drawers
• Roller-slide drawers
• Metal glide drawers
• Soft-close drawers
• Safety-stop drawers
• Double-stop child-safe drawers

We will also highlight beautifully designed, modern dressers from SICOTAS, which feature smooth-glide drawers that are easy to remove and maintain.

Explore modern dressers:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/dressers

Why Learning Drawer Removal Matters

Understanding how your dresser drawer system works helps you:

• Deep clean hard-to-reach spaces
• Fix stuck or misaligned drawers
• Replace damaged rails
• Move furniture safely
• Install child-safety anchors
• Refresh or reorganize drawer interiors
• Assemble or disassemble furniture

Different dresser brands use different slide systems — so the removal technique changes depending on the mechanism.

Types of Drawer Slides (Know These Before Pulling Out a Drawer)

Before you begin, identify which slide your dresser uses.

Here are the most common slide types:

Slide Type	Where It's Found	Difficulty	Removal Method
Wooden slides	Traditional furniture	Easy	Lift-and-pull
Roller slides	Budget & mid-range dressers	Easy	Release roller stop
Side-mount metal slides	Modern dressers	Medium	Press levers
Soft-close slides	Premium furniture	Medium	Lever + smooth glide
Center-mount slides	Narrow dressers	Easy	Tilt + pull
Safety-stop slides	Kids’ furniture	Medium	Release built-in catch

SICOTAS dressers use upgraded smooth-gliding metal slides, easy to remove without damaging the rails.

Explore them here:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/dressers

How to Pull Out a Dresser Drawer (Step-by-Step for Every Type)

Below are specific instructions for each drawer type.

How to Pull Out a Wooden-Slide Dresser Drawer

Common in older furniture or minimalist Scandinavian-style designs.

Steps:

1. Pull the drawer straight toward you.
2. You will feel resistance near the end.
3. Firmly lift the drawer front upward.
4. The drawer should release from the slide.
5. Remove completely and set aside.

Notes:

• Avoid forcing if stuck — wiggle gently.
• Wooden rails swell with humidity; lift higher if needed.

How to Pull Out a Roller-Slide Drawer

These are very common in affordable dressers.

Steps:

1. Pull the drawer until it stops.
2. Look under the drawer for a plastic tab or roller stop.
3. Press the tab inward or upward.
4. Gently lift the drawer and pull it out.

Notes:

• Never yank — roller stops are fragile.
• Check both sides for matching tabs.

How to Pull Out Metal Side-Mount Glide Drawers (Most Common in Modern Designs)

These are used in most high-quality dressers, including many from SICOTAS.

Steps:

1. Pull the drawer out fully.
2. Locate the black or silver release levers on both rails.
3. Press one lever upward and the other downward.
4. While holding the levers, pull the drawer straight out.
5. Support both sides to avoid bending the rails.

Notes:

• Levers must be pressed simultaneously.
• If the drawer feels stuck, check if the levers are fully engaged.

How to Remove Soft-Close Dresser Drawers

These use dampers and require gentle removal.

Steps:

1. Extend the drawer fully.
2. Locate the release clips under the drawer box.
3. Press the clips inward.
4. Lift slightly and pull straight out.

Notes:

• Soft-close systems are smooth but sensitive — avoid forcing.

How to Pull Out Center-Mount Slide Drawers

These have a single rail underneath the drawer.

Steps:

1. Pull the drawer to the end.
2. Lift the drawer front gently.
3. Tilt upward until the rail disengages.
4. Slide the drawer out.

Notes:

• Great for simple DIY fixers.

How to Remove a Child-Safety or Double-Stop Drawer

These require a two-step release to prevent children from pulling drawers onto themselves.

Steps:

1. Pull the drawer until it stops.
2. Insert your hand inside and feel for a safety latch.
3. Push the latch upward or sideways.
4. Lift the drawer slightly.
5. Pull out completely.

Notes:

• Safety stops vary by brand — always check both sides.
  

Troubleshooting: What If the Drawer Won’t Come Out?

Common reasons and solutions:

Problem	Why It Happens	Fix
Drawer is stuck at the stop	Safety latch engaged	Look for tabs or levers
Drawer won’t lift	Swollen wood or misalignment	Wiggle gently while lifting
Drawer slides are jammed	Debris in the rails	Vacuum or wipe rails
Side-mount levers aren’t moving	Rust, dirt, or misalignment	Use WD-40 lightly
Drawer tilts but won’t release	Only one lever pressed	Engage both levers at once

 

After Removing: How to Clean or Repair the Drawer

Once you remove the drawer, take advantage of the open space.

Clean the rails

Dust and debris cause sticking.

Check screw tightness

Loose screws = misalignment.

Lubricate metal rails

Use silicone spray for smooth action.

Inspect wood swelling

Sand lightly if the drawer rubs.

Check drawer box joints

Reinforce with glue if loose.

If You Prefer a Hassle-Free Furniture Experience: Choose SICOTAS Dressers

SICOTAS dressers use modern slide systems that are:

• Easy to remove
• Smooth-gliding
• Extremely durable
• Quiet
• High weight-bearing
• Simple to maintain

Their dressers also feature beautiful finishes like:

• Reclaimed Oak
• Walnut Brown
• White Alder
• Grey Alder
• Midnight Black
• Rattan texturing

Explore modern dressers here:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/dressers

Styling Tips: What to Do After Removing the Drawer

Many people remove drawers to restyle the dresser top or reorganize.

Add drawer organizers

Keeps clothing neatly separated.

Line drawers with soft liners

Protects fabric and adds luxury.

Repaint or refinish drawer fronts

Instant furniture upgrade.

Replace hardware (knobs or pulls)

Matte black, gold, brass, or wood look great.

Upgrade to soft-close slides

Great for older dressers.

Dresser Types You Can Replace Instead of Repairing

If your dresser is old, unstable, or has damaged slides, replacing it may be more cost-effective. Popular SICOTAS dresser types include:

3-Drawer Dressers

Perfect for minimalist or small bedrooms.

Wide 6-Drawer Dressers

Great for master bedrooms.

Tall Chests of Drawers

Maximizes vertical storage.

Rattan Accent Dressers

Warm, modern, and natural.

Contemporary Oak Dressers

Clean-lined, perfect for modern homes.

See all options here:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/dressers

Safety Tips When Removing a Drawer

Always support the drawer from the bottom

Prevents sudden drops.

Remove heavy items before pulling out

Reduces weight and strain.

Keep fingers away from metal rails

Avoid pinching.

Use two hands for large drawers

Especially tall dresser models.

Anchor tall dressers to the wall

Prevents tipping.

Summary Table: How to Pull Out Each Drawer Type

Drawer Type	How to Remove
Wooden slide	Pull → Lift → Remove
Roller slide	Pull → Press tab → Lift
Side-mount metal slide	Pull → Press 2 levers → Remove
Soft-close slide	Pull → Press clips → Lift → Remove
Center-mount	Pull → Lift → Tilt
Safety-stop drawers	Pull → Release latch → Lift

 

Final Thoughts: Pulling Out Dresser Drawers Safely & Easily

Learning how to pull out a dresser drawer helps you maintain your furniture, clean deeply, repair slides, and reorganize your home with ease.

Whether your dresser uses wooden slides, metal glides, rollers, or soft-close hardware, the key is to:

• Pull gently
• Find the stop mechanism
• Release it correctly
• Lift and remove safely

If you want furniture with smooth, easy-to-remove drawers, explore SICOTAS dressers — designed for durability and modern living.

Shop the full dresser collection:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/dressers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I pull out a dresser drawer?

Pull the drawer to the stop, locate the release mechanism (lever, tab, or latch), press it, then lift and slide out.

How do I pull a drawer out of a dresser with metal slides?

Press the release levers on both sides — one goes up, one goes down — then pull straight out.

Why won’t my drawer come out?

A safety latch may be engaged or debris may be blocking the slide. Check both sides for stops.

How do I remove soft-close dresser drawers?

Pull open fully, press the release clips beneath the drawer, lift slightly, then slide out.

Can I remove dresser drawers to move the furniture?

Yes — removing drawers reduces weight and prevents accidental sliding during transport.

How do I remove a stuck dresser drawer?

Check for hidden tabs, clean the rails, and gently lift while pulling.

Which dressers have the easiest removable drawers?

SICOTAS dressers use smooth-glide metal rails designed for easy removal.