Whether you're reorganizing, deep-cleaning furniture, fixing a stuck drawer, replacing hardware, or moving houses, knowing how to remove dresser drawers safely is essential. But not all drawers detach the same way some lift out effortlessly, while others use side levers, plastic tabs, safety stops, or soft-close systems.

We’ll also highlight popular SICOTAS 9-drawer dressers, known for their upgraded smooth-glide rails that make drawer removal incredibly easy.

Why Knowing How to Remove Dresser Drawers Matters

Correct drawer removal allows you to:

• Clean deep interior spaces
• Fix jammed or crooked drawers
• Install drawer liners
• Repair or replace slides
• Move furniture more easily
• Treat wood with odor or mold issues
• Reduce dresser weight during relocation

This is especially important for large 9-drawer dressers like Zura, Crescent, Willow, and Stria sets from SICOTAS.

Identify Your Drawer Slide Type Before Removing

Every dresser uses one of these slide mechanisms:

Slide Type	Where It’s Commonly Found	Difficulty	How It Removes
Wooden slides	Vintage & handmade furniture	Easy	Lift & pull
Roller slides	Budget & mid-tier dressers	Easy	Press tab & lift
Side-mount metal slides	Modern furniture (SICOTAS)	Medium	Press release levers
Soft-close slides	Premium dressers	Medium	Press latch clips
Center-mount slides	Narrow or older dressers	Easy	Pull & tilt
Safety-stop slides	Kids’ dressers & tall chests	Medium	Press safety latch

Knowing your slide style prevents breakage or damage.

How to Remove Wooden-Slide Drawers

Wooden runners are the simplest.

✔ Steps:

1. Pull the drawer straight out until it stops.
2. Firmly lift the drawer front upward.
3. Once the back clears the rail, pull forward.
4. Tilt slightly if it catches.

✔ Tips:

• Wood expands with humidity  wiggle gently if stuck.
• Never force the slide  wood cracks easily.

How to Remove Roller-Glide Dresser Drawers

Roller slides glide easily but have a built-in stop.

✔ Steps:

1. Pull drawer fully open.
2. Locate the plastic tab on one or both sides.
3. Push the tab up or down, depending on design.
4. Lift drawer slightly.
5. Pull drawer forward to remove.

✔ Tips:

• Some roller slides require pushing one tab up and one down.
• Avoid excessive force  tabs can break.

How to Remove Dresser Drawers with Side Slides (Most Modern Dressers)

Side-mount metal slides are the most common in high-quality dressers  including SICOTAS models.

These use release levers on each slide.

✔ Steps:

1. Pull the drawer out completely.
2. Find the release lever on each side:

• One lever lifts up
• The opposite lever pushes down

3. Press both levers simultaneously.
4. Support the drawer with both hands.
5. Pull straight out until it disengages from the track.

✔ Why side slides are great:

• Strong weight capacity
• Very smooth movement
• Easy reinstallation
• Durable for long-term use

Most SICOTAS 9-Drawer Dressers use this type  effortless for cleaning or rearranging.

How to Remove Soft-Close Dresser Drawers

Soft-close drawers have dampers that require controlled removal.

✔ Steps:

1. Open drawer fully.
2. Look under the drawer for release clips.
3. Press both clips inward.
4. Lift drawer slightly.
5. Pull forward smoothly.

✔ Tips:

• Soft-close mechanisms are precise  go slowly.
• If drawer resists, check clips again.

How to Remove Center-Mount Slide Drawers

Older or narrow dressers often use a single center rail.

✔ Steps:

1. Pull drawer forward.
2. Lift the drawer’s front upward.
3. Slide forward until free.

✔ Notes:

• If drawer jams, check the underside for swelling or debris.

How to Remove Safety-Stop or Anti-Tip Dresser Drawers

These are common in kids’ dressers or tall 9-drawer chests.

✔ Steps:

1. Pull drawer to stop point.
2. Look for a safety latch on either side.
3. Push latch upward or inward.
4. Lift drawer slightly.
5. Remove completely.

✔ Tip:

Anti-tip stops vary  check both sides before pulling.

How to Clean and Maintain Drawers After Removing Them

Once removed, take advantage of the open space.

✔ Clean rails & slides

Use a vacuum + microfiber cloth.

✔ Lubricate metal slides

Use silicone spray (never WD-40 inside the home).

✔ Tighten hardware

Loose screws cause misalignment.

✔ Sand swollen wood

If wood sticks, lightly sand edges.

✔ Replace broken tabs

Roller tabs can be replaced cheaply.

Bonus: How to Remove Musty Smells from Dresser Drawers

Musty odors are common in older furniture. Here's how to eliminate them completely.

Step 1  Remove the Drawer Fully

(Use the correct method from earlier.)

Step 2  Vacuum Inside

Use a soft brush attachment.

Step 3  Wipe with Vinegar Solution

Mix:

• 1 part white vinegar
• 3 parts warm water

Wipe inside & let dry.

Step 4  Deodorize Naturally

Use one of these:

• Baking soda (sprinkle overnight)
• Activated charcoal bags
• Dryer sheets
• Coffee grounds in a bowl

Step 5  Place Drawer in Sunlight (3–5 Hours)

Sunlight kills bacteria + neutralizes musty odors.
Place in indirect sunlight to avoid fading.

Step 6  Add Drawer Liners

Choose:

• Cedar
• Bamboo charcoal
• Linen paper

Best 9-Drawer Dressers from SICOTAS (Smooth-Glide Removal, Modern Design)

These dressers are engineered for:

• Easy drawer removal
• Large storage
• Smooth-glide metal slides
• Durable construction
• Elevated modern aesthetics

Zura 9-Drawers Chest  Large Storage

Finishes: Sand Oak, Amber Oak

• Rattan-inspired modern design
• Spacious drawers
• Soft natural feel

Crescent Modular 9-Drawer Dresser

Finishes: Greige Oak, Walnut Brown, Dark Grey Oak

• Luxury modern look
• Beautiful matte finish
• Smooth drawer operation

Willow 9-Drawer Dresser

Finish: Oak Brown

• Warm rustic style
• Great for neutral, modern, or farmhouse bedrooms

Stria Modular Tall Dresser

Finishes: White Alder, Grey Alder, Dark Grey Alder

• Space-saving, vertical orientation
• Sleek & contemporary

Browse the full collection:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/9-drawers-dressers

Troubleshooting: Why Won’t My Drawer Come Out?

Problem → Drawer stops early

Cause: Safety latch
Fix: Look for tab or release lever.

Problem → Drawer tilts but won’t release

Cause: Only one lever pressed
Fix: Press both simultaneously.

Problem → Drawer stuck on wooden slide

Cause: Humidity swelling
Fix: Lift higher + wiggle gently.

Problem → Drawer feels heavy

Cause: Still full
Fix: Empty before removal.

Problem → Drawer rails dirty

Fix: Clean & lubricate.

How to Reinstall Dresser Drawers (Simple Method)

✔ Step 1  Line up rails

Hold drawer level with side slides.

✔ Step 2  Insert onto track

Slide in gently.

✔ Step 3  Push until “click”

Side-mount glides click when engaged.

✔ Step 4  Test movement

Open/close fully to confirm alignment.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to remove dresser drawers saves time, prevents damage, and helps you maintain your furniture properly. Whether your dresser uses:

• Side slides
• Wooden runners
• Roller glides
• Soft-close slides
• Center rails
• Safety stops

…this guide gives you everything you need to remove drawers safely and reinstall them effortlessly.

For dressers with smooth-glide metal slides, beautiful wood finishes, and modular storage, SICOTAS offers some of the best choices for modern homes.

Explore the full 9-drawer dresser lineup:
https://www.sicotas.com/collections/9-drawers-dressers

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I remove dresser drawers with side slides?

Pull fully open, press release levers (one up, one down), and pull the drawer straight out.

How do I remove drawers from a dresser with rollers?

Press the plastic tab on each slide, lift slightly, then pull out.

Why won’t my drawer come out?

A safety stop may be engaged, or debris may be blocking the slide.

How do I remove soft-close dresser drawers?

Press the release clips under the drawer, lift gently, and slide out.

Can removing drawers help reduce weight when moving?

Yes  removing drawers significantly reduces furniture weight.

Are SICOTAS drawers easy to remove?

Yes  SICOTAS uses upgraded smooth-glide metal slides designed for easy removal and reinstallation.

Does removing drawers help fix musty smells?

Yes  removing drawers allows full ventilation, cleaning, and deodorizing from the inside.