Hello everyone, I have noticed that the doors of my IKEA Billy bookshelf keep squeaking when opening or closing them. This is quite annoying, and I would like to fix it without having to replace the hinges. My specific question is: Which lubricant is best suited to eliminate the squeaking sound on the Billy bookshelf doors without damaging the material or plastic parts? Are there any special products recommended for this, possibly ones that are easily available at home? I would appreciate practical advice and experiences, especially regarding which lubricant has proven effective and how to apply it correctly.
I think we should fundamentally question why IKEA doesn’t just use better hinges that don’t squeak. They rely on low-cost production, and we end up with this lubricant debate. Sure, silicone spray is a quick fix, but it’s more of a patch for a lasting defect. Wouldn't it be more sensible to simply invest in higher-quality hinges and replace them? Especially since lubricants can eventually attract dirt or damage plastic parts. Just a provocative point of view 🙂
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flo-Theres1 Feb 2022 09:45nanidra schrieb:
Wouldn't it be more practical to simply invest in higher quality hinges and replace them? At first glance, that might seem reasonable, but BILLY shelves are affordable standard products designed for occasional use. Replacing the hinges is usually much more complex and costly than occasionally applying a suitable lubricant. From a technical perspective, I recommend silicone spray because it provides long-lasting effects, leaves no residue, and protects both plastic and metal components. Cleaning the parts beforehand with isopropanol is also an important step to ensure the lubricant adheres well and doesn’t mix with old dirt. Overall, this is a practical compromise between effort and effectiveness.
Summary and Recommendation:
1. Cleaning: First, clean the hinges with isopropanol or a mild cleaning agent to remove old residues.
2. Choice of lubricant: Silicone spray is ideal for BILLY shelves because it is non-sticky, does not attract dirt, and protects both plastic and metal parts. Alternatively, Teflon sprays work well too, as they create dry lubricant layers.
3. Application: Apply one to two short sprays from about 20 cm (8 inches) away directly onto the hinge pin, then open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant.
4. Avoid: Do not use oils or grease, as they can attract dirt and may damage plastic parts.
This approach is confirmed by many furniture manufacturers and cleaning experts. If squeaking persists, a detailed inspection of the hinge type or a replacement may be necessary. I hope this helps.
1. Cleaning: First, clean the hinges with isopropanol or a mild cleaning agent to remove old residues.
2. Choice of lubricant: Silicone spray is ideal for BILLY shelves because it is non-sticky, does not attract dirt, and protects both plastic and metal parts. Alternatively, Teflon sprays work well too, as they create dry lubricant layers.
3. Application: Apply one to two short sprays from about 20 cm (8 inches) away directly onto the hinge pin, then open and close the door several times to distribute the lubricant.
4. Avoid: Do not use oils or grease, as they can attract dirt and may damage plastic parts.
This approach is confirmed by many furniture manufacturers and cleaning experts. If squeaking persists, a detailed inspection of the hinge type or a replacement may be necessary. I hope this helps.
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