ᐅ BILLY bookshelf doors squeak – how do I lubricate them properly?

Hello everyone,

I have a Billy shelf unit from IKEA with doors, and lately the hinges have been squeaking loudly when opening and closing. My specific question is: What is the best way to lubricate these door hinges to permanently stop the squeaking without damaging the mechanism or the wood? Are there any special care instructions for this type of hinge or any oils that should be avoided? So far, I have seen silicone and graphite sprays, but I am not sure if they are safe for the materials.

Thanks for your advice!

For BILLY hinges, a light WD-40 or a special furniture lubricant works best.

Spray sparingly and wipe off any excess oil to prevent dirt from sticking.

Here is a straightforward guide to stop the BILLY doors from squeaking:

1. Remove the doors to access the hinges more easily.
2. Clean the hinges by wiping off dust and old lubricant residues with a dry cloth.
3. Use sewing machine oil or a light machine oil—thin, silicone-free oils work best.
4. Apply the oil drop by drop onto the hinge joint.
5. Open and close the doors several times to distribute the oil evenly.

While silicone spray can provide a temporary fix, it often attracts dust, which can cause further issues in the long run.

I’ll go into a bit more detail because this topic is important. BILLY shelves usually have what are called concealed hinges. These are generally low-maintenance but can start to squeak over time if the paint or material inside dries out due to friction.

Important: Do not use heavy grease or oily substances that could damage the wood or paint finish.

An ideal choice is a thin, light oil that penetrates deeply into the mechanism, such as sewing machine oil or a finely tuned multi-purpose oil designed specifically for furniture.

Silicone spray is water-repellent, but it tends to attract dust quickly and subsequently forms a sticky layer that worsens the squeaking. Alternatively, graphite powder provides dry lubrication, but there is a risk it may leave stains on the surrounding wooden surfaces, especially if the doors have been repainted.

My advice: Carefully clean the hinges with a lint-free cloth, then apply a few drops of oil to the hinge joints and slowly move the door until the oil is evenly distributed. A simple clean, soft cloth should then be used to remove any excess oil.

Following this procedure will reduce squeaking permanently.

Silicone spray only provides short-term relief.

I recommend using sewing machine oil in small amounts. It is thin and leaves no residue.

First of all, thank you for the helpful tips so far. I would like to add a step-by-step guide here, as there are some special considerations when working with BILLY shelving units:

1. Remove the door: Open the door and lift it slightly until it comes free from the hinges. This makes it easier to access the hinge joints.

2. Cleaning: Use a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust and particles from the hinges. For stubborn dirt, you can also use a cloth dampened with a little diluted dish soap, but make sure to dry thoroughly afterwards.

3. Lubrication: Use a thin, non-sticky oil. Sewing machine oil is ideal because it spreads well, protects the metal parts, and doesn’t leave residue. Avoid thick greases and silicone-based sprays, as these can attract dust and dirt.

4. Dosage: Apply a minimal amount of oil to the hinge joint using a small dropper or toothpick. Do not over-apply, as excess oil can cause unsightly stains.

5. Movement: Reinstall the door and open and close it several times slowly to distribute the oil evenly.

6. Final cleaning: Immediately wipe away any excess oil with a clean cloth, especially on wooden surfaces, to prevent staining.

The combination of dust removal and using a suitable oil ensures that the squeaking will disappear permanently. Have you used any special cleaning agents or tried oiling the door multiple times without success?