ᐅ Why does my Brimnes wardrobe from IKEA sometimes squeak?

Hello everyone, I have owned the Brimnes wardrobe from IKEA for some time now, and I have noticed that it sometimes squeaks, especially when I open or close the doors. The noise is not constant but rather occasional, so I’m not sure if it is due to the construction or possibly the assembly.

Can someone explain why this wardrobe sometimes squeaks? Are there common causes for this issue, and how can the squeaking be permanently resolved? I would appreciate any tips and experiences! Thanks in advance.

Prale schrieb:
I noticed that it sometimes squeaks, especially when I open or close the doors.

Hey, I know that well – IKEA furniture and their noises can be quite a characteristic. 😄 Often, the squeaking comes from the fittings or hinges, which sometimes just need a bit more lubrication.

Sometimes simple household remedies like a drop of oil or wax on the moving parts help. Just be careful not to use too much, or it will get messy.

Maybe your cabinet is a bit dry, or slight tension points have developed that cause the squeaking when moving.

suru61 schrieb:
Often, squeaking is caused by the fittings or hinges, which sometimes need a bit more lubrication.

That is correct. In IKEA furniture like the Brimnes wardrobe, the metal hinge bearings and plastic guides can cause noise due to friction.

I recommend the following steps for analysis and troubleshooting:
- Check if the screws on the hinges are tightened properly.
- Lubricate the hinges with a suitable lubricant (e.g., silicone spray or light machine oil).
- Check if the wardrobe frame is warped, which can put extra pressure on the doors.

The cause almost always lies in the hinge mechanism and its maintenance.

vinli schrieb:
Lubrication of the hinges with a suitable lubricant (e.g., silicone spray or light machine oil).

Thanks, that already helps. So far, I haven’t lubricated anything because I wasn’t sure if it’s even allowed for IKEA furniture.

Are there any preferences regarding lubricants for plastic and metal parts? Some say WD-40 isn’t ideal since it only provides short-term protection and mainly acts as a cleaner.

I’ve also noticed that the squeaking sometimes occurs even when the door isn’t under any load. Could that also come from the back panel or the base structure?

The squeaking in your Brimnes wardrobe usually comes from mechanical friction at the hinges or joints between parts, but I can give you a more detailed overview:

- The Brimnes series uses metal hinges with plastic components, which can squeak due to friction between them.
- Be careful when choosing a lubricant: WD-40 is a penetrating oil and cleaner. While it temporarily displaces moisture, it doesn’t remain as a lasting lubricant film. Silicone spray (suitable for both plastic and metal) or special graphite paste work better.
- Use a fine nozzle when applying and avoid leaving residue on wooden surfaces.
- Sometimes, the back panel made of thin particleboard also causes noise, especially if the base or back panel warps slightly or moves.
- It’s worth checking all screws to ensure they are tight, as loose parts often make the noise worse.

Can you specify exactly where the squeaking is most noticeable for you? Only near the door handle, the hinge, or also the back panel/base?

FABIAN_DEO schrieb:
Can you specify exactly where the squeaking is most noticeable for you? Only around the door handle area, the hinges, or also the back panel/floor?

I think it mainly happens when opening and closing, so directly at the hinges. Sometimes I get the impression that it might come from lower down near the bottom area, possibly from the floor or floor structure.

The back panel makes noises too, which I’m familiar with from other furniture, but here it’s mostly the annoying squeaking at the hinges that bothers me.

Thanks for the tip about the silicone spray, I’ll give that a try.