ᐅ BILLY Shelf Doors Squeak – Which Lubricant Is Suitable?

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.

Hey ingeborg45, this is a really important topic, especially since the squeaking was so annoying! 🙂 I’ve always used silicone spray on my BILLY shelves. It’s great because it doesn’t stick, adheres well, and most importantly, it doesn’t damage the plastic parts! Just spray a few bursts onto the hinges and move the doors a few times – then the noise stops. You can find this at any hardware store or even online! And the best part: it’s pretty clean to use, unlike oil or grease. Give it a try, it will definitely solve your problem! Good luck 🙂

Silicone spray or a Teflon spray are the best options. Avoid oils, as they attract dirt. Simply spray onto the hinge and move the door.

Hello ingeborg45, it’s good that you have clearly described the problem, as there are some details to consider with squeaky hinges: First, it is important to know what material the hinges are made of – often, BILLY shelves combine metal parts with plastic components. Oil-based lubricants can cause the plastic parts to swell or get damaged, especially if they contain mineral oil. Therefore, I generally recommend using a dry lubricant such as Teflon or PTFE spray for your application. These provide good lubrication without leaving residues that attract dust. As far as I know, silicone spray also works very well but should be used sparingly, as it can cause slight slipperiness if applied excessively. Another alternative is graphite spray, although it is not always ideal for indoor use because it may leave marks. Before applying, I would definitely clean the hinges thoroughly and possibly remove old coatings with some isopropanol to ensure optimal adhesion of the lubricant. Would you mind adding how old your shelf is or whether the hinges have been oiled or maintained frequently?

minan schrieb:
…often metal parts are combined with plastic elements in BILLY shelves.

Thanks for the information, that’s good to know! The shelf is about 5 years old and the hinges have never been oiled or maintained before. The hinges are made of metal, but there are plastic sleeves around the pivot, which probably function as bushings. So I will clean the hinges first as you recommend. Is there anything special to keep in mind when cleaning with isopropanol? Also, thanks for the other practical tips!

Good morning everyone! 😊 I think the squeaking of BILLY is almost as famous as the IKEA furniture itself! A little anecdote on the side: Silicone spray has always worked wonders for me—as mentioned before—and it’s really easy to apply. It’s quick, doesn’t make a mess, and lasts a long time. Just move the doors back and forth a few times to spread the spray evenly. And don’t worry about the plastic parts; silicone is usually safe for them. One more tip: When using the spray, apply a little less at first and test immediately—you can always add more! This way you stay on the safe side and avoid annoying grease stains or sticky residues later. Good luck 🍀!