ᐅ How can I reduce squeaking in Ikea HEMNES furniture?

Hello everyone,

I have noticed that my Ikea Hemnes furniture occasionally squeaks quite loudly when I move the drawers or doors. This is not only annoying but also gives an impression of instability, even though the furniture otherwise looks sturdy. I suspect the problem is due to mechanical stress on the fittings and friction between the wooden surfaces. Maybe some screws are loose or parts just need a bit of lubrication, but of course, I don’t want to start fixing things without knowing the best place to begin.

I am particularly interested in how to make the HEMNES series quieter without having to buy new furniture – so what are proven, technically sound methods to effectively reduce the squeaking? Perhaps some of you also know tricks to maintain the mechanism or small adjustments that Ikea itself does not recommend? I would appreciate advice on suitable lubricants or detailed steps for fine-tuning.

How do you specifically handle squeaking in your HEMNES furniture? I look forward to your tips and experiences!

Hello Laujael,

First of all, thank you for your clear and well-structured question, which shows that you really want to tackle the issue.

Regarding squeaking in Ikea HEMNES furniture, here is a structured suggestion:

- Check screws and fittings: Start by tightening all screws and connections holding together the drawers and doors with the appropriate screwdriver. Over time, these can loosen, causing rattling and squeaking.

- Lubricate hinges: HEMNES usually uses standard metal hinges. A drop of WD-40 or a silicone-based lubricant applied directly to the joints works very well against squeaking. Be sure to use it sparingly to avoid drips on the wood.

- Inspect drawer slides: If the drawer slides squeak, you can apply a thin layer of paraffin wax or beeswax. This significantly reduces friction.

- Treat wooden surfaces: Squeaking can also occur when wood rubs against wood. Light sanding at the contact points or adding felt or foam pads can work wonders here.

- Check door magnets or other dampers: Some HEMNES models come with dampers. You can clean these with a damp cloth, and sometimes a rubber-based lubricant helps.

Summary: Pay close attention to mechanical fit, gentle lubrication of metal parts, and protection of wooden surfaces. If you proceed systematically, you can quickly get the squeaking under control.

If you have already tried some of these measures, please share your experience so we can provide more specific help.

Jensson schrieb:
Check screws and fittings: Start by tightening all the screws and connections that hold the drawers and doors together using the appropriate screwdriver.

I can only agree with that! Many squeaky furniture pieces are actually just a bit loose. Tightening screws works almost like a reset for the furniture.

I would also like to add: Sometimes the rollers or stoppers on drawers can squeak as well. A little lubricant helps here – but don’t worry, it’s not complicated. Just apply it carefully with a cotton swab, making sure nothing gets on the wood or outside surfaces.

Jensson schrieb:
Check sliding rails: If the sliding rails on drawers squeak, you can apply a thin layer of paraffin or beeswax there.

I hadn’t thought of beeswax or paraffin at first, but that’s really a clever tip! It works reliably for me too.

In short: Treat drawers and doors with a bit of care, and they will thank you with noticeably less noise 😉.

Laujael schrieb:
Maybe screws are loose or parts just need a bit of lubrication

That hits the nail on the head. In my experience, most squeaking noises from HEMNES furniture are actually caused by a combination of loose screws and lack of lubrication on moving parts.

I recommend the following approach:

- Gradually check and tighten screws with the appropriate tool, being careful not to overtighten;
- Use silicone spray on hinges, as it does not become sticky and does not attract dust;
- You can separate wood-to-wood contact points between doors and frames by applying a thin strip of self-adhesive felt pads, available at hardware stores.

These measures should significantly reduce the noises, often eliminating them entirely. I find it important to go through everything systematically rather than addressing individual points halfheartedly.

If noises persist afterward, it’s worth checking carefully for possible quality defects, which is quite rare with Ikea but not impossible.