ᐅ How can I make IKEA PLATSA doors close more quietly?

Created on: 3 Apr 2020 10:03
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Kin57
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Kin57
3 Apr 2020 10:03
Hello forum,

some time ago, I purchased the IKEA PLATSA wardrobe with doors and am generally satisfied with the quality. However, I have noticed that the doors close quite loudly and with rattling, which can be especially disturbing during quiet moments or at night.

My question to you is: How can I make the IKEA PLATSA doors close more quietly? Are there proven methods or accessories such as special dampers, hinges, or rubber buffers that work well? I would prefer not to replace the entire doors or undertake major modifications, but rather a simple and lasting solution that is compatible with the existing mounting points.

I would be very grateful for tips, experiences, or advice on possible installation issues.

Best regards,
Kin57
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bijo54
3 Apr 2020 10:17
I would recommend attaching self-adhesive silicone or foam rubber buffers to the inside edges of the door. They significantly reduce impact noise and are easy to install. Alternatively, there are special door dampers that can be fitted into the hinge, if IKEA offers them.
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Lilygla
3 Apr 2020 11:05
Hello Kin57,

First of all, it is important to understand that the closing noise level of IKEA PLATSA doors is mainly influenced by the type of hinges and the materials used. PLATSA often features simple cup hinges that do not have built-in dampers, which results in a fairly hard closing impact.

A relatively simple and effective solution is to retrofit so-called door dampers. These come in different types:

- Dampers with rubber cushions that can be integrated into the hinges or attached to the inside of the door
- Self-adhesive rubber buffers (e.g., made of silicone or foam rubber) that cushion the contact point between the door and the cabinet frame

It is important to measure exactly where the door hits the cabinet so that you can place the buffers precisely.

In addition, adjusting the hinges can make a big difference. The PLATSA hinges often have adjustment screws that allow you to reduce the pressure when closing, making the door movement smoother.

Have you tried adjusting the doors yet? Sometimes a slight realignment already results in noticeably quieter operation.

You can also check whether the doors are installed correctly and whether any screws are loose, as rattling can also be caused by mechanical issues.

Feel free to let us know how your doors are exactly constructed and which measures you have already tried.
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PLOMA
3 Apr 2020 12:21
Hello Kin57,

I would like to add to Lilygla’s response with a few more details.

Besides self-adhesive rubber bumpers or door dampers, which can be very effective, there is also the option to retrofit so-called soft-close dampers. These are mechanical components that slow the door down at the end of the closing movement. However, before purchasing, you should make sure that your hinges have mounts for these dampers or can be adapted accordingly.

Such a conversion usually requires some DIY skills because soft-close systems often need a special type of hinge or an adapter plate to work properly. For IKEA PLATSA, this is not standard, but some users report that dampers from Hettich might be compatible.

If you don’t want to modify the hinges, rubber bumpers are always a good starting point. Make sure they are not too thick so the door can still close properly.
Lilygla schrieb:

In addition, adjusting the hinges can make a big difference. PLATSA hinges often have adjustment screws that can reduce the closing pressure and make the closing movement smoother.

This is an important point because incorrectly adjusted hinges are often the cause of annoying noise.

I’m curious: Does the door close completely for you, or does it just bang against the cabinet? Sometimes the doors are set too tightly, so the closing mechanism no longer operates smoothly.
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Kin57
4 Apr 2020 08:42
Thank you for the previous answers and the detailed explanations; they have been very helpful.

Regarding my situation: The doors close completely, and as far as I can tell, the original PLATSA hinges are installed. They don’t seem to have any built-in soft-close feature, which I now understand better.

So far, I haven’t made any adjustments because I was a bit worried that incorrect alignment could make the door positioning worse or cause damage.

The door does actually slam a bit; there’s a metallic rattling or quite a loud impact noise when I close it quickly. When closing slowly, the sound is quieter but still there.

If I were to glue rubber bumpers on: What thickness would be best? Could too thick of a bumper reduce the gap too much? Should I place the bumpers at the top or bottom of the door, or would it be better to install them in several places?

If someone could explain more about the soft-close retrofit, that would also be interesting, but I think I’ll first try the soft-closing rubber bumpers.
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chen67
4 Apr 2020 09:15
Hey Kin57,

I completely understand your patience! Doors slamming shut can be really annoying. 😅

Regarding the thickness of rubber bumpers: I usually use bumpers that are 2-3 mm (about 0.08-0.12 inches) thick. These are ideal because they cushion the impact well without reducing the gap too much. If the bumpers are too thick, the doors won’t close properly and may end up misaligned.

I would stick the bumpers where the door hits the frame—usually near the top and bottom, sometimes in the middle as well. The best way is to gently close the door and mark the contact points with a pencil.

If you position the bumpers correctly, you can significantly reduce the loud bang when closing the door quickly.
Kin57 schrieb:

If I were to glue in rubber bumpers: What thickness should I choose? Could too thick reduce the gap too much? Should I place the bumpers at the top or bottom of the door, or better in several spots?

I hope this helps—good luck!