ᐅ How can you prevent BILLY doors from squeaking when opened?

Hello everyone, I have an issue with my IKEA BILLY shelves: the doors squeak quite unpleasantly when opening and closing. I have been using the shelves for some time, but only recently installed the doors. The hinges are correctly fitted, yet this annoying noise still occurs.

My question is: how can I effectively prevent the BILLY doors from squeaking when opening? What steps can I take without compromising functionality or risking damage to the doors? Are there any specific lubricants or maintenance tips you would recommend?

I look forward to your experiences and advice!

First, make sure the hinges are properly aligned. A misaligned hinge can cause rubbing noises.

To prevent squeaking, it is recommended to use an appropriate lubricant, such as silicone spray or lithium grease. These substances provide long-lasting protection without becoming sticky or attracting dust, unlike penetrating oils.

Important: Apply lubricant sparingly and only to the moving parts, avoiding the edges to prevent affecting the appearance.

Hello Miltonbau, I am familiar with this issue. Besides lubricating, cleaning the hinges is also important. Sometimes dust and small particles get trapped in the mechanisms, which causes squeaking.

I recommend first cleaning the hinges with a dry cloth and then applying a silicone spray. Silicone is ideal because it doesn’t attract dust and doesn’t become sticky.

If the doors are still new, also check whether the plastic bushings in the hinges are damaged or worn – such defects can also cause noises.

Arianeo schrieb:
In addition to lubricating, cleaning the hinges is also important.

Thanks for the tip, I’ll try that right away. So far, I’ve only focused on lubricating and haven’t cleaned them.

What about household remedies? Are there any alternatives to silicone spray, for example, if I don’t have any on hand?

Good question, Miltonbau!

A well-known home remedy for squeaky hinges is WD-40. This product has the advantage of cleaning, lubricating, and protecting at the same time. However, it should be used sparingly because it may leave residues that can attract dirt.

Alternatively, graphite powder works well as a dry lubricant. It is cleaner than oils and greases, especially for wooden cabinets, since no grease penetrates the material. Graphite can be a bit more difficult to apply because it is dry.

In short:
1. Clean the hinge (e.g., with WD-40 or a dry cloth)
2. Then apply the appropriate lubricant carefully (silicone, lithium grease, or graphite)
3. Move the door to distribute the lubricant

CAUTION: Do not use oils that become sticky (e.g., vegetable oil), as they attract dust and worsen the problem.

I would like to add that you should also check whether the screws and components on the hinges are properly and securely tightened. Loose screws can cause additional movement, which can also lead to squeaking.

Another tip: If the hinges are difficult to reach, you can use a thin brush or an extension nozzle for a spray to apply lubricant precisely where it is needed.