ᐅ My Kallax shelf squeaks when it moves – is WD-40 a good fix?

Hello everyone,

I have a Kallax shelf from IKEA that squeaks whenever it is moved. The noise is especially noticeable when sliding it or placing other loads on it. It seems to come from the joints or possibly the shelves themselves. I was considering using WD-40 as a lubricant to stop the squeaking. My question is: Is WD-40 a suitable solution for this issue, or could it damage the material or the construction? Are there better alternatives that effectively eliminate the squeaking while also preserving the shelf’s durability? Thanks in advance for your advice!

WD40 often helps in the short term, but it is more of a cleaner and water repellent than a true lubricant. For long-lasting effect, it is better to use a specialized silicone spray or a Teflon-based spray.

Hello Giusnau,

I can contribute something to this topic, as I had a similar issue with my Kallax. The squeaking often comes from friction at the connection points or wood screws, as well as small movements in the threaded bolts.

My approach was as follows:

1. First, I checked the connection points for loose screws and tightened them if necessary.
2. For lubrication, I do not recommend WD-40, as it helps only temporarily, evaporates, and tends to dirty the furniture and attract dust.
3. Silicone sprays are better suited, as they do not damage wood or plastic and provide lasting lubrication.
4. Another option is Teflon sprays or dry lubricants that do not leave any grease.
5. To really prevent the squeaking in the shelving unit, lightly padding the contact points with felt or foam rubber strips is also a good idea.

In summary: WD-40 is not an ideal solution since it is not a lubricant. It can alter the surface and, over time, only mask the squeaking instead of fixing it long term.

Espen schrieb:
WD40 often helps temporarily

That’s true. WD40 often solves the problem temporarily, but for furniture joints like those in Kallax, silicone or Teflon sprays are a better choice.

It is important to understand that WD40 was originally developed as a rust remover and water displacer, not as a lubricant for long-term use. Especially with furniture made of MDF or particleboard, using WD40 over time can cause discoloration or a sticky residue that attracts dust.

Before lubricating, you should check whether the squeaking is caused by a loose screw or uneven joints. Applying small pads made of felt or foam rubber can also significantly reduce noise without using harmful substances. For lubrication, I recommend a high-quality silicone-based lubricant that is both water-repellent and dust-resistant. This will maintain the function and appearance of your Kallax in the long run.

I had a similar experience with my Kallax; the squeaking was very annoying, especially when the shelf is used frequently.

teyosef schrieb:
WD40 is not an ideal solution because it is not a lubricant.

I can only agree – I initially used WD40 as well, but the problem came back.

My advice: be patient when retightening the screws, then apply silicone spray to the connection points. It lasts for months now and doesn’t create any mess. Also, shortly after that, load the shelf a bit so everything can settle properly.

I hope this helps you!