ᐅ What helps with squeaky doors on BILLY bookcases?

Created on: 6 Jul 2016 09:07
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Ixjuben
I have an annoying problem with my Billy shelf: the doors squeak loudly when opening and closing, and it affects the comfort of my living space. Does anyone have experience with effectively eliminating this squeaking sound? I have considered using lubricants like WD-40, but I am unsure if that is suitable for the hinges or if it might damage the material. Are there practical, long-lasting solutions that can be implemented without much effort?
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Kugau
7 Jul 2016 08:33
Before immediately reaching for lubricants, also check the alignment of the doors. Sometimes the squeaking is caused by the door hanging slightly crooked, which puts uneven pressure on the hinges.

A small tip: place the shelf on a level surface and use a spirit level to check if everything is straight.

If the movement of the doors is somewhat restricted, slight readjustment or tightening of the screws can help a lot. If the problem persists, I recommend high-quality silicone spray. It does not damage the material and is ideal for furniture.

I also suggest wiping the door roughly with a damp cloth to remove dust and dirt before spraying, to achieve the best possible effect.
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Dwight49
7 Jul 2016 10:54
Isabel schrieb:
Silicone spray is almost universally the product of choice for squeaky hinges.

Absolutely correct. From a technical perspective, silicone spray permanently reduces friction coefficients. WD-40 is more of a cleaner with a short-term creeping effect, not a proper lubricant. For longer durability and noise-free operation, silicone-based lubricants are preferable.

I would also recommend following IKEA’s manufacturer instructions, which indicate that hinges should be checked occasionally and any loose screws tightened. This is important for both safety and functionality.
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Traman4
7 Jul 2016 13:06
A small addition: Sometimes applying a bit of wax, such as beeswax or a furniture wax stick, to the contact points can help. This reduces friction and is very hassle-free.

However, silicone spray remains the better, cleaner solution.
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Ixjuben
8 Jul 2016 07:51
reygbo schrieb:
If you want, I can gladly provide a step-by-step guide on how to proceed.

That would be great, if you don’t mind. I have two doors that make different noises, so maybe there’s a more specific approach for each.

Otherwise, I have already inspected the hinges more closely. The screws seem tight, and the doors hang relatively straight. The shelving unit stands on a stable floor, so the basic alignment should be fine.

The tip about the cleaning step sounds reasonable. Are there any sprays or waxes you would recommend? Thanks so far for the helpful advice!