ᐅ Why do hollow-core doors only start to squeak after extended use?

I have been wondering why the doors of the popular Billy bookshelf usually start to squeak only after prolonged use. I am specifically referring to the typical squeaking sound when opening or closing, which is not present from the beginning but gradually appears quietly after months or even years and then becomes increasingly noticeable over time. Is there a technical or mechanical explanation for this? Do the hinges simply become dirty or dry out over time? Or could factors such as humidity, material fatigue, or minor dirt buildup play a role? I am particularly interested in whether this behavior is normal or if certain maintenance measures could prevent the squeaking from occurring in the first place.

The squeaking is usually caused by a lack of lubrication or wear on the hinges. Initially, the hinges are often well-oiled or greased, but this diminishes over time. Dust and small particles then settle, which increases the noise. Simple lubrication usually provides a quick fix.

Interesting question! Basically, the squeaking noise from Billy doors after extended use can be explained in detail as follows: The hinges are usually made of metal combined with small plastic or rubber parts, which create friction when moving. Initially, a thin layer of lubricant (oily or greasy) ensures that the doors operate quietly and smoothly. Over time, these lubricants slowly oxidize and evaporate, especially with changing temperatures and fluctuations in indoor humidity.

At the same time, dust particles, fibers, or small wood chips can get into the hinges, causing fine abrasion. This debris mixes with the remaining lubricant, forming a kind of dry grinding film that causes the squeaking. Additionally, material fatigue causes slight dimensional changes: plastic components may become more brittle, metal can corrode slightly, or tiny deformations can lead to parts rubbing against each other.

Although the difference is initially subtle, these effects accumulate over months to years, resulting in noticeable squeaking. Regular cleaning and re-lubrication can help prevent this. I’m curious: Are the rooms affected generally humid or dry, and do you use any special products for maintenance?

GALENKU schrieb:
Simple oiling usually helps quickly.

That may be true, but the explanation seems a bit too brief to me. Why isn’t the oil or grease effective over the long term?

Dilen schrieb:
Lubricants evaporate slowly, especially with fluctuating humidity.

That’s a good point, and material fatigue might also play a role, but I would like to explore this further.

How exactly do humidity, temperature changes, and dust interact with each other in such a simple piece of furniture? Are Billy doors particularly prone to this because they might use cheaper hinges?

Could it be that mass-produced components tend to experience faster material fatigue? Perhaps the way the furniture is assembled leads to small but gradual stresses that cause the squeaking? I’m interested to know if anyone is aware of reliable studies or specific technical data on these “budget furniture hinges” that could confirm or debunk this phenomenon.