Quick DIY Fixes for Cabinet Doors That Won’t Stay Shut
Few household annoyances are as constant as a cabinet door that won’t stay closed. You shut it. It pops back open. You try again. Same result.
The good news? This is usually a quick fix. In most cases, you can solve the problem in under 15 minutes with tools you already have.
Below are the most common reasons cabinet doors won’t stay closed, along with the exact steps to fix each one.
Step 1: Check the Cabinet Door Hinges
Loose hinges are the number one cause of cabinet doors that won’t stay shut.
What to look for
Open the cabinet and gently lift the door up and down. If it moves, the hinges are loose.
How to fix it
- Tighten all hinge screws with a screwdriver
- Check both the cabinet frame and the door side
- If a screw keeps spinning, remove it and insert a toothpick or wooden match with a bit of wood glue, then screw it back in
This gives the screw something to grip again.
Step 2: Adjust the Door Alignment
If the door is crooked or rubbing against the frame, it won’t close properly.
How to tell
- The door looks uneven compared to nearby cabinets
- One corner hits the frame before the rest of the door
How to fix it
- Loosen the hinge screws slightly
- Gently shift the door into the correct position
- Hold it steady while tightening the screws back up
Take your time here. Small adjustments make a big difference.
Step 3: Inspect the Magnetic Catch or Latch
Many cabinets rely on a small magnetic catch to stay closed. When it’s worn out or misaligned, the door won’t hold.
What to check
- Is the magnet loose?
- Is the metal plate lined up with the magnet?
How to fix it
- Tighten loose screws
- Realign the plate so it meets the magnet directly
- Replace the catch if the magnet feels weak or cracked
These parts are inexpensive and easy to swap out.
Step 4: Clean Off Built-Up Grime
It sounds simple, but dirt and grease can stop a cabinet door from closing all the way.
Where to clean
- Hinges
- Door edges
- Inside the cabinet frame
Use warm water and mild soap. Dry everything before testing the door again.
Step 5: Replace Worn-Out Hardware
If your cabinets are older, the hinges or catches may just be worn out.
Signs it’s time to replace them
- Screws won’t tighten
- Hinges are bent or cracked
- The door still won’t stay closed after adjustments
New hinges or catches are cheap and usually take just a few minutes to install.
When to Call a Pro
If the cabinet itself is warped or the frame is pulling away from the wall, a quick fix may not be enough. In that case, a carpenter or handyman can help reinforce or realign the cabinet.
Final Thoughts
A cabinet door that won’t stay closed is annoying, but it’s rarely a big problem. Most fixes come down to tightening screws, aligning components, or replacing a small part.
Try the steps above one at a time. Chances are, you’ll have that door staying shut again before your coffee gets cold.