We’ve all been there. You go to close a cabinet, and BAM—it bounces right back open like it’s got a vendetta. Maybe it’s hanging crooked, maybe it’s rubbing, or maybe it just woke up and chose chaos. Whatever the reason, a cabinet door that won’t close is one of those tiny household annoyances that somehow manages to drive us absolutely nuts.
Before you start Googling “new kitchen remodel” or calling in an emergency home repair (been there, done that), let’s talk about one incredibly simple fix you can try first.
The Culprit: Loose or Misaligned Hinges
Most of the time, when a cabinet door won’t close, the problem is actually pretty basic: the hinges have gone rogue. Over time, with daily use (and let’s be honest—occasional slams when you’re hangry), hinges can loosen up or shift just enough to throw everything out of alignment.
But here’s the good news—you don’t need to be a pro or even moderately handy to fix this. All you need is a screwdriver and about five minutes.
Step 1: Tighten the Screws
Grab a Phillips head screwdriver and check the screws on the cabinet door hinges—both on the door itself and where they attach to the cabinet frame. If any of them are loose, tighten them up. You’d be surprised how often this alone solves the problem.
Pro Tip: Don’t just eyeball it—actually give each screw a good twist. What looks secure might still have a little wiggle room, and that tiny shift can mess with the door’s closure.
Step 2: Adjust the Hinge Placement
If the screws are snug and the door still isn’t cooperating, it might be time to adjust the hinge position slightly. Most modern cabinet hinges are adjustable—look for a set of small screws that allow you to shift the door up/down, in/out, or left/right.
Tweak it slowly and test after each small adjustment. You’re going for a door that closes flush with the frame and doesn’t spring back open like it’s auditioning for a haunted house.
Step 3: Check for Obstructions
Sometimes it’s not the door—it’s what’s inside. Make sure there’s nothing in the cabinet that’s bumping against the door from the inside (looking at you, extra-tall spice jars). Also check the cabinet base and sides for warped wood, crumbs, or dried spills that could be interfering with closure.
When to Call in Reinforcements
If you’ve tried the quick fixes and your cabinet door won’t close no matter what, then it might be time to consider a slightly deeper dive. In rare cases, warped wood, stripped screw holes, or bent hinges might be at play.
Still, before escalating to a full-blown emergency home repair, it’s worth replacing the hinge hardware. Hinges are cheap, easy to swap out, and can work wonders.
Closing Time (Literally)
Living with a cabinet that won’t close is like trying to ignore a single popcorn kernel stuck in your teeth—it’s small, but maddening. Luckily, with a screwdriver and a few minutes, you can usually fix it faster than you can say “DIY victory dance.”
So the next time your cabinet door won’t close, don’t panic. Don’t call in the cavalry. Just give it a quick hinge check and a little TLC. Your kitchen will thank you. And so will your sanity.
