Flex your DIY muscles.
The squeaky door gets the grease
When it comes to the plethora of home projects you probably have on your plate, a squeaky door can seem like small potatoes. However, over time, this noise is enough to drive you batty. On the bright side, there are many simple tricks for fixing squeaky hinges and doors, and often, you can use items that you already have at home.
A squeaky door is often the result of the friction of metal on metal in your door hinges. Friction within the hinges tends to occur when there is an accumulation of dirt, dust, or debris or simply a lack of lubrication between the hinge surface and the hinge pin.
Usually, you can solve any squeaky door issue with a lubricant. In many cases, especially in more minor situations, you can use options that are readily available at home. For more severe cases, you may need to go to a general repair or hardware store.
Silicone spray can be an instant fix for a squeaky door, and as a bonus, it is safe to use on a variety of surfaces. You’ll find these sprays in virtually every hardware store.
To implement this fix, simply remove the door’s hinge pin, apply the silicone spray in the hinge, and give the hinge pin a spray before putting it back.
Bar soaps often are full of fats and oils that work as fantastic lubrication for squeaky hinges. Plus, this one is an affordable fix that you likely already have in your bathroom. Rub your bar soap fully into the hinges until well-lubricated. When you rub the soap in, open and close the door to more thoroughly work the soap into the hinges.
Note: Avoid soaps containing glycerin since these can attract moisture to the hinge, potentially causing rust.
Petroleum jelly has various uses—from managing eczema to shining up your shoes. Due to its oily properties, petroleum jelly can also act as a lubricant to fix squeaky doors. Plus, it clings and secures itself well to the hinge, so there’s usually not a residual mess.
Rub the outside of the hinge with a small amount of petroleum jelly. Or, for a more in-depth job, first, remove the hinge pin and coat it with jelly before placing it back in the hinge.
Another common kitchen ingredient, olive oil, is a great hack for fixing your squeaking hinges. You can use a pipette to make the job easier and avoid having a big mess to clean up. Better yet, if your oil is already in a spray can, you can also use that to make things even easier.
Simply apply a few drops of olive oil to the hinges, and you should lubricate the squeaks away.
If your door continues squeaking even after you’ve tried the tactics above, your hinge pins may be too gunked up to work properly. In this case, lubrication alone won't solve the issue; you’ll first have to clean the hinge pins. All you need is a household cleaner and steel wool.
Remove the hinge pins and use a steel wool pad and cleaner to scrub them clean. Afterward, lubricate the hinges with one of your household or store-bought remedies. Finally, place the hinges back in the door and use a hammer to tap them back into place.
If nothing works and your door continues to squeak, it’s time to call in the big guns. Purchasing new hinges can improve your door’s functionality and eliminate your frustrations. If you have any questions or concerns about the installation, you can contact a local door repair company who can help ensure you’re getting the right hinges and even install them for you. The cost for new hinges is $3 each on average, although luxury models will increase the cost.
