How to Fix a Squeaky Door? 6 Tips on How to Make a Door Stop Squeaking

It is midnight and you are somewhat hungry. Grabbing something from the refrigerator seems like a harmless idea, right? However, you don’t want to wake your partner and you know pretty well that the biggest obstacle in your mission is the squeaky door (or even finding the lights in the dark). In fact, a squeaky interior door is a major irritation that leaves you wondering “how to make a door stop squeaking without calling a repairman?”

Why do doors squeak?

Door squeaking is often caused by the friction that results when wood rubs against the wood. It happens when the door is not perfectly aligned within its frame. The door hinges cause squeaking when the screws in the hinge are loose or if the pin in the hinge is out of shape. If the screws are loose then a simple screwdriver would be enough to fix the problem. However, if that’s not what is causing door squeaking, then keep on reading on how to fix squeaky hinges.

Tips and step-by-step instructions on how to make the door stop squeaking

As door squeaking is caused by the hinges, here are some ways you can fix squeaky hinges.

Tools you need

• Hammer.

• Nail punch.

• Flathead screwdriver.

• Paper towels.

• Lubricant.

• Steel wool.

• White grease or paraffin wax.

Popular and effective lubricants for door hinges

1. Lithium grease. It may be the most common remedy for dealing with squeaky doors. This grease ensures quiet opening and closing and extends the hinges' life.

2. WD-40. The aerosol product can prevent corrosion. It is water-repellent and perfectly lubricates metal parts.

3. GT85. It is an indispensable item in your home based on PTFE silicone. This product is handy for doors, bicycles, locks, tools, and even cars.

4. Olive oil. If you suddenly don't have professional sprays, a few drops of olive oil will help. Applying them to the hinges with a dropper or a small brush is best.

5. Petroleum jelly. Vaseline often comes in handy in everyday life. Thanks to its oily properties, it protects the skin and lips well against the weather and reduces scarring. Apart from medical needs, petroleum jelly is useful in repairs so that you can lubricate hinges and pins with it.

6. Paraffin wax. As you know, candles are a petroleum product, and oil is a lubricant due to its physical properties. Take note of this life hack! It is as simple as the previous point, as olive oil or wax is always in every apartment.

7. Silicone spray. It is another effective and affordable lubricant that eliminates door squeaks. The spray can be purchased at almost any store or ordered online. It contains no mineral oils or grease and is safe for various materials, including plastic, metal, and rubber. Apply it to the hinge and pin, but remember to remove the excess when the door is fixed.

8. Hairspray. This cosmetic contains polymers, so it is suitable for squeaky door hinges (just spray it on), but not for long. For better results, experts recommend choosing other aerosols and letting hairspray remain for those who need a long-lasting style.

9. Bar soap. Since bar soap, especially organic ones, contains fats and oils, it is suitable for lubricating hinges, just like all the products mentioned above. The main thing is to rub it well and ensure it is absorbed. After such simple actions, you will no longer be bothered by squeaking.

Step 1: lubricate the hinge pin (without removing it)

Removing the hinge pin requires some effort, especially if the hinge pin is covered in rust. Therefore, try lubricating the hinge pin first. Although general-purpose machine oils and penetrating oils such as WD-40 are considered the best solution to the squeaky door problem, door hinges don't really require high-performance oil. You can use olive oil or even cooking oil.

Step 2: remove the hinge pin

Place the flathead screwdriver under the lip of the top pinhead and use a hammer to tap it upwards. If that doesn't work, place the nail on the bottom of the door hinge and tap it upward with a hammer. It'll do the job.

Step 3: use steel wool

If you notice that the hinge pin is discolored, use steel wool. There is a possibility that rust, dust, or grease is causing the squeaky sound. Therefore, use steel wool to clean the hinge pin properly.

Step 4: coat the hinge pin in white grease

Simply using oil to prevent squeaky sound is not a long-term solution. So, once you've removed the hinge pin, try coating it in white grease, as it prevents the hinge pin from rusting in the future and also helps the oil from drying out. You can also use paraffin wax or even beeswax.

Step 5: reinstall the hinge pin

Once you have completed the previous step and lubricated the hinge pin with white lithium grease, insert it into place. Next, tap it lightly with a hammer. After that, check how the door works. There should be no squeaking when opening and closing the slab. If everything has been done correctly (and you have coated the pins of each hinge), install all bottom caps.

Step 6: wipe off excess agent

First, congratulations! Now, you know how to fix a squeaky door and have probably already lubricated the hinges. Secondly, we remind you to remove grease residue from all surfaces to avoid staining: hinges, frame, slab, casings, hardware, and the floor. To do this, use a cloth, rag, or old towel. Also, wash your hands thoroughly at the end.

But what if these methods fail?

If all methods fail to deliver the required result, the ultimate solution is aligning the door frame.

Lubricating the hinge pin can solve the problem for short-term, but it is likely to come back if the door is not aligned to its frame. As a result of the imperfectly aligned door and frame, the weight distribution is imperfect and it results in putting stress on the hinges (which ultimately causes the irritating squeaky sounds).

You can fix this issue by simply detaching the door from its frame and re-aligning it so that the hinges are parallel. If you feel like this is not something you can do, call a repairman.