How to Fix a Squeaky Door Hinge
A squeaky door hinge can be one of the most irritating pieces of home furnishings if not dealt with, making a noise every time a door is opened, which can be a nuisance at night!
Squeaky door hinges are incredibly common problems in homes and offices, and they can be easily fixed!
The main contributor to squeaky door hinges is friction caused by dust or dirt buildup. Another simple explanation for squeaky hinges is loose screws. That is a simple fix. Squeaks may also occur due to insufficient lubrication between the metal surfaces of the hinge and hinge pins. Lastly, it could be due to a misaligned, warped, or worn door.
If you have squeaky hinges, learn our straightforward steps and recommendations to fix them in no time!
Oil the Hinges
Often, you'll find the main culprit for a squeaky hinge is a lack of lubrication. Most of the time, fixing squeaking hinges is just a simple case of oiling the metal parts of the door hinges; you don't need to deconstruct them.
Whenever possible, opt for dry lubricants instead of liquid to prevent them from dripping all over your door and floor. Here are nine different types of lubricants for squeaky door hinges:
- Hairspray (short-term fix): This is a quick, easy, and practical way to seal door hinges. Spray a couple of times on the hinge and open/close the door to dry the hairspray.
- Olive oil: Use a pipette full of olive oil and gently drip a few drops onto the hinge.
- Petroleum jelly or Vaseline (most recommended): Rub a small amount of jelly outside the hinge and work it slowly into the hinge.
- WD-40: Spray WD-40 a few times on the hinge and open/close the door.
- Powdered graphite: A low-friction and dry lubricant that can help loosen up the oil on the hinges.
- Silicone spray: Free from grease and mineral oils such as rubber, plastic, and metal.
- Lithium grease: Putting a spot of grease on the handles can help stop squeaky doors.
- Cooling oil: A natural way to stop squeaky door hinges is just to wipe excess stains afterward.
- Paraffin candles: Petroleum inside paraffin candles can help lubricate the hinge; however, you may need to light the candle first.
Pro Tip: Clean the hinge first before jumping directly into oiling the hinge plate. Quickly wipe the hinge with a cloth diluted household cleaner, removing any accumulation of dirt, grime, or dust that's built up. This ensures the oil goes to the right areas.
You might need to loosen each hinge pin and then pull it out slightly to help oil the hinge properly.
Update the Hardware
As we mentioned before, one of the main reasons is that door hinges can wear down due to overuse. The hinge can become misaligned, damaged, or difficult to lubricate when it undergoes wear and tear. Oil won't do the job if you're dealing with misaligned or worn hinges. You may need to consider updating the hardware and opting for nylon or ball-bearing hinges, which can reduce friction and produce little noise.
Pro Tip: Look for fixtures that match your aesthetic while ensuring they work harmoniously and silently with your door. To learn more, check out our Modern Door Hinge.
Assess the Door
Before jumping into anything, the best thing you should do is assess the condition of your door first. Changes in humidity and your home can often warp wood and affect the door hangs, causing friction. Sand or trim and weather strip the edges. When possible, remove the pin, tape the pin up, and lubricate it before installing again.
Open the Door to Mindful Home Spaces
Overall, a squeaky door hinge can be a nuisance, creaking and making noise at night. On the contrary, they’re one of the most common problems that can easily be fixed. It's just a matter of assessing the door, using the right lubricant to oil the hinges, or updating the hardware.
Are you looking for new hardware? Browse our hardware products and see how they enhance your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
One of the best ways to prevent squeaky door hinges is to spray or apply lubricant. Before doing so, wipe down the door to remove any excess dirt or debris and ensure the oil gets there.
Try to opt for a form of lubrication other than WD40 whenever possible. While this may seem attractive, it's also a water displacer, which means it does not always hold enough lubricant and can often attract more dirt instead. You can use it on the hinge and hinge pin, but it only provides temporary relief and needs to be continuously reapplied.
The best lubricant for door hinges is often petroleum jelly or Vaseline. It's affordable, easily available, and works well—rub the jelly inside and around the hinge!
Of course, you can put Vaseline on a squeaky door hinge! It can be a great fix if you have this at home and it's lying around. Vaseline is a petroleum jelly that can reduce squeakiness; it also does not attract much dirt and grime.
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