How to Lubricate Squeaky Door Hinges | DIY 5 Methods

How to Lubricate Squeaky Door Hinges

The squeaks of door hinges are a common complaint, but they can be repaired with a bit of lubricant. A squeaky or noisy door is a nuisance to everyone who hears it. Having noisy hinges may be an annoyance, but they can be easily repaired.

WD-40 is a popular choice because it is practical and easy to use. You just spray it on the hinges and wait for it to dry. If the squeaking persists, you can reapply as needed.

But other convenient methods don’t require any special tools or products. We will discuss how to lubricate squeaky door hinges with some different techniques to choose the most suitable one for your needs. 

Sometimes it just needs a little lubricant to stop squeaky door hinges, but occasionally the hinges need replacing. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Reasons for Squeaky Door Hinges

metal surfaces

Before we get into the lubrication methods, let’s take a look at some of the reasons your door hinges might be squeaking.

Door hinges are subject to a lot of wear and tear. Over time, they can become loose, which will cause them to squeak. If you have a loose hinge pin on your hinges, it will need to be tightened.

Another reason for squeaky hinges is a build-up of dirt and grime. This can happen even if you clean your squeaky doors regularly. Over time, dust and dirt can work their way into the hinge, causing it to become clogged.

If you live in an area with high humidity, that can also cause hinges to squeak. Rust can form on the hinges, and as the rust expands, it can cause the hinge pin to become loose.

How to Lubricate Squeaky Door Hinges : Simple Methods

door hardware

Door hinges tend to squeak for a variety of reasons. The most common cause is friction, but there are other potential causes. If the door is old, the hinge may be worn down and need to be replaced.

Loose hinge pins can also cause hinges to squeak. If the hinge pin is not tight, it will cause the door to rub against the door frame, which will create a squeaking noise. You can find several methods for lubricating hinges below: 

Using WD-40

The first method is to use WD-40. This is popular because it is effective and easy to use that can be found in local home improvement store. You spray it on the hinges and wait for it to dry. If the squeaking persists, you can reapply.

To use this method, simply spray the WD-40 onto the door’s hinges. You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to lubricate the hinge. Let WD-40 sit for a few minutes to allow the WD-40 to penetrate the hinge and hinge pins for fixing squeaky hinges. 

Then open and close the door a few times to work the lubricant into the door hinge. If the squeaking persists, you can reapply as needed.

Using Bar Soap

Another simple method is to use bar soap. This is a good choice if you don’t have WD-40 on hand. You can use soap, but we recommend using a glycerin-based soap because it will provide better lubrication.

Simply rub the soap onto the hinges to use this method. You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to lubricate the hinge. Wait a few minutes for the soap to penetrate the hinge and hinge pin.

Once the lubricant is in the door hinge, open and shut the door a few times to work it in. Squeaking can be corrected by reapplying if necessary.

Using Petroleum Jelly

door closed

Another great option is to use petroleum jelly. This is a thick, viscous material that can provide a good amount of lubrication. It’s also easy to find and relatively inexpensive.

Simply apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the hinges to use this method. You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to lubricate Jellythe hinge. The jelly needs time to penetrate the hinge and the hinge pins, so let it sit for a few minutes.

To get the lubricant into the hinge, you should open and shut the door a few times. You can reapply if the squeaking persists.

Using a Paraffin Candles

This is another excellent option for lubricating hinges. Paraffin candles are made of hot wax, providing a good amount of lubrication.

To use this method, simply rub the candle onto the hinges. You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to lubricate the hinge. For maximum penetration, let the melted wax sit for a few minutes.

Close and open the door several times to work the lubricant into the hinge. The squeaking can be corrected by reapplying if necessary.

Using Olive Oil

Olive oil is a good choice for lubricating the noisy door hinge because it is thick and can provide lubrication.

Simply apply a small amount of olive oil to the squeaky hinge to use this method. You don’t need to use a lot, just enough to lubricate the hinge. It is best to allow the lubricating oil to penetrate the squeaky hinge and the hinge pins for a few minutes.

To work the lubricant into the door hinge, open and close the door a few times. It is possible to reapply as needed if there is still squeaking.

As you can see, there are several effective methods of lubricating to fix squeaky door hinges. If one way doesn’t work, simply try another. Eventually, you should find a plan that works for your particular situation.

FAQs

Let’s take a look at some frequently asked questions about lubricating noisy door hinges:

01. Where to Oil a Squeaky Door?

The best place to oil a squeaky door is at the hinges. Loudly squeaking or creaky doors generally have squeaky hinges, so oil the hinges. Some squeaky hinges can be resolved by lubricating them. Sometimes the hinge pin needs to be removed for lubricating.

02. What’s the Best Lubricant for Squeaky Door Hinge?

A variety of lubricants can be used on hinges, but silicone spray and lithium grease are the best to lubricate a squeaky hinge. Silicone spray is a better alternative to lithium grease because it is cheaper, easier to use, and potentially less messy.

03. Is Vaseline Good for Door Hinges?

Yes, petroleum jelly can work as a door hinge lubricant. Moreover, it is easy to find and relatively inexpensive. Simply apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the door hinges to do the job done.

04. Can I Use Cooking Oil for Squeaky Door?

Yes, you can use cooking oil to lubricate squeaky door hinges. You can use various cooking oils to lubricate hinges, including coconut and canola. However, it is not the best option because it can be messy and difficult to remove if you get it on your hands or clothes.

In Conclusion

A squeaky door hinge is a common problem, but they can be easily fixed with lubrication. If you’re struggling with a squeaky door, there are plenty of solutions.

We hope the article “how to lubricate squeaky door hinges” was helpful. If all else fails and the scratching is driving you crazy, just replace your hinges. In most cases, this can be done in just an hour or two.

Try to apply one of the above methods when you have time and see which one works best. Eventually, you should find a method that works for your particular situation.

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How to Lubricate Squeaky Door Hinges | DIY 5 Methods

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