The Bathroom Staple That'll Help You Fix Your Squeaky Door Hinges

Squeaky door hinges are arguably a nice touch in horror movies, adding to the spooky ambiance that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. But that doesn't mean you want one in your home. Luckily, this annoyance is easy to resolve. The first step in fixing your squeaky hinge is to identify where the noise is coming from. While the issue is most likely just a dry hinge, a squeaky door can also indicate other problems like a loose or damaged part. Examine the hardware closely and if there aren't any obvious physical problems, the issue can probably be solved with a common household staple: petroleum jelly.

This substance, discovered more than 150 years ago is comprised of mineral oils and wax, making it a handy tool to have around the house. Petroleum jelly can help heal your skin — a common use — creating a barrier that protects it and keeps water out. It can also remove makeup, heal chapped lips, and prevent diaper rash on babies. Petroleum jelly can even help prevent rust. Given its components, this product is one squeaky door hack worth trying to make your doors as quiet as a mouse. There are two ways you can implement this solution, but let's start with the least invasive option.

Scoop out a small glob of petroleum jelly on your finger and slather it on the outside of your hinge, working it into the slots that house the hinge pin. Move the door to help distribute the substance and see if the hinge is still squeaking. If all is quiet, your job is done. But persistent squeaks could require more drastic measures, such as removing the pin entirely.

You'll need some help removing the pin (or pins) because someone needs to support the door and keep the hinge aligned as you remove the piece. Once supported, take a nail punch a little smaller than the diameter of the hinge pinhole and place it at the bottom of the pin. Use a hammer to carefully tap the nail punch up, which will move the pin up and out enough to grab and pull it out. Wash your pin with soap and water to remove dirt, and use steel wool to take off any stubborn dirt or rust that remains. That will leave you with a smooth pin. Dry it completely, rub petroleum jelly all over the pin, and push it back into the hinge bracket hole. Test your door again to see if it's squeak-free. This more invasive method should take care of the issue. Now, wipe off any excess product, pat yourself on the back for a job well done, and enjoy the silence.