Why That Door Is So Squeaky (And How To Fix It)

A squeaky door is one of those tiny annoying things in your household that somehow feels ten times worse than it actually is. It starts as a soft creak -– like a little whisper -– but that innocent noise eventually turns into a full-blown screech that echoes through the house like a horror movie sound effect. That unbearable sound can almost always be traced back to the hinges. 

Hinges are small but important parts that hold your door in place and allow it to smoothly operate. They can sadly start to wear down or dry out over time, which then causes friction. When the metal rubs against metal without enough lubrication, this movement creates resistance that causes a high-pitched noise. You can ignore it or even try to convince yourself that it brings character to your home, but that grating sound will always find a way to remind you it's there.

The good news is that fixing a squeaky door caused by a rusty or worn-out hinge is super straightforward. The first step is to apply some lubricant like silicone spray or even olive oil or petroleum jelly, which helps prevent rust. Just apply a small amount directly to the hinge, then swing the door back and forth to help it spread. Start small and add more as needed to prevent a sticky mess! It's also important to remember to stay away from WD-40. While it serves so many purposes, WD-40 shouldn't be used on door hinges because it can trap dust and gunk.

If lubrication doesn't solve the squeaking, you might need to check the hinge pins, the metal rods inside the hinges. Remove and clean them since they get rusty or dirty over time. Wiping them down with a cloth usually does the trick, but a little steel wool or sandpaper can help smooth any rust out too. Then apply some lubricant and put it back in place once cleaned.

A misaligned hinge can sometimes also cause squeaky doors. If you find this is the case, tighten any loose hinge screws with a screwdriver. There might be a chance that holes for screws in the door frame have become too big. Add wood glue into the hole then insert a small piece of wood or even a matchstick before screwing the hinges back in place.

Putting an end to a squeaking door is one thing, but preventing it from squeaking is another. The key is to do some regular maintenance on your door. This includes taking time to occasionally check your door hinges and adding a bit of lubricant if they look dry. Extra moisture in the air can also lead to rust on your hinges. You can prevent and remove rust from door hinges with several essential tips, including regularly wiping any moisture off with a dry cloth, especially if your home tends to be humid or the hinges are exposed to rain.

It's also a good idea to make sure your doors are properly aligned. A door that constantly rubs against the frame can put extra pressure on the hinges. This could lead to wear and tear not just on your hinges, but on the door and frame itself. So make sure to tighten or adjust the hinges immediately when you notice your door isn't closing smoothly. Doing so could save you from future squeaking problems!