Irritating screeches are never welcome. Least of all every time you open a door. But a squeaky door IS easy to fix.

In general, the reason is that your door hinges need attention. But this common household problem has other potential reasons and fixes. Luckily, most of them are easy.

So in this mini guide we’ll ensure that it isn’t a squeaky door disrupting your peace at home or causing embarrassment at work – read on to explore why doors squeak and how to silence them effectively.

Skip to: 

• Why do doors squeak?
• How to fix a squeaky door

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Why do doors squeak?

Let’s deal with the ‘whys’ before we look at the ‘what to do about its’. What are the reasons behind a squeaky door?

#1 – Metal-on-metal friction

The most common cause of door squeaks is simple friction between the metal components of your door hinges.

As the pins and barrels rub against each other without proper lubrication, they create that characteristic squeaking sound.

#2 – Rust and corrosion

Over time, especially in humid environments, door hinges can develop rust. This corrosion creates rough surfaces that increase friction and noise when the door moves.

#3 – Accumulated dirt and debris

Dust, dirt, and other particles can work their way into your hinges, creating additional friction and preventing smooth movement.

#4 – Loose or misaligned hinges

When hinges become loose or misaligned, they can create uneven pressure points that result in squeaking and other noises.

#5 – Temperature and humidity changes

Seasonal changes can cause door frames to expand and contract, potentially affecting hinge alignment and creating squeaks.

Do you have a squeaky floor too!? Read this article on ‘Why Do I Have a Squeaky Floor?’ to solve this issue

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How to fix a squeaky door

We’ve put together our list of the easiest fixes for a squeaky door. 

You’ll read about why and how each solution works, followed by some recommended products for doing the job.

Lubricating the hinges

Lubricating doors with a spray or oil can prevent them from squeaking by reducing friction between the hinges and door frame. When hinges are properly lubricated, they can move smoothly without grinding or sticking, preventing the annoying squeaking noise that can occur when opening or closing a door.

Regularly lubricating doors is a quick and easy way to stop the squeak, keep them in good working condition and ensure they operate well.

We recommend:

WD-40: A reliable option that both lubricates and prevents rust. It’s easy to apply and readily available. prevents rust.

You can also try:

• Silicone spray:  Long-lasting, doesn’t attract dust.
• Cooking Oil: Apply a small amount of vegetable or olive oil using a paper towel or cotton swab
• Bar Soap: Rub a dry bar of soap along the hinge pin
• Petroleum Jelly: Apply a thin layer to the hinge mechanism
• Paraffin Wax: Rub a candle along the hinge pin

Cleaning the hinges

Cleaning hinges is an essential maintenance task that helps prevent doors from becoming squeaky. Over time, hinges can accumulate dirt, dust, and debris, which can cause friction and rubbing that leads to squeaking noises. 

By regularly cleaning hinges with the products we suggest below, you can eliminate this buildup and ensure smooth operation of the door. This simple task not only prevents annoying squeaks but also prolongs the life of the hinges and preserves the integrity of the door:

1. Remove hinge pins (if possible)
2. Clean thoroughly with:
   • Steel wool or wire brush
   • Rust remover or vinegar solution for rust removal
   • Clean cloth for final wipe
3. Dry completely before reassembly

We recommend:

Rust Remover: Use WD-40 Specialist Rust Remover Soak to dissolve rust and restore your hinges

Tightening loose hinges

Tightening loose hinges on doors helps to stop them from being squeaky by ensuring that the door is properly aligned and securely attached to the frame. When hinges are loose, the door may move slightly and rub against the frame, causing friction and creating the squeaky noise. 

This simple maintenance task can prolong the life of the door and prevent any further damage or wear and tear. 

Required tools:

• Screwdriver (Phillips or flathead, depending on screws)
• Wooden shims (if needed)
• Replacement screws (if original ones are stripped)

Steps:

1. Check all screws for tightness
2. Replace any stripped screws
3. Add wooden shims behind loose hinges if needed
4. Consider longer screws for better grip

We recommend:

Fixing misaligned hinges

Misaligned hinges can cause doors to rub against the door frame, leading to friction and ultimately resulting in a squeaky noise when the door is opened or closed. By fixing misaligned hinges, the door can move smoothly without any resistance against the frame – this stops the squeaking sound! 

Achieve this by adjusting the hinges so that they are properly aligned with the door frame, allowing the door to swing freely. If in doubt, ask your local handyman for help with this one.

Tools needed:

• Level
• Shims
• Screwdriver
• Hammer (for pin removal)

Steps:

1. Check door alignment with level
2. Remove hinge pins if necessary
3. Add shims to adjust alignment
4. Tighten all screws
5. Test door movement

We recommend:

Preventive maintenance

You can actually stop the squeaky door issue from happening. To prevent future squeaks, do these 5 easy checks every now and then:

• Regular cleaning every 6 months
• Apply lubricant annually
• Check and tighten screws periodically
• Address moisture issues in your home
• Keep hinges free from paint during home maintenance

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When to call a professional

While most squeaky door issues can be resolved with DIY solutions, consider calling a professional if:

• The door has structural damage
• The frame is warped
• Multiple fix attempts have failed
• You’re dealing with an antique or valuable door
• The door is severely misaligned

Do you have a problem with a door that is letting in noise from another room? It might be time for a new door. Check out our article on ‘How to Choose the Best Door for Soundproofing’