How to Fix a Squeaky Door: Best Methods!

If you've ever tried to sneak into the kitchen late at night only for your door to announce your presence with the loudest squeak... Well, been there, done that. More times than we can count!

You might be reading this article because you've already tried a quick fix, maybe a bit of WD-40 or a small amount of oil. But the noise keeps coming back after a few days. The truth is that to fix a squeaky door for good, you need to understand why it's squeaking in the first place. Sometimes it's just a dry hinge. But other times, the door is warped or misaligned.

As such, how to fix a squeaky door? Keep reading to find out - we'll give you step-by-step instructions!

Key Takeaways

• Before applying any quick fixes, try to figure out why your door is squeaking. The culprit could be anything from a dry or worn hinge to a warped door frame or damage to other parts of the door system.
• Each cause has its own specific fix, whether that’s lubricating the hinges, tightening loose screws, or realigning the door to eliminate friction.
• Some issues, like severe warping or rusted hinges beyond repair, might mean it’s time to replace the door entirely. Investing in a new, high-quality front door can eliminate squeaks for good while improving your home’s look, efficiency, and security.

What Makes Your Door Squeak and How to Fix It?

To be able to fix your squeaky door long-term, you'll have to identify why exactly it squeaks. Therefore, in the following sections, we'll explain why doors create noise and provide solutions for each!

Reason 1: Hinges Have Lost Their Lubrication

Over time, the metal-on-metal contact in a door hinge dries out. Every time you open or close a door, the hinge pins rub against the hinge plates. This creates friction. If the system is not lubricated, this friction produces that unpleasant squeak. Humidity and dust buildup can exacerbate the issue.

How to fix this? Start by identifying which hinge is the culprit. Slowly open and close the door and listen carefully. Once you find it, use a household lubricant on it, such as hairspray, silicone spray, or even a dab of petroleum jelly, applying it directly onto the hinge pins and joints. Then, move the door back and forth so the lubricant spreads evenly.

If the squeak is still there, you'll have to pull the hinge pin out carefully using a hammer and nail, remove any rust or debris, and apply lubricant directly on it before reinserting it.

Reason 2: Loose Hinges

When door hinges are loose, the door can shift slightly every time you open or close it. This causes an uneven motion and also squeaks or creaks. Then, as screws loosen, the hinge plates no longer sit flush with the door frame or door edge. This causes the metal to twist or rub irregularly, which can make the squeak louder.

In some cases, if the door hinges are loose, the door can sag and scrape against the frame or floor.

How to fix this?

Check all the hinge screws. Then, use a screwdriver to tighten screws that are loose. If a screw won't tighten, you can fill the hole with toothpicks or matchsticks coated in wood glue and then reinsert the screw.

If the hinges are heavily worn, it's best to replace them with new hardware.

Reason 3: Rust or Corrosion on Hinges

Rust is a type of corrosion that forms on metal when iron reacts with oxygen and water. In other words, if humidity levels are high in your house, your door hinges may be rusty. And that weakens the hinge and increases friction between moving parts.

How to fix this?

Remove the hinge pins and carefully clean them with a wire brush or fine sandpaper to remove rust build up. If the hinge plates are corroded, clean them as well. Apply a rust-inhibiting lubricant or multipurpose oil using a rag.

Keep in mind that if the hinges are severely rusted, it's best to replace them. Moreover, be extra careful when handling rusty objects.

Reason 4: Misaligned Door or Frame

If your door is misaligned, squeaks are a given! This often happens when the house is settling or because of high humidity or uneven installation. The misalignment causes extra stress on certain hinges or points of contact, leading to squeaks.

For example, you might notice that the door is rubbing slightly against the frame or trim. You might also notice that the latch doesn't align perfectly with the strike plate.

How to fix this?

Open and close the door slowly. Observe where exactly it rubs or catches. Then, tighten or adjust the hinge screws that are misaligned. If it doesn't work, you may have to slightly reposition the hinges or add shims behind them to restore the door's position.

Reason 5: Dirt and Debris in Hinges

Dust or pet hair often accumulates in the small gaps within door hinges. Over time, this buildup interferes with the hinge’s smooth movement, and it causes friction and noise. Even if you lubricate the hinges regularly, dirt and debris can still get trapped, and when mixed with oil, can worsen the squeak.

How to fix this?

Start by cleaning the hinges thoroughly. Open the door fully and use a cloth or small brush to remove surface dust. For a deeper clean, remove the hinge pins and soak them in warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution. Wipe down the hinge plates as well.

Once dry, reassemble the hinges and apply a thin layer of lubricant. Test the door by moving it back and forth. If it operates smoothly, you've done the job well! Just make sure to clean your door system regularly.

Reason 6: Warped Wood Doors

If your doors are wooden, warping is bound to happen sooner or later. Wood naturally expands and contracts with changes in temperature and humidity.

While this doesn't usually cause issues at first, the constant movement causes the door to warp over time. It bends, twists, or bows out of its original shape. When that happens, the door no longer fits perfectly within its frame. For example, the door slab might rub against the jamb, drag on the floor, or press unevenly against the hinges. All of these can cause the door to squeak.

How to fix this:

First, inspect the door closely. Try to determine how severe the warp is. If it's minor, you might be able to correct it by adjusting the hinges or tightening the screws to realign the door with the frame.

If the warping is moderate, you can try the clamping method, which is especially effective for bowed doors. This implies applying pressure to the warped section, which can reshape the wood. To do this, you'll have to remove the door slab from the door system and place it on a padded surface. Then, you'll have to position clamps across the warped area and tighten them slowly, but be extra careful not to tighten them too much and damage the door.

If the warping is severe or if the door no longer fits in the frame properly, it might be necessary to replace the door.

What Lubricant Can You Use for a Squeaky Door?

Here are the lubricants you can use to lubricate squeaky hinges:

• Hairspray, because it contains polymers that create a seal around the door hinges; this seal stops them from loosening.
• Bar soap, because it contains fats and oils that act as lubricants.
• Olive oil, because it will easily lubricate the creaky door hinges
• Petroleum jelly, because its oily properties make it an excellent lubricant for squeaking doors
• Paraffin candles (just light the candle to soften the wax)
• Silicone spray or white lithium grease, which are perfect for hinges that produce that unpleasant squeaking sound.

Keep in mind that while you can use WD-40 on door hinges, it is not a true lubricant, as only about 10-20% of it is lubricant, and the fix will only be temporary.

Looking for New Doors? Contact Magic!

If your squeaky door is badly warped, old, or constantly misaligned, no amount of lubrication or hinge-tightening will truly solve the problem. In this case, the best solution is to replace the door altogether.

And if you want to get the best front door there is in the GTA, you should book your consultation with Magic ASAP!

Our front doors are incredibly durable, energy-efficient, aesthetically pleasing, strong, and technologically advanced!

So, are you ready to say goodbye to squeaks for good? Reach out to Magic today and discover the perfect replacement door for your home!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you stop a door from squeaking?

To stop a door from squeaking, remove the hinge pins and apply a lubricant such as oil, grease, or silicone spray. After applying, move the door back and forth to evenly distribute the lubricant.

Will WD-40 fix a squeaky door?

Yes, WD-40 can temporarily fix a squeaky door by lubricating the hinges and reducing friction. However, it is not a true lubricant and will wear off over time, so a more permanent lubricant like silicone or lithium grease is better for long-term results.

What is the best lubricant for squeaky doors?

The best lubricants for squeaky doors are silicone spray or white lithium grease because they provide long-lasting lubrication without attracting dust. These options work smoothly and keep the hinges quiet for months.

Does Vaseline fix squeaky doors?

Yes, Vaseline can fix squeaky doors by acting as a temporary lubricant on the hinges. It’s thicker than oil, so it can last longer, but it may collect dust, dirt, and grime over time.

How often should I lubricate my door hinges?

You should lubricate your door hinges every few months or whenever you hear a squeak.

What should I do if the squeak persists after lubrication?

If the squeak persists after lubrication, it's important to inspect for structural issues like misaligned frames or worn-out hinges, as these could be the source of the noise.

Can I use cooking oil as a lubricant for door hinges?

Yes, cooking oil can lubricate squeaky door hinges. However, consider using a more suitable lubricant for long-term results, as cooking oil may attract dust and dirt over time.

How can I prevent my door from squeaking in the future?

To prevent your door from squeaking in the future, regularly maintain it by cleaning and lubricating the hinges and inspecting for any structural issues.