--- title: "How to Fix a Squeaky Door" description: "Does your door creak every time you open or close it? Fix your squeaky door hinge problem with these easy cleaning and lubrication tips." date: "2020-12-29" modified: "2024-04-26" authors: - name: "Tony Carrick" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-fix-a-squeaky-door/" categories: - "DIY" - "Doors" - "Interior" - "Repair & Maintenance" tags: - "doors" --- # How to Fix a Squeaky Door ![A metal antique-looking door hinge on a brown wood door.]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* Few things can grate on the nerves like a door that squeaks every time you open or close it. It’s an even bigger problem if the offending door leads to a bedroom or, even worse, a nursery. Luckily, repairing a squeaky door hinge usually isn’t a difficult task, and doesn’t require special tools or skills. The high-pitched noise is often an indication that the hinge is dirty or lacking sufficient lubricant. All it usually takes to quiet down a creaky door are a few squirts of lubricant. Here’s how you can fix a squeaky door. ## What causes a squeaky door? There are a variety of problems that could be causing your door to emit a shrill noise: - **Dirt:** Debris that has built up inside the knuckle of the hinge may be causing friction that’s leading to the noise. - **No lubrication:** Door hinges need a little lubrication to prevent the metal from causing noise when various parts rub against each other. If there’s no lubricant, they can begin to squeak. (If you don’t have any lubricant on hand, consult our guide to the [best lubricants for door hinges]().) - **Bent hinges:** Hinges are made of soft metal, so it isn’t difficult for the hinge knuckles to become misaligned. When this happens, the metal pieces rub against each other, creating that irritating squeak. - **Loose screws:** A loose hinge screw can cause uneven pressure to be placed on the hinge knuckles, causing them to rub together and create the squeaking noise. - **Door misalignment:** a door that isn’t aligned properly can cause the weight of the door to be distributed unevenly on the hinges, creating stress on one hinge that causes the squeak. ### Tools & Materials Bobvila.com may earn a commission from purchases made through these links. - [Hammer ]() - [Nails]() - [Rags]() - [ Multi-purpose oil lubricant or silicone spray]() - [Grease-cutting household cleaner or steel wool]() - [Small cleaning brush or cotton swab]() - [Rag]() ## Project Overview ***Working Time****: 15 minutes* ***Total Time****: 15 minutes* ***Skill Level****: Beginner* ***Estimated Cost****: $10 to $15* ## Before You Begin Before starting on the door hinges, check the condition of the door frame, especially if you live in an older home. If the frame is damaged or falling apart, then fixing the hinge isn’t going to solve the problem. You’ll likely need to [replace the door]() and frame. ## How to Fix a Squeaky Door ### Step 1: Spray lubricant on the hinge pins. ![A man lubricates door hinges with spray lubricant through small red straw.]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* When it comes to how to fix squeaky [door hinges](), your first step is to spray some liquid lubricant into the hinges. Use a sprayer that has a straw attachment—it'll minimize overspray. Aim the spray at the seams between the hinge knuckles. After spraying, open and close the door a few times to work the lubricant into the hinge. Use a rag to wipe off any excess lubricant. ### Step 2: If lubricant doesn’t fix the issue, remove the hinge pins. Remove the hinge pins by placing a nail in the underside of the pin and tapping it with a hammer. When the pin head emerges from the top of the hinge, pull it out with your fingers. ### Step 3: Clean the hinge. Inspect the hinge for any build-up of dirt or grime, and clean it using a household cleaner designed to cut through grease. You can also scrub the hinge pins with a piece of steel wool. Use a small brush or cotton swab to clean inside the hinge knuckles. ### Step 4: Lubricate the hinges. While holding a rag under the hinge, squirt a few drops of multipurpose oil into the hinge holes. Use the rag to catch any excess that drips through. ### Step 5: Clean grease and reinstall hinge pins. Replace the hinge pin by putting it into the hole at the top of the hinge. Tap the hinge pin with a hammer until it's all the way through the hinge knuckles. Open and close the door a few times to distribute the grease throughout the hinge and pin, then wipe away any excess grease. ## DIY Lubricants for Squeaky Hinges ![Bird's eye view of a man holding an open jar of petroleum jelly in his hand, with a daub on a finger.]() *Photo: istockphoto.com* If you don't have time to run to the store for [silicone lubricant spray]() or all-purpose oil, you can use one of the following options in a pinch. Keep in mind, though, that these aren’t permanent solutions to your squeaking door issue—you'll eventually have to get a good lubricant. - **Hairspray**. Hairspray has a polymer in it that adheres to the hinge, creating a layer that prevents metal pieces from rubbing against each other and causing the squeak. - **Cooking oil.** If you don’t have multipurpose oil, use a few drops of olive oil or any other type of cooking oil to lubricate the hinge pin and stop the noise. - **Petroleum jelly.** Petroleum jelly’s oily consistency makes a good lubricant. Remove the hinge pin, apply a thin coating of petroleum jelly on it. Replace it and wipe away any excess. - **Bar soap.** Bar soaps contain fat and oils that make them a great lubricant. Rub the bar soap over the hinge knuckles, then open and close the door repeatedly to work it in. - **Mayonnaise.** If you’re truly desperate and don’t have any of the above, you can coat the hinge pin with a thin layer of mayonnaise, which is basically fat. Reinstall the pin, then wipe away any excess. ## FAQs ## Author Tony Carrick is a freelance writer who has contributed to BobVila.com since 2020. He writes how-to articles and product reviews in the areas of lawn and garden, home maintenance, home improvement, auto maintenance, housewares, and technology. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()