Is there anything more irritating than the constant squeaking sound of a door struggling on its hinges? Once you’ve heard it, it’s often all you can focus on!
Fortunately, there are lots of simple solutions to door squeaking issues that can quickly solve the problem with the minimum of fuss.
In this guide, I’ll take a closer look at four of the most effective methods of fixing a squeaky door. What’s more, I’ll also look to answer a few of the frequently asked questions.
Inspect The Frame
The first thing to do is to check the frame of the door. This is because there’s every chance that the door may have started to come away from the frame, causing it to rub against the frame in a way that means the wood squeaks by itself.
The best way to inspect the frame of your door is to check around the perimeter to see if there are any off-measurements or areas where the door and frame collide with one another.
A simple nudge of the door open and closed should be enough to see whether this is what’s causing the squeaking issue.
If the frame is indeed the problem, you should carefully balance your door back into position. Just keep in mind that you’ll probably need another person to help you hold the door upright while adjusting or replacing the hinges.
It’s also worth checking that it’s not damage to the outer edge of the door that’s causing the collision and subsequent squeaking. If this is the case, you may have to either sand the area down or look for a replacement.
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Lubricate The Hinges
Another one of the first points of call for any squeaky door problem is to check if the hinges need lubrication.
Like any piece of metal, door hinges can sometimes become a little stiff over time, so extra lubrication is often required to make sure the metal has the correct amount of slide to avoid squeaking.
The most effective lubricant for metal door hinges is WD-40. Not only is it ideal for a number of different solutions, it’s also a good size to comfortably fit into anyone’s toolbox.
WD-40 works by forming a protective layer on the metal that’s great for fixing a squeak, while it also provides properties that are excellent for removing corrosion and dirt.
Whatever you do, make sure you don’t use cooking oil to lubricate your door hinges as it isn’t suitable for metalwork and won’t help the issue. If you’re in a tricky situation and desperately need a quick, cheap alternative to WD-40, try using Vaseline instead.
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Adjust And Clean The Hinges
Internal doors get plenty of use, so it’s hardly surprising that the hinges begin to wear themselves down over time. To combat this, you may have to dismantle the hinges in order to better secure them to the door and frame.
The best thing to do is check both the screws holding the hinges to the door and see whether they’ve loosened or become dislodged. Either of these screws moving around can quickly be fixed with the correct tools.
If a build-up of rust and dirt is the main reason for your door squeaking, you’ll need to spend a fair amount of time cleaning the hinges thoroughly to ensure they’re returned to their original, pristine condition.
The most effective way to clean your door hinges is to remove the hinge pins – often the main cause of the squeaking.
Any cleaning product which is safe to use on metal should be good enough, although it’s worth noting that steel wool is particularly effective for dealing with rust and other corrosive material.
Regular Maintenance
The vast majority of future issues with squeaking doors can easily be avoided with the right maintenance. So, when carrying out your regular check-ups around the house, be sure to pay a quick glance to your doors.
They may not be squeaking now, but they could well be on their way if you don’t keep an eye out for any signs of deterioration. After all, issues with dirt and grime can quickly build up without you noticing, as can hinges growing looser with time.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Surprisingly, toothpaste can indeed remove rust stains. Simply rub some onto the surface of the door hinge and let it sit for around 10 minutes, before thoroughly washing it away. It’s worth noting that the white, non-gel variety of toothpaste works best.
Yes, graphite is one of the most effective things to use on a squeaky door hinge. However, the significant drawback of using graphite is the fact that it’s a black powder, so it can make quite a mess if it makes its way onto your walls and carpets.
Yes, GT85 is an excellent solution for keeping your door hinges in good working condition. This is mainly due to the fact that it contains a PTFE silicone ingredient.
What’s more, to save mess and waste, GT85 also comes with a small plastic tube. Applying GT85 to the hinges of your door will help to remove any dirt or dust build-up, while also leaving behind a thin lubricating film.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, fixing a squeaky door shouldn’t be something to put off and worry about. This is because, with the right information, there are lots of simple solutions that can quickly resolve the problem.
Hopefully, after reading my guide, you’ll be much more confident in your ability to tackle the issue!