A squeaky door is one of those small household annoyances that can quickly get under your skin. Whether it’s a bedroom door waking someone up at night or a front door that creaks every time it opens, the sound is usually caused by friction in the door hinges—and the fix is often quick and inexpensive.
What Causes the Squeak?
Most squeaky doors are caused by:
Dry or dirty hinges
Rust or corrosion on metal parts
Misalignment between the door and frame
Over time, the hinge pins may lose lubrication or collect dust and debris, which leads to that familiar creaking sound as the metal parts rub together.
Quick Fixes You Can Try
1. Lubricate the Hinges
The most common and effective solution is to apply lubricant to the hinges. You don’t even need to remove the door.
Recommended lubricants:
WD-40
Silicone spray
White lithium grease
Household oils (like 3-in-1 oil or even olive oil in a pinch)
How to do it:
Open and close the door a few times to locate the noisy hinge.
Spray or apply a small amount of lubricant directly onto the hinge pin and moving parts.
Move the door back and forth to work the lubricant in.
Wipe off any excess to avoid drips or stains.
2. Remove and Clean the Hinge Pin (if needed)
If the squeak persists, you may need to take the hinge pin out, clean it, and re-lubricate it.
Tap the hinge pin upward using a screwdriver and hammer.
Clean the pin with steel wool or a rag.
Apply lubricant before reinserting it.
3. Tighten Loose Screws
Sometimes, a squeaky door is also a loose door. Use a screwdriver to check and tighten all the hinge screws on both the door and frame.
When the Problem Might Be Bigger
If the squeak is accompanied by the door sticking, sagging, or not closing properly, it could be a sign of:
A warped door frame
Foundation settling
Improper installation
In that case, you may want to consult a contractor or handyman for a closer look.
Final TiP
Don’t ignore a squeaky door—it’s one of the easiest home maintenance tasks to take care of, and fixing it will make your home feel quieter, smoother, and just a little more put-together.