How to Fix Squeaky Doors

Squeaky doors make an undeniably irritating sound that can disturb the peace at home. In most cases, the culprit is the hinges — they simply need a bit of lubrication. The good news? There are a few easy ways to sort it out quickly and effectively.

In today’s article, we’ll show you how to fix squeaky doors and stop them from making noise again in the future. With our simple tips, your doors will be opening and closing smoothly — and silently — in no time.

Why Do Doors Squeak? Common Causes Explained

Before we jump into how to fix squeaky doors, let’s take a look at what might be causing the problem. In most cases, the squeak is simply down to regular wear and tear — but it’s worth checking for a few other potential culprits too.

Worn-out lubrication

The most common reason for squeaky doors is everyday use. Over time, the grease or oil on the hinges wears away and loses its effectiveness. That’s why it’s important to lubricate your hinges regularly to keep them working smoothly.

Dust and dirt build-up

Door hinges — whether on internal or external doors — are often overlooked during cleaning. But just like any other part of the home, they collect dust and grime. This build-up can increase friction in the hinge mechanism, leading to that familiar and frustrating squeak every time the door is opened.

Poorly fitted doors

What if the squeak is coming from newly installed doors? In that case, it could be down to too little lubricant being applied to the hinges during fitting. Another possible cause is that the door hasn’t been properly aligned with the frame, which can lead to it rubbing against the door jamb and causing that annoying creaking sound.

Exposure to moisture and temperature changes

External doors, in particular, are exposed to moisture and shifting temperatures. These conditions can cause the wood to swell, which in turn increases friction between parts of the door and may lead to squeaking.

As you now know, one of the most common reasons for squeaky doors is dried-out or worn hinge lubricant. If you’ve been wondering how to stop a door from squeaking, the good news is that it’s usually a quick and easy fix.

Below, you’ll find a few simple steps to get your door opening and closing smoothly again — no more annoying creaks, and no need to call in a professional.

Step 1: Choose the right lubricant

Start your squeaky door fix by picking up the right product. Look for lithium grease, silicone oil or technical petroleum jelly. These lubricants are available in sprays, tubs or tubes. Tubes often come with a brush or a built-in applicator for more precise use.

You can also use a popular product like WD-40 — but keep in mind that it’s mainly a cleaner and penetrant, so its lubricating effect may not last long. It also contains mineral oil, which can leave a residue that attracts dust and dirt over time.

If you don’t have access to specialised products, you can try a household fix: rub a bar of soap, a candle, cooking oil or even olive oil directly onto the hinges to reduce the squeak.

Step 2: Protect the floor and walls

Lubricants can be quite messy, so it’s a good idea to protect the surrounding area before you start. Place some paper towels, cloths or protective sheeting under the door and around the hinges to catch any drips or spills.

Step 3: Clean the hinges

Before applying any lubricant, give the hinges a quick clean using a small brush or a damp cloth. If there’s a lot of built-up grime, you can spray a small amount of WD-40 to help loosen and remove the dirt.

Step 4: How to Lubricate a Squeaky Door

To start lubricating the door hinges, gently lift the door just enough to create a small gap in the hinge pins. You can slide a thin piece of wood or a wedge underneath the door to support it, so you don’t have to hold it up throughout the process.

It’s also possible to lubricate the hinges without lifting the door — in that case, use a product with good penetrating properties, such as WD-40. Most lubricants come with a small straw attachment, which helps direct the spray into hard-to-reach areas.

Apply the lubricant as instructed on the label, then open and close the door several times to help spread it evenly. Wipe away any excess with a cloth. Your door should now open and close smoothly — and silently.

Squeaky Door? It might be time for an adjustment

If your door isn’t closing tightly or has started to sag, this can lead to squeaking or creaking noises. In such cases, adjusting the door is often the best solution — usually done by a professional. However, if you’re planning to do it yourself, make sure you’ve got the right tools:

A screwdriver
An Allen key (hex key)
An open-ended spanner
Someone to help you hold the door

With the door slightly open, locate the adjustment screw and use it to raise or lower the door vertically. Use a spirit level to check the door’s alignment.

You can also adjust the gap between the door and the frame by carefully opening the door and turning the appropriate screw. When done correctly, the door should open smoothly and sit flush against the frame all the way around.

Remember to check and adjust your doors from time to time to avoid squeaks and ensure everything stays in good working order.

Squeaky Doors – When should you call in a professional?

Squeaky doors are usually a minor issue you can fix yourself with a bit of time and the right product. But sometimes the problem runs deeper — poorly fitted doors or damaged hinges, for example, can be trickier to sort out.

In these cases, it’s worth getting a professional in. They’ll be able to quickly identify the cause and recommend the best solution, such as replacing the hinges.

Summary

Squeaky doors can be a real nuisance in everyday life. The irritating noise is most often caused by increased friction in the hinges — a clear sign that they need lubricating. Dust, dirt, moisture or improper door installation can also contribute to the problem.
The best way to stop door squeaks is through regular maintenance and using the right lubricants. Lithium grease or silicone oil are your best bets, and they come in tubs, tubes or spray cans.
If you don’t have access to specialist products, you can try WD-40, cooking oil, olive oil, petroleum jelly or paraffin wax as a temporary fix. Just keep in mind that these may attract more dust and will likely wear off quicker.
It’s also worth remembering that lubricants lose their effectiveness over time, so reapplication is necessary. After applying, open and close the door several times to help the product spread evenly across the hinge.
Regular maintenance and proper lubrication are key to keeping your doors moving smoothly and quietly.
Sometimes, squeaking is caused by the door sagging — in which case, adjusting the door alignment may be needed.
If the noise persists, don’t hesitate to call in a professional who can quickly identify and fix the issue.

Frequently Asked Questions- FAQ

How to stop a door from squeaking?

While squeaky doors can be annoying, the good news is they’re usually easy to fix yourself. The most common cause is dry hinges that need lubricating. To sort it out, you can use lithium grease, silicone oil or technical petroleum jelly. In a pinch, you can also try WD-40 or household alternatives like cooking oil, olive oil or petroleum jelly — just keep in mind they’re only temporary solutions. Before you begin, protect the floor and nearby surfaces to avoid mess. Then wipe down the hinges with a damp cloth, or use a small amount of WD-40 to clean away any built-up grime. Once the hinges are clean, apply your chosen lubricant and move the door back and forth a few times to help the product work its way in. That should leave your door moving smoothly and — most importantly — silently.

What’s the best lubricant for squeaky doors?

The most effective way to deal with squeaky doors is to use proper technical oils or greases, as they’re long-lasting and offer reliable results. For metal hinges, lithium grease is especially recommended — it’s often available in spray form, making application even easier. Silicone oil is another great option. It doesn’t stain, resists moisture and has excellent lubricating properties, making it ideal for both interior and exterior doors. If you don’t have access to these products, WD-40 is a popular alternative. You can also try household items like cooking oil, olive oil or petroleum jelly — they can help in a pinch but may leave behind a sticky residue that attracts dust. As a last resort, you could even rub a bar of soap or candle wax onto the hinges, though these are very temporary fixes and won’t last long.

How to lubricate a door handle?

Door handles need regular maintenance, as their internal mechanisms can wear out over time — making them stiff, difficult to use or even prone to sticking. If you want to extend the lifespan of your door handle and keep it working smoothly, it’s important to lubricate it from time to time. There are various types of lubricants available, with silicone- and PTFE-based greases being the most common. They come in different forms — tubs and tubes tend to be the most efficient, while sprays are easier to use. Once you’ve chosen the right product, protect the door and floor from potential spills. If you’re using a spray, hold it a short distance from the mechanism and direct it precisely where needed. For greases in tubs or tubes, apply the lubricant carefully using a small brush. After applying, turn the handle several times to help distribute the lubricant evenly throughout the mechanism.

Does WD-40 Stop Squeaky Doors?

Yes, WD-40 can help eliminate squeaky door hinges. It not only lubricates the hinges, but also cleans away dirt and dust. It creates a barrier between metal and moisture, helping to prevent rust. Thanks to its cleaning and penetrating properties, it’s great for loosening stuck parts — but keep in mind, it’s not a traditional lubricant, so the effect may not last long. WD-40 contains mineral oil, which can leave behind a slightly sticky residue. This can attract dust and grime, which are common causes of squeaking over time. Still, if you don’t have a specialist product to hand, WD-40 is a quick and effective temporary fix.

How to apply it? Simply spray WD-40 directly onto the hinges, then open and close the door a few times to help the product work into the mechanism. Wipe away any excess — and that’s it!

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