Why Do Door Hinges Squeak?

A squeaky hinge is almost always caused by friction — metal rubbing against metal due to lack of lubrication, or a slight misalignment. The good news is that in most cases, you don't need any tools or special products to fix it. You likely already have everything you need.

What You Can Use as a Lubricant

You don't need to buy WD-40 (though it works). These household items are equally effective:

  • Petroleum jelly (Vaseline): Thick and long-lasting. One of the best options.
  • Olive oil or cooking oil: Works well and is in almost every kitchen.
  • Bar soap or candle wax: Rub directly on the hinge pin for a dry lubricant that won't stain.
  • Coconut oil: Solid at room temperature, melts with friction — effective and easy to apply.
  • Butter: Works in a pinch, though it can go rancid over time.

Step-by-Step: Fix a Squeaky Hinge

  1. Open the door fully so the hinge is accessible and stable.
  2. Locate the hinge pin — the metal rod running vertically through the centre of the hinge.
  3. Tap the pin upward using a screwdriver and the heel of your hand (or a shoe) until the top is exposed by an inch or so. You don't need to remove it completely.
  4. Apply your lubricant directly to the exposed pin, coating it well.
  5. Tap the pin back down and move the door back and forth several times to work the lubricant into the hinge.
  6. Wipe away any excess with a cloth or paper towel.
  7. Test the door. In most cases, the squeak will be completely gone.

What If the Squeak Comes Back?

If the squeak returns within a few days, the hinge may be more worn or the pin may be slightly corroded. In that case:

  • Remove the pin fully and clean it with a rough cloth or fine sandpaper to remove rust.
  • Re-apply lubricant more generously before reinserting.
  • If the hinge itself is visibly damaged or misaligned, consider replacing the hinge — a straightforward job that costs very little.

Fixing a Misaligned Door (When Lubricant Isn't Enough)

Sometimes a door squeaks because it's slightly misaligned and dragging against the frame, not just dry hinges. Signs of this include:

  • The door sticking or dragging when you open or close it
  • A visible gap on one side of the door frame
  • The latch not aligning with the strike plate

In this case, check whether the hinge screws are loose. Tightening them (or replacing stripped screws with slightly longer ones) often fixes alignment issues without any other work needed.

Preventive Maintenance

Once you've fixed the squeak, a light application of lubricant once a year keeps hinges quiet long-term. It takes two minutes and saves a lot of annoyance. Add it to your annual home maintenance checklist alongside smoke alarm battery checks and filter replacements.

Total Cost: £0

This is one of those satisfying home fixes that costs absolutely nothing and takes less time than it took to search for the solution. Get it done today.