How to Lubricate Door Hinges
That squeak doesn’t stand a chance against a bit of grease
- Wire brush
- Clean rag
- Hammer
- Nail
- Flathead screwdriver (optional)
- Lubricant (silicone spray or white lithium grease)
- Dish soap (optional)
- Penetrating oil (optional)
That squeaky door you’ve been putting up with? It’s not supposed to sound like that. If your door creaks, sticks, or feels stiff when you open it, your hinges are likely begging for a little TLC. Fortunately, fixing it is easier than you might think, and a quick lubrication job can smooth things out. All you need is a few minutes, maybe a few dollars, and this guide to walk you through lubricating door hinges yourself.
Choosing the Right Lubricant
For squeaky hinges, homeowners often choose between silicone spray and white lithium grease. Silicone spray is perfect for most household doors. It's clean, easy to apply, and won't turn your hinges into dust magnets. It's also safe for plastic and rubber parts. White lithium grease, on the other hand, is your go-to for heavier doors or anything exposed to harsh weather. It's thicker, more durable, and helps protect against rust. You can stick with silicone for everyday use if you're dealing with a little squeak inside the house. If your door takes a beating from constant use or rough elements, you may want to reach for the lithium grease instead.
Clean Your Door Hinges
Photo: Sergey Dementyev / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesBefore you pick up your lubricant, clean your door hinges. Grab a stiff brush—an old toothbrush works for light dust, but a wire brush is ideal for stubborn, crusty buildup. Gently scrub around the hinge pin and plates to remove any dirt, dried grease, or whatever mystery grime has built up. For door hinges that look extra grimy, dampen a clean rag with warm, soapy water and wipe them thoroughly. Once you’re done, dry the hinges with a dry cloth to prevent rust.
Remove the Hinge Pin
To free the hinge pin, use a hammer, nail, or flathead screwdriver. Place the tip right under the pin’s head—usually found at the bottom of the hinge—and tap upward with the hammer using light, steady hits. Once the pin slides up, switch to pulling it out by hand. Work on one hinge at a time to keep the door from sagging or shifting. Start with the bottom hinge first, and then move to the top. If the door has three hinges, start in the middle. Remove, lubricate, and reinstall each pin before moving on to the next. And if a pin feels stuck, don’t force it. Spray a little penetrating oil and give it a few minutes to work before trying again.
Clean the Pin
Wipe down the hinge pin with a clean rag to remove old grease and dirt.
Apply the Lubricant
Photo: Marina Gordejeva / iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty ImagesUse your lubricant to coat the hinge pin with a thin, even layer from top to bottom. Also, add a bit of lubricant to the inside of the door hinge. Make sure you don’t apply too much, as this will only invite more dust and grime later. Use a clean rag to wipe off any excess before sliding the pin back into place.
Tap the Pin Back Into Place
Line up the hinge pin with the hinge knuckles, and double-check that everything sits straight. Give it firm but gentle taps using your hammer until the pin slides back down. Don’t rush—forcing a crooked pin can bend it or mess up the hinge. Tap until the pin head sits flush with the top of the hinge.
Test the Door
Photo: Kinga Krzeminska / Moment / Getty ImagesSwing the door open and closed a few times to work the lubricant through the hinge. Pay attention to how it feels and listen for any leftover squeaks. If the door still feels stiff or makes noise, it’s a sign you may need to repeat the earlier steps.
Wipe Away Any Excess Lubricant
After testing the door, wipe away any excess lubricant that’s leaked out. You don’t want greasy residue dripping onto your floor or door frame. Remember, cleaning up the extra ensures you don’t attract dust and dirt over time.
Mistakes to Avoid
Lubricating door hinges is simple, but the wrong steps can turn a quick fix into a literal mess. Taking a little extra time—and attention—to do it right makes all the difference. Keep an eye out for these common mistakes that come with DIYing this project:
Using too much lubricant: Apply a light, even coat to avoid messy drips that attract dust.
Picking the wrong product: Pick a lubricant for long-term use, not just a quick-acting penetrating oil.
Forgetting to lubricate the hinge: Lubricate the hinge knuckles and the pin.
Leaving the door unsupported: Always support the door before removing the hinge pins to prevent it from sagging or falling.
Ignoring loose screws: Check and tighten loose screws to fix any hidden causes of squeaking.
Assuming all lubricants are the same: Make sure the lubricant you use suits the material and your project.
Using harsh cleaners: Stick to mild cleaning solutions that won’t damage the hinge finish or corrode the metal.
If you’re unsure about handling your door, especially if it’s a heavy exterior one, call your local door repair professional. They can handle the door safely and make sure everything’s realigned the right way.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Lubricating door hinges is one of those DIY tasks that’s generally quick, inexpensive, and straightforward. Most hinges take just a few minutes to service, and the only real cost is a quality lubricant, typically under $10. And if you already have a suitable lubricant on hand, the cost is essentially zero.
Still, there are times when bringing in a professional makes more sense. Heavy exterior doors and tight spaces can turn a simple job into something that risks injury or property damage. Depending on your location, hiring a general contractor or door specialist usually runs between $30 and $120 an hour. That's very steep compared to a spray can, but the added cost comes with the benefit of expert handling. If you think your door might cause a headache, a professional can handle awkward or oversized doors, saving you from damage and possibly a repair bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
WD-40 can help with a stiff or squeaky hinge, but it’s a short-term rather than a long-term solution. It works by breaking down rust and grime, but it evaporates quickly and won’t keep the hinge lubricated for long. After using it to free up the movement, wipe the hinge clean and follow up with a true lubricant like silicone spray or white lithium grease.
Most of the time, a squeaky door is the result of dry hinges, where metal parts rub together without enough lubrication. Dirt, dust, or rust can also build up inside the hinge and add to the friction. Loose screws or slight misalignment can shift things just enough to create that irritating squeaking noise. Worn-out hinges or swelling wood from humidity changes can also be part of the problem on older doors. A good cleaning and proper lubrication usually take care of it, but if the squeak sticks around, it’s worth checking for bigger issues with the hinges or alignment.
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