Five Quick Fixes for Squeaky Door Hinges
We’ve all had the experience of a squeaky door that creaks and whines making us wonder if the house has been overtaken by ghosts. If you are anything like me – and I’m betting you are – the only time you actually think about the squeaky hinge is late at night when the stores are closed and there isn’t a drop of 3 in 1 oil in the house. Fortunately for both of us, there are some quick home remedies for stopping that squeak, at least until you have time to do the job properly.
Sewing Machine Oil: If you are fortunate enough to have a bottle of sewing machine oil you can stop that squeak in its tracks. Insert the tip of the nozzle into the hinge and squeeze a few drops into the hinge. Work the door back and forth until the squeak disappears. Sewing machine may keep your door quiet for a bit longer than Vaseline.
Vaseline: Pop the hinge pin out of the door and coat it with ordinary Vaseline. Slide the pin back in the hinge and work the door a few times to lubricate the hinge. This will quiet the squeak for a while, but may wear off after a few weeks. That gives you plenty of time to visit the hardware store.
Bar soap: Remove the hinge pin and coat it generously with ordinary bar soap. Slide the pin back into the hinge and work the door a few times until the squeaking stops. This won’t cure your squeaky door indefinitely, but it will get you through the night without sounding as if you are living in a haunted house.
Cooking spray: Grab that bottle of cooking spray from the kitchen cabinet and spray it into the hinge. Work the door several times to work the oil into the hinge to get rid of that annoying squeak.
Crayons: Old crayons are a great way to lubricate squeaky hinges. Remove the hinge pin and go to town coloring the pin. Work until you have a thick coat of wax over the entire pin. Slide it back into the hinge and work the door a few times to work the wax into the hinge.
Tips
- To permanently stop squeaky hinges, remove the hinge pin and check that it is completely straight. Even a slight bend may be the cause of your squeaking door. Straighten the pin by placing it on a hard surface and tapping with a hammer.
- Clean the hinge pin with steel wool to remove any rust or grime.
- Coat the hinge pin with lithium grease for a long lasting solution, says Popular Mechanics.
- Replace the pin and work the door a few times.
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