Why Doors Squeak

Door squeaks come from friction between metal surfaces in the hinges — either the pin rubbing against the barrel of the hinge, or the hinge leaves rubbing together. Lubricating the friction points is almost always the fix.

Method 1: Lubricate the Hinge Pin (Most Common Fix)

  1. 1

    Identify which hinge is squeaking

    Open and close the door slowly while listening and watching the hinges. The squeak usually comes from one specific hinge. Alternatively, tap each hinge pin slightly loose to test.

  2. 2

    Remove the hinge pin

    Place a flathead screwdriver under the head of the hinge pin (at the bottom of the pin). Tap the handle of the screwdriver upward with a hammer to drive the pin up and out. Most hinge pins lift out easily once started. You can leave the door on — just open it fully so weight is distributed evenly, or have someone support it.

  3. 3

    Lubricate and reinsert

    Rub the pin with petroleum jelly (Vaseline), a bar of soap, beeswax, or a candle. Coat the full length of the pin. Reinsert and tap back down with a hammer. Open and close the door — the squeak should be gone. If it returns, try a spray lubricant (WD-40 for immediate effect, or a silicone-based lubricant for longer-lasting results).

Method 2: Spray Lubricant Without Removing the Pin

Spray WD-40 or silicone lubricant directly into the hinge while working the door back and forth. Wipe off excess. Faster than removing the pin but less thorough — may need repeating sooner.

If Lubricating Does Not Fix It

Check whether the door is slightly misaligned and the edge is rubbing on the frame — this can also cause squeaking or sticking. Tighten all hinge screws (loose screws allow the door to sag and rub). See our guide to fixing a sagging door for alignment fixes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — olive oil, vegetable oil or coconut oil will lubricate a squeaky hinge and stop the noise. The downside is that cooking oils go rancid over time and can attract dust and grime to the hinge. Petroleum jelly or a silicone-based spray lubricant are better long-term choices, but cooking oil works as an immediate solution when nothing else is available.
No — floor creaking near a door is typically from the floorboards flexing or rubbing at their joints, not the door hinges. For hardwood or timber floors: try sprinkling talcum powder into the gaps between boards and working it in. For structural creaking from subfloor movement: a builder or carpenter is needed to assess the cause. Floor creaking from seasonal movement (timber expanding/contracting) is usually harmless.