Squeaky door hinges can be a major annoyance in any household, but luckily there is an easy solution that is lubrication. Finding the right lubricant for your door hinges is crucial for keeping them silent and smooth.
With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one. That’s why we have compiled a list of the top 5 best lubricants for squeaky door hinges, along with a buying guide to help you make the right choice.
Keep reading to find out which lubricant will keep your doors opening and closing without a sound.
Table of Contents
Why Do Door Hinges Squeak?
It’s important to know the adversary before you attempt to banish it. Squeaky door hinges are the result of friction between the metal components — friction that’s screaming “I need help!” This is generally down to a lack of proper lubrication or the accumulation of grime. In older homes, hinges may simply need more frequent attention due to their age and wear.
But how do you know what the real issue is? The age-old trick is to remove any visible dirt and then try to open and close the door to see if the noise is gone. If not, you need to lubricate. If the squeak persists, it may be time to replace the hinge altogether.
Types of Lubricants: Which One is Best for You?
Different lubes are suited for different scenarios. Here’s a rundown of the most common options.
Graphite Powder: Like a Whisper in the Night
Graphite powder is made of small granules that can be shaken or blown into the hinge, solving the issue at the source. Graphite has the advantage of not attracting dust, making it a long-lasting solution. The one downside is that it can get messy and it’s not recommended for vertical surfaces due to its ability to run when wet.
Silicone Spray: The Thinker’s Choice
Silicone spray is a liquid lubricant, which makes it easy to apply. It is waterproof, so it won’t wash away, and it does not attract dust due to its dry nature once applied. However, you will need to reapply it more frequently than graphite.
WD-40: The All-in-One Wonder
A household name, many consider WD-40 the go-to for all things squeaky. It’s a solvent and water displacer, meaning it dissolves and removes ice, and can displace water. It is not a traditional lubricant, but it can be used as a temporary fix for hinges among many other household tasks. It’s best for dislodging stuck parts.
You could opt for this major multitasker if you have a can handy, but it’s not the best for long-lasting lubrication.
The 5 Best Lubricant for Squeaky Door Hinges
Now that we’ve covered the different types of lubricants, let’s dive into our top 5 picks for the best lubricant for squeaky door hinges.
1. WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant with SMART STRAW SPRAYS 2 WAYS, 11 OZ
If versatility is what you’re looking for in a lubricant for your squeaky door hinges, then the WD-40 Specialist Silicone Lubricant is the perfect choice. This 11 oz can offers not just one, but two ways to spray, providing ease and convenience during application.
This lubricant can be used on a variety of surfaces like metal, rubber, vinyl, plastic, and more. With 100s of possible uses, it’s a handy product to have around the house for multiple tasks such as lubricating locks, chains, pulleys, hinges, valves, cables, and more.
The triple-action formula of this lubricant not only lubricates but also protects surfaces from natural elements. It leaves behind a clear and thin protective film that dries quickly, ensuring protection for both metal and non-metal surfaces without leaving any sticky residue.
Pros
- The spray can be used in two ways, providing versatility and convenience.
- Can be used on a wide variety of surfaces for multiple purposes.
- Offers protection against natural elements.
Cons
- May need to be reapplied more frequently compared to other lubricants.
2. 3-IN-ONE Professional Garage Door Lube
For heavy-duty applications, the 3-IN-ONE Professional Garage Door Lube is a top contender. Specifically designed for garage doors, this lubricant provides long-lasting lubrication and protection for hinges.
Its professional-grade formula penetrates deep into tight spaces to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust and corrosion. It also helps reduce friction and wear on moving parts, extending the lifespan of your garage door.
The precision applicator allows for easy and precise application, without creating a mess. Plus, the formula is water-resistant, making it perfect for doors that are frequently exposed to harsh outdoor elements.
Pros
- Designed specifically for heavy-duty garage door applications.
- Provides long-lasting lubrication and protection against rust and corrosion.
- Precision applicator allows for easy and mess-free application.
Cons
- May not be as versatile for other household lubrication needs.
3. CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Lubricant
If you’re looking for a heavy-duty lubricant that can withstand extreme temperatures and exposure to water, then the CRC Heavy Duty Silicone Lubricant is the perfect choice. Its advanced formula with silicone provides long-lasting lubrication and protection for a variety of surfaces.
This lubricant is great for use on door hinges, locks, rollers, chains, cables, and more. It helps reduce friction and wear on moving parts while also preventing rust and corrosion. The formula is also safe to use on most plastics and rubber materials.
The spray can be used in any position for convenient application even in hard-to-reach areas. Plus, it dries quickly and leaves behind a clear, non-staining film that won’t attract dirt or dust.
Pros
- Can withstand extreme temperatures and exposure to water.
- Safe to use on a variety of surfaces including plastics and rubber.
- Convenient spray application with a precision nozzle for hard-to-reach areas.
Cons
- May not be as versatile for precision applications compared to other lubricants.
4. Liquid Wrench L112-4 Garage Door High-Performance White Lithium Grease
For long-lasting lubrication, the Liquid Wrench L112-4 Garage Door High-Performance White Lithium Grease is a top choice among homeowners. This white lithium grease is specifically designed for garage door use and provides excellent lubrication and protection against rust and corrosion.
Its heavy-duty formula is resistant to water and extreme temperatures, making it perfect for outdoor use. It can also be used on other household items such as hinges, chains, pulleys, and more.
The easy-to-use spray can be applied in any position for convenient application. Its long-lasting lubrication reduces friction and wear on moving parts while also protecting against rust and corrosion.
Pros
- Specifically designed for garage door use.
- Resistant to water and extreme temperatures for outdoor use.
- Long-lasting lubrication and protection against rust and corrosion.
Cons
- May leave a white residue on surfaces, so care must be taken during application.
5. Super Lube Synthetic Oil with PTFE
This synthetic oil is perfect for precision applications and provides long-lasting lubrication without attracting dust or dirt. Its advanced formula contains PTFE, which helps reduce friction and wear on moving parts while also protecting against rust and corrosion.
The non-toxic, odorless, and waterproof formula makes it safe to use on a variety of surfaces including metal, plastic, rubber, and more. It can be used for applications such as hinges, locks, chains, bearings, and more. Plus, it’s safe to use on food and beverage equipment.
The easy-to-use precision applicator allows for targeted application without creating a mess. It also dries quickly, leaving behind a clear film that doesn’t attract dirt or dust.
Pros
- Specifically designed for precision applications.
- Non-toxic, odorless, and waterproof formula makes it safe to use on a variety of surfaces.
- Can be used on food and beverage equipment.
Cons
- May not have as many household uses compared to other lubricants.
How to Apply Lubricant: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ensuring that you apply the lubricant correctly is just as crucial as choosing the right one. Here’s a simple guide to make sure you’re doing it right.
Prepare the Area
You don’t want lubricant on your floors or carpets, so ensure the area around the hinge is clear. If you’re working on interior doors, you might just need to lay down a towel. For those squeaky backyard sanctuary doors, give the whole area a sweep to be safe.
Apply the Lubricant
Open and close the door a few times to identify which hinges are the troublemakers. Once you’ve pinpointed them, apply your chosen lubricant directly to the top of the hinge pin, where the noise is coming from. A little goes a long way here; over-application can lead to drips.
Work the Door
After applying the lubricant, work the door back and forth several times to help the lubricant work its way into the hinge properly.
Clean Excess
With a clean cloth, wipe away any excess lubricant that has dripped down the hinge. This step is not just about tidiness; it also ensures the lubricant doesn’t attract unwanted grime.
A Silent Door is a Carefully Tended Door
Lubricating your door hinges is not a one-and-done job. To keep your doors opening and closing silently and smoothly, you’ll want to make it part of your regular home maintenance routine.
Be observant: Keep an eye, and ear, out for those squeaks. The earlier you catch them, the easier they are to fix.
Stay on schedule: Add lubricating hinges to your home maintenance checklist. Every six months is a good rule of thumb, but more often if you have particularly troublesome doors.
Winter blues: Your doors might squeak more often in the winter due to the dry air, so be prepared for seasonal changes in your squeak quotients.
I hope this friendly, no-nonsense guide to door hinge lubrication has provided you with the tools you need to keep your doors at their best. Remember, a well-oiled hinge is a sign of a well-tended home, and with the right lubricant and a bit of elbow grease, keeping your living space in its best form is a cinch.
Maintaining your home might not always be at the top of your to-do list, but it’s the little things – or in this case, the quiet things – that make the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I lubricate my door hinges?
It is recommended to lubricate your door hinges every six months, or more frequently if you have particularly troublesome doors.
Can I use WD-40 for long-lasting lubrication on my door hinges?
While it can provide temporary relief, WD-40 is not the best option for long-lasting lubrication as it is primarily designed as a solvent and water displacer.
Is there a certain type of lubricant that is best for vertical surfaces?
Graphite powder may not be the best option for vertical surfaces as it has the tendency to run when wet. Silicone spray or WD-40 could be better alternatives in this case.